Papers relating to Nullarbor Safari and Haddon's Corner trips

Elizabeth Cleland married industrialist Moxon Simpson after a career in science. In 1940 they had a son Antony. Travel, anthropology, local history and natural science occupied the following years.

Commencing in the 1960s, numerous expeditions were made both overseas and within Australia. Australian locations included the Everard Ranges, Wintinna Station and Wirrappa ca.1965; Macdonnell Ranges 1966; MacDonnell Ranges and Lake Eyre South 1971; Simpson Desert 1972; Nullarbor Plain, Great Victoria Desert and Gibson Desert 1974; Musgrave Ranges 1976; Gibson and Great Sandy Deserts, and the Kimberley Ranges 1978; Canning Stock Route 1981; Sir Joseph Banks Islands 1982; Broome and Wyndham 1987; and the Flinders Ranges 1995.

In her sketchbook record of the 1974 Nullarbor trip, Elizabeth recorded plant specimens, their habitats, landscapes and camping scenes. Plant specimens included the introduced species commonly known as 'South African beach daisy' ( Arctotheca populifolia ), a low spreading perennial shrub with yellow flowers. This 'weed' competes with native dune vegetation, and is widespread in South Australia: it is also found along Eyre Peninsula, Yorke Peninsula and South East coastlines. Simpson recorded this plant at Twilight Cove.

Permission to use this item for any purpose, including publishing, is not required from the State Library under these conditions of use.

Buy a high resolution copy.