In 1840, Edward Eyre discovered Lake Eyre, which was one of several salt lakes which blocked Eyre's attempt to cross from south to north. Other salt lakes which seemed to Eyre to form an impassable horseshoe-shaped barrier included Lake Blanche, Lake Torrens and Lake Callabonna, also discovered by Eyre but believed to be part of an inland sea. Eyre incorrectly formed the opinion that they all formed one large salt lake. It was another couple of decades before further exploration showed that they were separate salt lakes, and not an inland sea.
Edward Eyre is better known for being the first European to cross Australia from Adelaide to Albany, or east to west, rather than for any great discoveries.
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He wanted to help advance the new colony in South Australia
Edward Eyre's main achievement was being the first European to successfully cross Australia overland from east, near Streaky Bay on the Eyre Peninsula, to west, near Albany in Western Australia. He had originally attempted to be the first to cross the Australian continent from south to north, but was stopped by salt lakes.
Edward Eyre was the 3rd son in his family.
Edward John Eyre was born on 5 August 1815 in Hornsea, Yorkshire, England.
Edward Eyre's father was Anthony William Eyre (vicar of Hornsea and Long Riston). His mother was Sarah (née Mapleton). Eyre married Adelaide Fanny, daughter of Captain Osmond, and together they had four sons and one daughter.