Jerked Meat

This sample of jerky came from the successful expedition made by John McDouall Stuart across Australia from south to north in 1861 - 1862. Stuart and his companions lived on a diet of tea, damper, jerked (dried) meat, and what they could shoot for the pot. They also ate what bush greens they could find, to combat scurvy, and experimented with other native foods, including making coffee from bean tree seeds.

Part of the Historical Relics Collection. This sample of jerky is associated with John McDouall Stuart and is an example of the type of rations carried on his successful expedition. Stuart was a significant figure in the history of exploration and surveying in Australia.