Engraving showing the Burke and Wills Monument, Melbourne, Australia, which was unveiled on the 21st April 1865. Robert O'Hara Burke (1820-1861) and William Wills (1834-1861) were the leaders of the first successful expedition by white men to cross the continent of Australia, on foot, from south to north. Although Burke, Wills and John King reached the north shore of Australia, only King survived the return journey to Melbourne; the others dying of starvation.