AustLit

19th-Century Australian Travel Writing

Clara Aspinall's Three Years in Melbourne provides extensive advice for potential emigrants to Australia. Written in a novelistic form, the work details Aspinall's arrival and first impressions of Victoria during her visit to her brother Butler Cole Aspinall (1830-1875), barrister, journalist, politician and wit. Describing her travels to the gold fields and Tasmania, the work provides an illustration of colonial society, balls, events, parliament and education. This is accompanied with practical advice to female travellers, such as the cost of boots in Australia and the necessity to bring them from England. In her section regarding emigration, Aspinall notes who should or should not emigrate, the disappointment and misery the colonist may experience, the solace taken in strong drink, and advises parents to send cautious children rather than frivolous ones to Australia. Aspinall concludes her work with advice for undertaking the sea voyage, noting that good humour and determination are a must.