What did Hume and Hovell hope to find?

The main purpose of Hume and Hovell's expedition was to explore new land with a view to expanding settlement. They hoped to find new land, and they also hoped to find an overland route to the southern coast. Prior to Hume and Hovell's expedition, the only route to the south was by sea.

Hamilton Hume was Australian-born; he was a farmer with Excellent bush skills. Hume was interested in exploring south of the region of Sydney in the hope of opening up new areas of land. He was unable to get Government support, but he met up with William Hovell, an English former ship's captain who was keen to assist Hume's expedition financially, and accompany him.