1838 - 1888

• Woolgrowers experience boom periods and depressions. At one stage, when prices fall drastically, it is more profitable to boil down sheep to extract tallow, and tan their hides for leather.
• Wool auctions begin in the 1840's, but the bulk of the wool clip is still sold on the London market.
• George Peppin assembles a Merino flock in the Riverina. The Peppin Merino strain which emerges becomes the most numerous and productive wool growing sheep in the world.
• Land transport for wool includes riverboats which are used along the Murray, Darling, Murrumbidgee and Lachlan Rivers. Camels are also used in the hot, dry inland.
• Wool is shipped to England and Europe via the Cape of Good Hope by fast wool clippers. But the days of the clippers come to an end with the opening of the Suez Canal and the introduction of steamships.

 Source: The Woolmark Company