This work investigates the tragic and controversial 1930 expedition led by Harold Bell Lasseter in search of a legendary gold reef in the Australian interior. Ion L. Idriess, an author known for his deep familiarity with the Australian outback, reconstructs the events surrounding Lasseter's ill-fated quest. By utilizing personal accounts and historical records, the book examines the logistical failures, the harsh environmental conditions, and the psychological toll of the expedition that ultimately led to Lasseter's demise.

This text is regarded as a foundational account of one of Australia's most enduring wilderness mysteries. The narrative provides a dense, detailed look at the challenges of early 20th-century exploration in the arid interior.