The poem "Sturt's Dreaming" is about a historical explorer who sought to map the interior of Australia and in the poem there is obvious contrast between Sturt's failed dream and the Aborigines immersed in their own dreaming.

In the poem the composer begins by presenting to the audience an image of Sturt as both a private individual, whom Charlotte called "Charlie Dear," and a "Captain," and an "efficient explorer" who marshals "his officers and steadfast men."

Sturt's vision or dream is clear as it does not materialize in Sturt's mind as he searches for an "inland sea," and this image continues to "coolly" lap in his mind. He toils to cross a "mysterious and unknown land" as he seeks to fulfill his dream; taking with him necessities and transport of "sheep," "drays" and a "painted boat...