When Augustus Short arrived in South Australia in 1847 he found himself the bishop of a vast slice of the Australian continent, as his diocese consisted not just of South Australia, but also included Western Australia. Fortunately Short was an accomplished horseman, regularly taking a morning ride at 5 a.m. when at home. He travelled miles through the South Australian countryside, camping on the road, holding services in cottages and barns, baptising, confirming and marrying his country flock. During his first year in Adelaide, the Bishop made a trip to Western Australia, visiting the coastal settlements by ship, and riding across many miles of countryside. Much of his time during his years in South Australia were spent on 'missionary tours' of the isolated farming communities. In 1855 he rode through the south-east, visiting 30 stations and baptising 40 children. A little while later he made a six week trip around the mid-northern towns.