(1815 - 1866)

John McDouall Stuart, originally from Scotland, was the first person to travel from the south of Australia to the north of the continent and survive. His time in the army prior to his arrival in Adelaide provided him with surveying skills. He joined an expedition into the interior in 1844 with Charles Sturt, where he further added to his skills.

It was not until 1860 that he decided to travel further north. That same year he reached the Finke River and the MacDonnell Ranges. However, his party ran out of supplies and were forced to return.

His next attempt was funded by the government of South Australia, and evolved very much into a race with the rival group under Robert O'Hara Burke who were taking on the same trip. Stuart managed to advance somewhat further than his first attempt, however once again supplies caused problems and he had to return south.

Despite the difficulties of these first two efforts, he was absolutely convinced that the trip could successfully be completed. So, off he set for a third attempt. The trip damaged his health, and to dampen his spirits further the South Australian government decided to change the amount of the award they paid him for completing the journey. He decided to leave Australia in 1864.

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