Additional creatorAdelaide (S.A.). CorporationTitleAcclaim for StuartDate of publication1863SourceStuart demonstration on Wednesday, January 21, 1863: order of processionDescription
John McDouall Stuart led the first successful European crossing of Australia from south to north through the centre of the continent, and returning to the south, without loss of life. Earlier Robert O'Hara Burke and William Wills had crossed the continent to the Gulf of Carpentaria, but they perished on the return journey.
From December 1861 to December 1862, Stuart led his sixth expedition across the gruelling arid interior, finally reaching the Indian Ocean at Chambers Bay on 24 July 1862. He and his companions returned to Adelaide on 17 December 1862.
On a public holiday on Wednesday 21 January 1863, crowds lined the streets in Adelaide to celebrate his tremendous accomplishment at the 'Stuart demonstration'. The South Australian Government awarded Stuart 2000 pounds, though he was only allowed the interest from the funds.
The Overland Telegraph Line was later constructed along the route to the north forged by Stuart.
