Stuart's diaries in the news

The travels of the inland explorer John McDouall Stuart generated much public interest and were widely reported in the newspapers. In this article, titled 'Stuart's Exploration' the South Australian Advertiser devotes space to publishing extracts from Stuart's diaries, allowing readers to learn of his adventures in 'Stuart's own words.' This account covers part of Stuart's fifth expedition, for which, after his success in crossing the interior of Australia in 1860, the South Australian Government provided 2500 pounds for men and equipment for another expedition.

Travelling with Stuart's party were William Kekwick, Francis William Thring, John Wall, JN Ewart, John Woodforde, Albert Lawrence, W Masters, David Thompson and Sullivan. They also took around 40 horses.

The extracts begin with the diary entry dated 21 April 1861, where the party left Haywood's Creek. Stuart describes new country not travelled before. He names many natural landmarks after prominent South Australians, such as Sturt's Plains, after Charles Sturt and Hawker's Creek after James Hawker, of Her Majesty's Customs, Port Adelaide.

During the expedition the men and the horses underwent much hardship due to lack of water and difficult terrain. Their goal was to reach the Victoria River (in what is now known as the Northern Territory), but after making many attempts, Stuart was forced to give up. The group began their return journey on 12 July, reaching Moolooloo by 15 September. Stuart closed his journal by thanking his companions, the promoters of the expedition (Messrs. Chambers and Finke) and the government 'for the handsome manner I was fitted out.'

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