This photograph of a younger Stuart predates his explorations into northern South Australia and beyond. However between 1844-46 Stuart was the draughtsman on Charles Sturt's expedition into Central Australia. Stuart learned a valuable lesson on this large, heavily equipped expedition, and years later his own expeditions would travel lightly with pack horses.
Subsequent to Sturt's expedition, and using the money he had earned, Stuart established himself as a private surveyor, largely on Eyre Peninsula. However he never forgot the debt he owed to Charles Sturt.
