Map showing the country explored by John McDouall Stuart in northern South Australia, 1858. This map was part of Parliamentary Paper 119 of 1858 ('Mr Stuart's Exploration' of 5 November 1858).

John McDouall Stuart's first exploration was financed by his friend William Finke. Leaving from Oratunga station in the northern Flinders Ranges he passed around the southern end of Lake Torrens and headed north-west. he was accompanied by one European, known only as Mr Forster, an Aboriginal boy and five or six horses. Working with only a pocket watch and compass he daily plotted his route on an Arrowsmith map of Captain Sturt's expedition of 1844-46. he was already practising a lesson learnt from Sturt's expedition and used pack horses only, no drays or wagons to slow his progress.

From the Andamooka waterhole they continued to the north-west, meeting with some Aboriginal men who spoke to them of a well- watered country called Wingillpin. Stuart thought this might be an extension of Cooper Creek discovered by Sturt and flowing to the south-west. Continuing on beyond the northern tip of Lake Torrens, Stuart discovered a large gumtree-lined creek: he named this Chambers Creek, after James Chambers. With permanent waterholes it would serve as an advance base for all his future explorations. From here they turned more westerly seeking less stony ground for their horses. Stuart had omitted to carry spare horseshoes and his horses were suffering as a result. They travelled as far north as what is now Coober Pedy before turning to the south-west. The region was now good saltbush country but his horses were weakening, with provisions running low so Stuart headed south. He abandoned his grey mare on 5 August in an area of good grass and running water. Stuart hoped to retrieve her later. Conditions were now poor, their provisions exhausted and they lived on the little game they were able to kill. By the 16th they were nearing the coast and pushed on to Streaky Bay and Gibson's station. They rested here for two weeks. Stuart was unable to retrieve the mare but wrote to his friend James Sinclair at Green Patch station asking that if anyone found her, it should be returned to him. From here he returned to the northern Flinders Ranges.

He had travelled about 1500 miles, and his journey was received with acclaim. He was awarded a gold watch by the Royal Geographical Society in London.

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