John Davis

“ It was in 1861 that McKinlay, whose renown as an explorer and a bushman had become known to the Government, was appointed to the position of leader of an expedition to search for the Burke and Wills party. Mr. Davis volunteered for the expedition, and on his return published the work referred to above under the title of "Tracks of McKinlay Across Australia." The chief object of the expedition was the discovery and relief of Burke's party, to acquire a knowledge of the country between Eyre's Creek and Central Mount Stuart, and lastly to visit the western shores of Lake Eyre. ”

“ The party then proceeded to explore towards Central Mount Stuart, and crossed the Stony Desert, described as a "succession of bronzed undulations." After suffering great hardships the party reached Melbourne on September 25, 1862, or a little over thirteen months after leaving Adelaide. ”