Three years earlier, Edward Eyre had explored north and west of the Flinders Ranges, and after sighting several salt lakes concluded that a continuous horse-shaped Lake Torrens created a barrier to the north of the continent. As Surveyor-General, Frome attempted to find the southern boundary of the eastern section of the lake. He was unable find this boundary, and reported that the land eastwards was not suitable for agriculture. Acceptance of the 'horseshoe myth' is understandable given the difficulties experienced by the expeditions in exploring the harsh terrain. In addition, Lake Torrens salt lake extends for about 250 kilometres and has filled with water only once in the last 150 years.

The horseshoe myth was challenged in the late 1850s when Acting Deputy Surveyor-General George Goyder reached Lake Torrens and found it surrounded by vegetation. In 1858 Babbage, Warburton and Gregory proved that the 'horseshoe Lake Torrens' in fact comprised many separate lakes.

Frome, Edward Charles, 1802-1890

Henderson, James, 1822-190