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The MacKay expedition left Charlotte Waters on the Overland Telegraph Line on 27 May 1926 and travelled to the Musgrave Ranges, via Ayers Range. From here they began a geological examination of the region. Basedow was careful wherever possible to obtain and use Aboriginal names for natural features and this is particularly noticeable in the Petermann Ranges of the Northern Territory. The party's route was often dictated by the conditions prevailing at the time, and accessible water supplies; the effects of a prolonged drought were obvious. In the Petermann Ranges the party found the tracks of two earlier explorers, Ernest Giles and William Tietkens and Basedow was able to resolve the naming of several prominent hills, named by them. In the Musgrave Ranges by 20 July, there was improvement in the country as good falls of rain meant that grass had grown and the bush in general had recovered from drought. The expedition finished at Oodnadatta.

Herbert Basedow was a doctor, anthropologist and geologist. He served as a medical officer in remote areas of South Australia and the Northern Territory as well as serving as a leader of a number of exploring expeditions. Donald MacKay, the wealthy son of a grazier, financed a number of expeditions including one to New Guinea in 1908 and Basedow worked with him on several of these. Subsequent to this 1926 expedition MacKay conducted a number of aerial surveys of Central Australia. He also criticised the Commonwealth Government regarding their treatment of the Aboriginal people.

Mackay, Donald, 1870-1958

Basedow, Herbert, 1881-1933

Basedow, Herbert, Notes to accompany the "map of the MacKay Exploring Expedition in Central Australia, 1926" Adelaide: Register Newspapers, 1928

Basedow, Herbert, Knights of the boomerang: episodes from a life spent among the native tribes of Australia Sydney: Endeavour Press, 1935 (Sydney: Bulletin Newspaper)

Mudie, Ian, Herbert Basedow: man of many parts 1970

The land is a map: placenames of indigenous origin in Australia edited by Luise Hercus, Flavia Hodges, Jane Simpson Canberra: Pandanus Books, c2002

White, S. A. In the far North-West: an expedition to the Musgrave and Everard Ranges Adelaide: W.K.Thomas, 1916

State Library of South Australia: Mortlock Wing. Taking it to the edge August 2004-