Edward Eyre notes in the concluding remarks to his account of his explorations in Australia that his friend Charles Sturt has set out on another expedition and is hopeful of finding the inland sea which he believes to exist. Eyre accompanied him on the early stages of the expedition, to ensure, as Protector of Aborigines, that there were no difficulties with the Aboriginal people encountered en route.

Edward Eyre had made several explorations in South Australia looking for fertile land for pastoralists and farmers. Heading north from Spencer Gulf he found only barren land and salt lakes which appeared to block further advance to the north. Eventually he abandoned this northern route and decided to travel west from Fowler Bay towards Albany in Western Australia, hoping to find valuable land along this route. Unfortunately, again he found only arid lands and no rivers. These expeditions convinced him that there was only desert in Australia's interior. His friend Charles Sturt however still considered that there was an inland sea and good land in the interior. He would seek these on his forthcoming expedition.