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In 1843 Charles Sturt offered to lead an expedition into Central Australia and eventually permission was granted for an expedition that should 'ascertain the existence and character of that range running from the north-east to the south-west, to examine the rivers rising in it, and to observe the general appearance of the country towards the north-west'.  Sturt decided to use a route that followed the Murray and Darling River, thereby avoiding the barrier of Lake Torrens which appeared to arc in a great horseshoe barring the way north.

His party consisted of James Poole, Dr J Harris Browne, John McDouall Stuart, Louis Piesse, Daniel Brock, George Davenport, Joseph Cowley, Robert Flood, D Morgan, J Jones, Turpin, W Lewis, H Foulkes, J Mack, J Kirby, and R Sullivan.  Equipment included a boat for travelling on the inland sea that Sturt still hoped to find, and a flock of 200 sheep - meat on the hoof.  They left Adelaide in August 1844. On 27 January 1845 they established a camp at Depot Glen in the Barrier Ranges. They remained in this camp for six months. Despite forays into the surrounding areas they were essentially trapped. In July Sturt sent some of his men back to Adelaide, including James Poole who was gravely ill. He died a few days into the journey and the party returned to Depot Glen where Poole was buried. They then resumed their return to Adelaide. Sturt and his remaining men now moved north west to Fort Grey, his new depot. From here Sturt explored into the reaches of the Stony and Simpson Deserts and discovered Cooper Creek. Ultimately however Sturt was defeated by the harshness and aridity of the terrain. The long return to Adelaide was begun.

Charles Sturt did not find his hoped for inland sea, and the boat he took to sail upon it was painted, floated and then abandoned on the creek at Depot Glen. He did reach within 150 miles of the centre of the continent, which would be reached by one of his men, John McDouall Stuart in 1860. Sturt also discovered the continent's north south watershed, although this was not realised at the time.

Sturt, Charles, 1795-1869

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