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This map shows the routes of two of John McDouall Stuart's expeditions, i.e. his fourth (1860) and fifth (1860-61). The map runs from 24 degrees north to 18 degrees. There are numerous notes regarding the type of country passed over, i.e. spinifex, no water, gum tree plain, good grass scrub, sandy soil, etc.

Just north (18 degrees) of Kekwick's Ponds, lies Attack Creek. This is the place where Stuart's fourth expedition came into conflict with the traditional Aboriginal owners of the land. The incident is indicated by a map annotation. His party was attacked by the Aboriginal group because his men and horses were competing for scarce water. Stuart's men were greatly outnumbered. This, combined with short supplies, very little water, and scurvy, forced the explorers to turn back. Later that year, he would try again. On his fifth expedition, Stuart was entering unexplored territory from Attack Creek onwards.

Central Mount Stuart is a major feature of this map. The explorer originally named it Central Mount Sturt but the South Australian government renamed it in Stuart's honour.

Stuart, John McDouall, 1815-1866

Kekwick, William Darton, 1822-1872

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