John McDouall Stuart on his sixth expedition in 1862 named a creek after William Thring in recognition of his service, but found his path north blocked by a marsh. The country appeared fertile and was well grassed. He was nearing Australia's northern coast, but was being forced more and more to the east by the condition of the country. This area of the country had only been explored by Ludwig Leichhardt in December 1845 and by Augustus Gregory in 1856, and was poorly charted.

Stuart had set out from Adelaide in January 1862 on his sixth expedition, financed by the South Australian government. He was equipped with 71 horses and his party consisted of William Kekwick, Francis William Thring, William Patrick Auld, Stephen King, John Billiatt, James Frew, Heath Nash, John McGorrerey and Frederick Waterhouse. On his fourth and fifth expeditions Stuart had pushed further north from Adelaide and through the centre of the continent than anyone before, but had on both occasions turned back when it was no longer prudent to continue because of the men's health, the condition of their horses or the supply of food.