John Mcdouall Stuart

John Mcdouall Stuart's name is almost always associated with competing with Burke and Wills in their quest to cross the Australian continent from south to north, and back, 150 years ago.

Yet, Stuart's first experience as an explorer came as he rode alongside Charles Sturt through western New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia in 1844-1845.

An integral part of the expedition, Stuart often "rode" ahead in search of water, returning to advise of his success in that venture, or not, as so often was the case.

When Sturt made his final charge into the desert country north of Cooper Creek, Stuart was at his side, as he was when the expedition finally rode back into Adelaide.

The hills surrounding Tibooburra are named the Mount Stuart Hills after this amazing Scotsman.

It is also noteworthy that Ernest Giles, the "last explorer" spent time at Mount Murchison on the Darling River in 1861, and rode west to Depot Glen to visit the place where Sturt had spent so much time. 

William Harry (WH) Tiekens who accompanied Giles during his foray into the Northern Territory also spent time in the Corner Country, working on Corona Station in the Barrier Ranges.