Ernest Giles' First Expedition Route (1872)

On 2 August 1872, explorer Ernest Giles departed Chambers Pillar (~175 km north of Alice Springs, NT) on a solo attempt to cross Australia east–west. His route:

• Headed west from Chambers Pillar into the Simpson Desert region.
• Sought water sources; discovered Native Well and others.
• Reached the Western Australian border but was forced back by extreme aridity, lack of water, and horse losses.
• Did not reach Perth on this trip; turned back to Charlotte Waters telegraph station.

His successful east–west crossing came in 1875–76 (with camels), from Beltana (SA) to Perth via Rawlinson Ranges. The 1872 journey proved the desert's severity and the need for camels.