john mcdouall stuart (7 september 18155 june 1866) is regarded as one of australia's greatest explorers. he went on seven major exploring trips into the centre and north of australia. he was leader of six of these expeditions. he spent more time out in the australian bush exploring the land than any other explorer. on each trip, he was able to go further north and found water sources that helped him with his final long journey. in 1862, he crossed australia from adelaide, south australia, to van diemen gulf in the northern territory. he was the first european to cross the continent from north to south and then return again.