He was the very model of a pioneer -- courageous, hardy, good-humoured, and kindly.

He was an excellent horseman, a most entertaining and, at times, eccentric companion, and he could starve with greater cheerfulness than any man I ever saw or heard of.

But, excellent fellow though he was, his very independence of character and success in exploring provoked much ill-will." Landsborough was recommended for the position of leader by the veteran A.C.Gregory, and on the 14th of August he left Brisbane in the Firefly, having on board a party of volunteer assistants who had been stirred by the widespread sympathy with the missing men to take an active part in the relief expedition.

Unfortunately, those under Landsborough were, with one exception, unacquainted with bush life.

The exception was George Bourne, the second in command, an old squatter who had seen and suffered many a long drought, and whose services proved to be of great value.
After some mishap the Firefly, convoyed by the Victoria, reached the mouth of the Albert River, where the party was safely landed.
After starting from the Albert, Landsborough came unexpectedly upon a river hitherto unknown.