Frank T.Gregory.] It was in Western Australia, in March, 1857, that Frank T.Gregory commenced his career as an independent explorer by taking advantage of a sudden heavy downpour of rain on the upper reaches of the Murchison River, which flooded the dry course of the lower portion where he was then engaged on survey work.

Gregory at once seized the opportunity thus afforded of examining the upper reaches of this river, from which former explorers had been driven back by the aridity of the country.

Accompanied by his assistant, S.Trigg, he proceeded up the river finding, thanks to the wet season that had preceded him, luxuriant grass and ample supplies of water.

In consequence, he had a more pleasing account of the country to bring back than the report based on the thirsty experiences of Austin.
So easy did he find the country, that only scarcity of provisions prevented him from pushing on to the long-sought-for Gascoyne River.

As it was, he returned after an absence of thirteen days, having completed what the Perth Gazette of that time justly described as "one of the most unassuming expeditions, yet important in its results." It was so far satisfactory, and roused such fresh hopes in the minds of the settlers, that they once more formed bright hopes of what the River Gascoyne might have in store for the successful explorer.