Both left civilization within a few days of each other.

The first to start was known as the Calvert Expedition, from its originator.

It was under L.A.Wells, the South Australian surveyor who had been the energetic second of the former Elder Expedition.

The other was equipped and led by the Honourable David Carnegie.
Wells formed a depot at a spot well provided with camel feed and water, at some distance to the south-west of Forrest's Lake Augusta, which he found, at that time, dry.

Here he left the main part of his caravan to await his return whilst he made a flying trip to the north.