John Forrest entered the Survey Department of Western Australia in 1865 and led a number of expeditions into previously unexplored territory. In 1874 he set off from Perth leading a small expedition. They travelled north to Geraldton and then east for six months and for more than 3,000 kilometres of desert until they reached the overland telegraph line at Algebra Creek, 1,100 kilometres northwest of Adelaide.
Forrest served as Premier of Western Australia for ten years until 1900 before enjoying a distinguished career as a federal minister and parliamentarian.