In 1854 the government of Western Australia sent out a further expedition, under the command of Assistant Surveyor, Mr. Robert Austin, to explore the interior towards the north and east of the colony. The objects of this expedition were stated to be to ascertain the geological structure, natural productions, water-parting, and general character of the interior of the colony to the north and east of the settled districts, and towards the Gascoyne river. A ship, under command of Mr. George Phillips, was despatched to await the arrival of the expedition at the mouth of the Grascoyne, to succour them with supplies, and convey them back to Perth.

The exploring party under the command of Mr. Austin, consisted of ten men, with twenty-seven horses, and 120 days' provisions. Mr. Woodward voluntarily accompanied them with Mr. Chidlow's team, escorted by two men, for whom he took forty days' rations, to proceed as far as Cow-cowing, and thence to return with the leader's report to head-quarters. The expedition left Mombe Kine, on the sources of the Swan River, on the 10th of July. They proceeded north-east, crossing the tributary stream of the Mortlock, or Salt River, to Groolmalling, and on to the samphire plains and great salt lake of Cow-cowing, and thence to Waddoming, west of Lake Brown, having traversed very much the track of the Messrs.