Towards the end of 1847, accompanied by eight men, with provisions estimated at two years' supply, he started on his journey.

He took with him an enormous number of animals--180 sheep, 270 goats, 40 bullocks, 15 horses, and 13 mules.

They must have greatly encumbered his march, and the difficulty of obtaining food necessarily much impeded his movements.

His original intention was first to steer north, following for some distance his previous track, and then, as opportunity offered, to strike westward and make clear across the continent.

After disastrous wanderings for seven months, in the course of which they lost the whole of their cattle and sheep, the party returned.
Disappointed, but not discouraged, Leichardt resolved on another attempt to achieve the task he had set himself.