The river was named the Hastings.
On October 12th, a toilsome march commenced, following the shore to the southward.

The wearisome interruptions of the many inlets and saltwater creeks greatly fatigued and distressed his men.

But at last they came upon a boat, half-buried in the sand, which had been lost some time before from a Hawkesbury coaster.

This they cleaned and patched, and carried with them, utilising it during the latter stages of this weary journey to facilitate the passage of the many saltwater creeks and channels that impeded their progress.

It is owing to the possession of this derelict boat that Oxley crossed the mouth of the Manning without identifying it as a river.