The De Grey River is a geographic and logistical landmark in the account of the 1935 expedition to ancient ruins in Western Australia. It appears first as a possible route for moving equipment toward the site, then as a river whose branch the expedition actually crossed on its overland approach.

Route and Access

In planning the expedition, the site was described as reachable from Pilbarra in about four days by motor tractor. The correspondent also proposed floating supplies up the De Grey River as an alternative to beginning the journey at Pilbarra; the two options were left for later discussion. The river therefore entered the plans as a possible means of transport, not as a route the account confirms the party ultimately took.

The Expedition Crossing

The expedition sailed from Boston and reached Western Australia before continuing inland by tractor. On May 31, 1935, the party of eighteen forded a branch of the De Grey and entered the desert. The crossing marked a change in the journey: beyond it lay the country the expedition associated with the ancient world behind the local legends.

Connection to the Ruins

The expedition saw its first half-buried blocks on June 3, three days after the crossing. A month of excavation uncovered roughly 1,250 blocks, including carved megaliths and pieces that appeared suited to arches or vaulting. The De Grey thus anchors the approach to the archaeological site in the journey’s chronology, while also representing a practical alternative considered during preparations; the narrative distinguishes that proposed river transport from the branch the expedition actually forded.