The remains that McKinlay found are still unidentified to this day. McKinlay reported this to the government, and soon afterwards learned that the remains of Robert O'Hara Burke and William John Wills had also been found. McKinlay decided to explore in the direction of Central Mount Stuart, but was driven back by heavy rains and floods.
McKinlay discovered unidentified human remains during his exploration; he informed the government about these findings, which led him to learn that Robert O'Hara Burke and William John Wills had also been found. McKinlay intended to continue his search towards Central Mount Stuart but was forced to halt due to heavy rains and floods.