Stirling spent seventeen days at the Swan River. He then started back for Sydney. At the Vasse River he met more Aborigines who were friendly. Some were brave enough to come aboard his ship.

They were amazed at all they saw. They were also amazed at the visitors' skin colour, imagining there must be darker skin colour underneath. 

Stirling arrived back in Sydney after being away for three months. In his report he praised the Swan River region highly. He described it as an excellent place for a colony, and suggested one be started.

Unless the British did so, he urged, the French would step in and claim the land themselves. He offered his own services as governor. 

Two years later his wish was granted.