In 1823, John Oxley embarked on a significant expedition to explore Moreton Bay, a crucial event in the history of Queensland. Oxley, then the Surveyor-General of New South Wales, was tasked with finding a new site for a penal colony due to the overcrowding at Port Macquarie. Accompanied by a small crew, Oxley set sail on the HMS Mermaid and reached Moreton Bay, where he began a detailed survey of the area. His exploration was driven by reports of a large navigable river in the region, which he hoped would be suitable for settlement.
During this expedition, Oxley discovered the Brisbane River, which became one of his most important findings. On September 27, 1823, while navigating the southern shores of Moreton Bay, Oxley encountered shipwrecked timber-getters Thomas Pamphlett, John Finnegan, and Richard Parsons. The castaways provided Oxley with crucial information about the river, leading him upstream. Oxley’s exploration of the Brisbane River revealed its potential for a new settlement, with its fresh water, fertile soil, and navigable waters, which he noted in his journals as highly advantageous for a penal colony.
Oxley’s recommendations following his exploration of Moreton Bay were instrumental in the establishment of the Moreton Bay Penal Settlement in 1824, which later developed into the city of Brisbane. His detailed surveys and positive reports on the area’s resources and suitability for agriculture and transportation were key factors in the decision to settle there. This expedition not only marked a pivotal moment in the colonisation of Queensland but also highlighted Oxley’s role as a significant figure in Australian exploration. The success of this journey underscored his expertise and vision, contributing greatly to the expansion and development of early Queensland.
Referencing
Oxley, John. Report of an expedition to survey Port Curtis, Moreton Bay, and Port Bowen : with a view to form convict penal establishments there. Retrieved June 5, 2024, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-39883386
Contents
John Oxley Field Book – 29th November – 1st December, 1823
Discovery of the three shipwrecked timber-getters.
John Oxley Field Book – 2nd-5th December, 1823
Exploration of the Brisbane River.