Think of a life dedicated to exploration and discovery. That was John Oxley. This John Oxley Memorium stands as a reminder of his contribution to the early mapping and exploration of Australia.
John Oxley was born in 1784 in Yorkshire England. He entered the Royal Navy at just 15. He arrived in Australia in 1802. He was a master’s mate on the naval vessel Buffalo. His first stay lasted five years.
In 1812 John Oxley’s career took a pivotal turn. He became Surveyor-General of New South Wales. Governor Lachlan Macquarie encouraged him to explore.
Oxley led several expeditions. In 1817 he explored the Lachlan River. The following year in 1818 he explored the Macquarie River. These expeditions aimed to chart the interior of New South Wales.
The Lachlan River expedition faced challenges. Oxley encountered marshy land. He concluded the area was uninhabitable. If he had continued for only two more days he would have reached the Murrumbidgee River.
The 1818 Macquarie River expedition also proved difficult. Oxley’s party reached the Macquarie Marshes. Flooding made it impossible to proceed. Oxley believed the westward-flowing rivers might lead to an inland sea.
Despite these setbacks John Oxley’s explorations continued. In 1823 he sailed north. He searched for a suitable site for a new penal settlement. During this voyage John Oxley visited the Tweed River. He also explored the Brisbane River.
Oxley was impressed by the Tweed River valley. He described it as a deep rich valley. It was clothed with magnificent trees. He found the scenery beautiful beyond description.
While rounding Moreton Island John Oxley met two escaped convicts. They had been living with the Aboriginal people. With their help he discovered and named the Brisbane River. He recommended it as the location for a new convict settlement. This later became the city of Brisbane.
John Oxley’s personal life had complexities. Before marrying Emma Norton he had three daughters with two other women. With Emma he had two sons.
John Norton Oxley became a member of the Legislative Assembly. Henry Oxley also followed a similar path. He represented the Electoral district of Camden.
John Oxley’s health suffered due to the hardships of his explorations. He died in 1828 at the age of 44. He was buried in the Devonshire Street Cemetery in Sydney.
This John Oxley Memorium serves as a lasting reminder of his work. A statue of Oxley stands on the Department of Lands building in Sydney. Many places bear his name. These include electoral districts suburbs and even a highway. John Oxley’s legacy lives on throughout Australia. He was a man who dedicated his life to exploration and discovery.