By the early 1820s, colonial administrators in Sydney were determined to establish a settlement in what we now know as Queensland. The essential in choosing a spot were a decent harbour and river.
The Brisbane River was ideal but nature had hidden its mouth behind mangroves, sandbars and low islands. James Cook had sailed past it in 1770. Matthew Flinders had entered Moreton Bay in 1799, searched for a major river but left convinced none existed. Even John Oxley looked likely to miss it too until he had an extraordinary stroke of luck.
For several days Oxley sailed upstream in wonder, mapping what he called the largest freshwater river on the eastern coast, and named it the Brisbane after his governor. He rushed back to Sydney with the news.
The British settlement of Queensland was under way.
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The Hon. John Ruddick MLC is a member of the NSW Legislative Council.
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Produced by Sean Masters
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