Gregory Blaxland was an Australian explorer born on June 17, 1778, in England. He is best known for his role in the first successful crossing of the Blue Mountains in 1813, which opened up new areas for settlement in New South Wales. Blaxland, along with his companions William Lawson and William Charles Wentworth, embarked on this journey to find a route to the fertile lands beyond the mountains. Blaxland's exploration was significant for the expansion of European settlement in Australia. After his successful crossing, he became a prominent figure in the early colonial society and was involved in various agricultural ventures. He passed away on March 1, 1845, leaving a legacy as a key figure in Australian exploration.