John Oxley was an English explorer and surveyor known for his significant contributions to the exploration of Australia in the early 19th century. Born in 1783, he played a crucial role in mapping parts of New South Wales and Queensland. Oxley is particularly recognized for his discovery of the Brisbane River and the establishment of Brisbane as a settlement site. In addition to his exploration work, Oxley served as the Surveyor-General of New South Wales. His expeditions helped to expand European knowledge of the Australian interior and contributed to the development of the region. He passed away in 1828, leaving a lasting legacy in Australian history.