1778day.year
Gregory Blaxland
(1778 - 1853)
English-Australian explorer
English-Australian explorer
English-Australian explorer renowned for co-leading the first successful European crossing of the Blue Mountains in Australia.
Gregory Blaxland (1778–1853) was an English-born Australian explorer and farmer.
In 1813, he co-led the first documented expedition to cross the Blue Mountains west of Sydney, opening vast inland territories for settlement.
By collaborating with Aboriginal guides and selecting a strategic route, the team traversed rugged terrain and sandstone ridges.
Blaxland later received land grants, becoming a successful farmer and winemaker in the Hunter Valley.
He published an account of his journey, served as a local magistrate, and advocated for colonial infrastructure.
His pioneering crossing marked a turning point in Australia’s colonial expansion and inspired future explorers.
1778
Gregory Blaxland