George Elphinstone Dalrymple

Who was George Elphinstone Dalrymple?

George Augustus Frederick Elphinstone Dalrymple was an explorer, public servant and politician, member of the Legislative Assembly of Queensland.

Dalrymple was born in Scotland the tenth son of Sir Robert Dalrymple Horn Elphinstone, Bart., by his marriage with Graeme, daughter of Colonel David Hepburn. He arrived in Australia in 1857 and travelled to the Darling Downs hoping to acquire land. In 1859 he led an expedition to explore the Burdekin River catchment. This group included Ernest Henry, Philip Sellheim, Henry Stone and Richard Haughton which left Rockhampton to explore the Kennedy district. This district was in New South Wales when he left but part of Queensland, when he returned, having been declared a separate colony.

Before his departure the New South Wales Government had proclaimed the districts of Kennedy and Mitchell for settlement, which was rescinded by the new Queensland cabinet.

The party traveled west through the region and then north to the Valley of Lagoons, making surveys on the Burdekin and Suttor Rivers. These surveys were conducted to mark out promising runs for sheep.

In 1860 he accompanied Lieutenant J. W.