Phillip Parker Kingc 1817

Pictured here in a black coat and white cravat is Phillip Parker King, a naval officer and hydrographer. Born in 1791, he was one of the first Australian-born internationally recognised explorers. Over four voyages Parker King surveyed much of the northern and western coasts of Australia, contributing significantly to the mapping of the Australian coastline.

King was appointed commander of HMS Adventure, which accompanied HMS Beagle on its first voyage of South American Exploration. In poor health, he returned to Sydney in 1832, where he finally settled, and concentrated on developing his extensive pastoral, business and political interests.