John Oxley Monument

Discover the John Oxley Monument.

Nestled at the base of Mullaley Mountain along the scenic Black Stump Way—connecting Mullaley, Tambar Springs, and Coolah—the John Oxley Monument stands as a proud tribute to one of Australia's pioneering explorers. This historic landmark commemorates Oxley's journey through the Gunnedah district and his naming of the Liverpool Plains, a vast expanse of fertile black soil stretching east and southeast of Mullaley.

On 27 August 1818, Oxley and his expedition crossed Bowen's Rivulet (now Cox's Creek), just three kilometres southwest of the monument's location. By mid-October, the party reached the mouth of the Hastings River, naming it Port Macquarie. The Liverpool Plains were named in honour of Robert Banks Jenkinson, 2nd Earl of Liverpool, Prime Minister of England from 1812 to 1827.

Today, the monument offers visitors a glimpse into Australia's rich exploration history and a perfect stop for those travelling through this picturesque region.