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Ludwig Leichhardt (Explorer and Naturalist)

Full Name: Friedrich Wilhelm Ludwig Leichhardt
Profession: Explorer and Naturalist

Biography: Prussian explorer and naturalist, most famous for his exploration of northern and central Australia.

Born: October 23, 1813
Birthplace: Sabrodt, Kingdom of Prussia
Star Sign: Scorpio

Died: April 4, 1848 (aged 34)
Cause of Death: Disappeared

Career Highlights

1844-10-01 German explorer Ludwig Leichhardt departs Jimbour, the farthest outpost of settlement on the Queensland Darling Downs, to begin his exploration of Australia's Northern Territory from Moreton Bay to Port Essington
1845-12-17 German explorer Ludwig Leichhardt arrives in Port Essington after a nearly 4,800 km (3,000 mi) overland journey to explore Australia's Northern Territory
1846-03-25 German explorer Ludwig Leichhardt arrives in Sydney to a hero's welcome after completing his exploration of Australia's Northern Territory
1847-05-24 German explorer Ludwig Leichhardt is awarded the Patron's Medal by the Royal Geographical Society, London in recognition of 'the increased knowledge of the great continent of Australia' gained by his Moreton Bay-Port Essington journey
1848-04-03 German explorer Ludwig Leichhardt is seen for the last time at McPherson's Station, Coogoon, before he disappears on the same expedition to reach the Swan River in Australia