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John Oxley Print Page 
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The monument honours John Oxley who explored the area from Bathurst to Port Macquarie. Oxley and his 15 men crossed the Manning River on the 22 October 1818 having stayed here from the 19 October.
The monument features an anchor from H.M.S. Tomahawk. A plaque was added in 1968 to commemorate the sesqui-centenary of Harrington.
At the bicentenary celebration on Saturday 20th October 2018, two information boards were unveiled on either side of the memorial. The information boards tell a summary of both his life and of his expeditions to find the inland sea, how Harrington Village was started and the naming of the Manning River which Oxley called a Lake.
The Oxley monument was unveiled on Saturday at Harrington, at the entrance of the Manning River. The inscription says:— "In honor of Oxley, who, in 1818, explored the country from Bathurst to Port Macquarie. During this expedition he discovered Liverpool Plains and ranges, the Peel River, Mount Severn, overlooking Port Macquarie, and the Manning River, which he crossed here on October 22, 1818." The commemoration tablet was donated by Mr. George S. Hill, of Bungay. This is embodied in a concrete structure rising about 5½ feet, surmounted by an anchor from H.M.S. Tomahawk. Mr. L. O. Martin, M.L.A., congratulated the originators of the movement for perpetuating the life of the first white man who had placed foot on Manning soil, Mr. Thomas Miles said that Oxley had shown a wonderful knowledge of Botany. His knowledge of hardwood timber was surprising.
Richmond River Express and Casino Kyogle Advertiser (NSW), 19 September 1929.
A flag raising ceremony at 8am on Saturday, October 20 in Harrington’s Pilot Hill will mark the start of the town’s celebration of the arrival of explorer John Oxley 200 years before. The ceremony will be followed by a street parade at 9.30 and a dedication ceremony at the John Oxley Memorial where two information boards will be unveiled.
A history display at Harrington Memorial Hall will be open 8.30am to 4.30pm on Saturday and 9am to 1pm on Sunday. Organised by Harrington Evening VIEW Club the display features the history of clubs, groups and families of Harrington.
On Saturday night, Harrington Public School’s P and C is hosting a bush dance at Club Harrington and on Sunday, a church service will be held.
Manning River Times, October 15, 2018.
Location
| Address: | Beach Street, Oxley Reserve, Harrington, 2427 |
|---|---|
| State: | NSW |
| Area: | AUS |
| GPS Coordinates: | Lat: -31.871967 Long: 152.683145 Note: GPS Coordinates are approximate. |
Details
| Monument Type: | Monument |
|---|---|
| Monument Theme: | People |
| Sub-Theme: | Exploration |
| Actual Event Start Date: | 19-October-1818 |
| Actual Event End Date: | 22-October-1818 |
| Link: | http://adb.anu.edu.au/ |
Dedication
| Actual Monument Dedication Date: | Saturday 14th September, 1929 |
|---|
IN HONOUR OF
OXLEY
Who In 1818 Explored The Country From Bathurst To Port Macquarie.
During This Expedtion He Discovered The Liverpool Plains & Ranges,
Peel River, Mount Sea View And The Manning River Which He Crossed
Here (Harrington) On 22nd October 1818.
Erected 1928
Plaque :
Presented By The Harrington Urban Committee
On Behalf Of The People Of Harrington
To Celebrate
The Sesqui-Centenary Of Harrington
19th October 1968.
John Oxley
John Oxley crossed the Manning River and named
Harrington in October 1818, during an expedition to
explore the coastline. The place of crossing was named
in honour of an esteemed Englishman, the Third Earl of
Harrington. The crossing was made in a lifeboat
salvaged from the wrecked ship Jane and the horses
were swum across behind.
