Brisbane nestles on a bend of the snaking river that has been so important to its development and character. In 1825 the city's position, 27 kilometres from the mouth of Moreton Bay, was chosen for its reliable water supply and because the upstream location would make escape difficult for the repeat offenders destined for the new colony.

Initially the site of the first settlement was established at Redcliffe, on the shores of Moreton Bay. When this proved to be unsuitable it was moved to its current position. Surveyor General John Oxley explored the Moreton Bay area in 1823 and named the Brisbane River, in honour of the Governor of New South Wales from 1821 to 1825, Major-General Sir Thomas Makdougall Brisbane.

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