John Pascoe Fawkner

Australian settler

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June 26, 2026

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John Pascoe Fawkner was an Australian settler and entrepreneur, often credited with the founding of Melbourne. He arrived in the Port Phillip District in 1835, shortly after John Batman, and established a settlement on the banks of the Yarra River. Fawkner was instrumental in the early development of Melbourne, founding hotels, a newspaper, and a bookselling business. He also served on the Legislative Council for 18 years. His contributions were significant to the consolidation and expansion of the settlement, which officially became Melbourne in 1837.12

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Melbourne
Early settlement
…party led by another pioneer, John Fawkner, settled on the banks of the Yarra River. There has been much debate about whether Batman or Fawkner should be regarded as the founder of Melbourne. Both seem to have an equal claim, but if the term is interpreted to include expansion and…
Read More
…party led by another pioneer, John Fawkner, settled on the banks of the Yarra River. There has been much debate about whether Batman or Fawkner should be regarded as the founder of Melbourne. Both seem to have an equal claim, but if the term is interpreted to include expansion and…
Read More