river in southeastern Queensland, Australia, rising in the Brisbane–Cooyar ranges and flowing 214 mi (344 km) southeasterly and northeasterly through a farming and dairying region to Moreton Bay. Its chief tributaries are the Stanley and Bremer rivers and Lockyer Creek. It is navigable for steamers below Brisbane (14 mi) and for small craft below Ipswich (50 mi). Ferry service began in 1843 and steamer service in 1846; the first bridge was completed in 1865. The stream was reached in 1823 by three convicts fleeing from Sydney and was explored by Lieut. John Oxley, who captured them. It was named after Sir Thomas Makdougall Brisbane, governor of New South Wales (1821–25).