Why did the Europeans need to cross the Blue Mountains?

Answer 1

When the First Fleet arrived in New South Wales in 1788, all efforts concentrated on developing farmland and a food supply to support the convict colony. Free settlers also began to arrive, lured by the promise of a better life in the new, young country. This placed considerable strain on New South Wales's resources, and farmers saw the need for expansion beyond the Blue Mountains, which had provided an impassable barrier to the west. The expedition to cross the Blue Mountains grew out of this need. Gregory Blaxland was a wealthy grazier who had come to Australia in 1806. He stood to gain much by finding a route to new grasslands for his stock. Blaxland approached Governor Macquarie about funding an expedition to cross the Blue Mountains. Though Macquarie found Blaxland to be troublesome and discontented, and felt he should be growing grain to feed the colony rather than the lazy option of grazing cattle. Nonetheless, Macquarie granted approval for the expedition.