Leichhardt was named after Ludwig Leichhardt who was born 200 years ago this year. He came to Australia in 1842 after studying Natural Sciences in Germany, and was a very talented scientist. He led several minor exploring expeditions then completed a very long and difficult journey in 1844-5 from Moreton Bay near Brisbane to Port Essington, north of present Darwin.
On return he planned another expedition from the east coast to the west coast of Australia. He set off in 1848 from the Darling Downs, and shortly after all contact was lost. Some say he almost made it to Broome, others that he perished in the inland deserts, or drowned in flooding rivers in the Top End.
Give a thought for poor Ludwig, born 200 years ago, died age 35, on your next expedition with Bike Leichhardt.
More on http://www.australiangeographic.com.au/journal/cold-case-leichhardts-disappearance.htm
If you are wondering why Leichhardt was named Leichhardt, see here.
Leichhardt Chamber of Commerce is promoting a Looking for Leichhardt? competition. Look for the poster in shops and if you find a picture of him in the shop you can enter for prizes on the Leichhardt Village facebook website.
Another article on Ludwig
http://www.australiangeographic.com.au/news/2014/10/new-leichhardt-expedition-map-offers-fresh-insights