Alexander acquired navigational skills as a cadet in the British merchant navy.
Dr David Salmond and his four sons (including Alexander) immigrated to Rockhampton, Queensland, on the ship Fiery Star, arriving 5 November 1864; Dr Salmond was the ship's Surgeon-Superintendent.
[2] Salmond married Annie M. Skinner on 23 December 1886 in St Philip's Church in Sydney.
[1] He was involved in the border surveys between Queensland and South Australia, including identifying Haddon Corner.
Setting out from Wyndham he explored most of the rich area lying north of the Wunaamin Miliwundi Ranges to the westward of Cambridge Gulf.