Daniel Cooper (1785 – 3 November 1853) was a convict transported to New South Wales who became a successful merchant, financier, shipowner and shipping agent.
His first business interests were a general store, an adjoining inn, a small investment in shipping, and a brewery.
The firm continued to have spectacular success, expanding into importing a full range of goods, pioneering the export of Australian wool, and investing in whaling and sealing expeditions.
[2][3][4] Among other properties, the firm acquired the estate of Captain John Piper, which included more than 1,100 acres (4.5 km2) at Woollahra and Rose Bay.
While he was there, he became involved with Thomas Peel in the colonisation of Western Australia, which was a financial disaster for him, and did not return.