His father, also William Adams Brodribb, was an attorney who was convicted of administering unlawful oaths in 1816 and transported for seven years.

In April 1835 William junior moved to New South Wales and became a partner in a cattle station.

[7] In July 1861 Brodribb won the seat of Brighton in the Victorian Legislative Assembly, but resigned the following year.

[8] His brother Kenric was also a member of the Victorian Legislative Assembly, representing St Kilda from 1861 to 1864.

[3] He died in Sydney on 31 May 1886 (aged 77) and was buried with his family in St Andrew's Graveyard, Brighton, Victoria.