A collection of Australian slang words and phrases. Some are in current widespread use, whilst others are not; some may be derived or taken from overseas slang, but most are unique to Australia. The expression of words in an Australian accent is known as “Strine” (which is how many Aussies say … [Read More...] about Australian slang
Main Content
Topics
This list of topics provides an introduction to various aspects of Australian history, heritage, and culture. Each listing includes links to a number of sources of information held on this site. It is intended to expand the list to cover a wide range of issues. There are thousands of different … [Read More...] about Topics
Significant events and commemorative dates
A list of commemorative dates and historical events which are significant in terms of Australia’s national identity and culture. These are dates which are celebrated or commemorated Australia-wide (or have been in the past), or which are significant to Australia’s historical development. * Days … [Read More...] about Significant events and commemorative dates
Timeline of Australian history and culture
This list is a timeline of various events which are considered to be significant in Australian history and in the development of Australian culture. The deaths of various significant people are included; although their births, which were not significant at the time, are not listed — however, births … [Read More...] about Timeline of Australian history and culture
Significant Australiana
This list includes: Animals; Architecture; Art; Artists; Authors; Books; Bushrangers; Clothes; Entertainment; Explorers; Fictional characters; Flora; Food; Icons; Landmarks; Military; Music: Folk songs and early songs; Music: Singers; Music: Songs; Poetry; Rebels and rebellions; Sports; Stories and … [Read More...] about Significant Australiana
Recommended poetry
This list includes some of the best poetry produced by Australian writers. Whilst choosing the best of Australian poetry is a subjective matter, it is believed that these poems represent some of the best, or most enjoyable, poetic works that our nation has to offer. This is not a definitive … [Read More...] about Recommended poetry
Early music [videos]
Music from the early years of Australia. Arranged chronologically by years of prominent activity. These are “music videos”, but not necessarily video footage of the original artists. For music after this period, see the entry for “Rock music and pop music”. song: The Song of Australia [performed … [Read More...] about Early music [videos]
Folk music and bush music [videos]
Folk music has been described as music which has been passed around by word of mouth, being music which has survived by being embedded in the heart of the people. To this we could add what has been described as “contemporary folk music”, being music of a similar style to traditional folk music. Both … [Read More...] about Folk music and bush music [videos]
Rock music and pop music [videos]
Australian rock and roll, pop music, and Top 40 hits. Songs, singers, musicians, and groups. Mostly pop and rock from the 1950s up to the present. Arranged chronologically by years of prominent activity. Johnny O’Keefe [rock singer, 1956 to 1978] Slim Dusty [country music singer and … [Read More...] about Rock music and pop music [videos]
Books and booklets
Various books and booklets of Australian literature. [Arranged alphabetically by title.] Around the Boree Log and Other Verses [by John O’Brien, 1921] Poems by John O’Brien (Patrick Joseph Hartigan). The Australian Crisis [by C. H. Kirmess, 1909] An “invasion novel”, about a Japanese … [Read More...] about Books and booklets
Featured articles
The dog on the tucker box (Gundagai)
[This IAC article gives some historical information regarding the Dog on the Tucker Box poem and the associated famous statue (five miles … [Read More...] about The dog on the tucker box (Gundagai)
1905 postal regulations for postcards (divided and undivided backs)
Prior to 1905, Australian postal regulations stated that the address side of postcards should only contain the address of the addressee, … [Read More...] about 1905 postal regulations for postcards (divided and undivided backs)
Significant events
The Ashes [cricket, Australia vs. England]
The Ashes is a cricket competition played between Australia and England. It has been an ongoing event since 1882, the year in which a … [Read More...] about The Ashes [cricket, Australia vs. England]
The Eureka Rebellion
Various items relating to the Eureka Rebellion of 1854, the Battle of the Eureka Stockade (3rd December 1854), the subsequent Eureka trials, … [Read More...] about The Eureka Rebellion
Remembrance Day
Remembrance Day, commemorated each year on the 11th of November, was established as a way of paying homage to those who fought and died … [Read More...] about Remembrance Day
Australia Day
Australia Day, the 26th of January, is the anniversary of the foundation of the British colony at Sydney, New South Wales, in 1788. In early … [Read More...] about Australia Day
Featured posts
John O’Brien (Patrick Joseph Hartigan)
John O’Brien was the pen-name of Patrick Joseph Hartigan (1878-1952), an author, poet, and Catholic priest. He wrote four books (two of … [Read More...] about John O’Brien (Patrick Joseph Hartigan)
Under the Southern Cross I Stand [the Australian cricket team’s victory song]
[Updated 31 January 2022, with videos.] Under the Southern Cross I stand, A sprig of wattle in my hand, A native of my native … [Read More...] about Under the Southern Cross I Stand [the Australian cricket team’s victory song]
Featured poetry
A Bush Christening [poem by Banjo Paterson]
[Editor: This poem by “Banjo” Paterson was published in The Man from Snowy River and Other Verses, 1895; previously published in The … [Read More...] about A Bush Christening [poem by Banjo Paterson]
Son of a Fool [poem by C. J. Dennis]
[Editor: This poem by C. J. Dennis was published in Backblock Ballads and Other Verses (1913) and Backblock Ballads and Later Verses … [Read More...] about Son of a Fool [poem by C. J. Dennis]
Latest posts
Drop Bears
Drop Bears are a native Australian mammal, which can be found in bushland areas, especially in those habitats with a dense distribution of … [Read More...] about Drop Bears
Margaret [poem by Mary E. Fullerton]
[Editor: This poem by Mary Eliza Fullerton was published in Moods and Melodies: Sonnets and Lyrics (1908).] Margaret The skein is … [Read More...] about Margaret [poem by Mary E. Fullerton]
The Rose on the Lattice [poem by Mary E. Fullerton]
[Editor: This poem by Mary Eliza Fullerton was published in Moods and Melodies: Sonnets and Lyrics (1908).] The Rose on the … [Read More...] about The Rose on the Lattice [poem by Mary E. Fullerton]
The Blue Endearment of the Hills [poem by Mary E. Fullerton]
[Editor: This poem by Mary Eliza Fullerton was published in Moods and Melodies: Sonnets and Lyrics (1908).] The Blue Endearment of the … [Read More...] about The Blue Endearment of the Hills [poem by Mary E. Fullerton]
Sorrow and Joy [poem by Mary E. Fullerton]
[Editor: This poem by Mary Eliza Fullerton was published in Moods and Melodies: Sonnets and Lyrics (1908).] Sorrow and Joy Sorrow … [Read More...] about Sorrow and Joy [poem by Mary E. Fullerton]
Divided [poem by Mary E. Fullerton]
[Editor: This poem by Mary Eliza Fullerton was published in Moods and Melodies: Sonnets and Lyrics (1908).] Divided When the rose on … [Read More...] about Divided [poem by Mary E. Fullerton]
From the Star World [poem by Mary E. Fullerton]
[Editor: This poem by Mary Eliza Fullerton was published in Moods and Melodies: Sonnets and Lyrics (1908).] From the Star World You … [Read More...] about From the Star World [poem by Mary E. Fullerton]
Night [poem by Mary E. Fullerton]
[Editor: This poem by Mary Eliza Fullerton was published in Moods and Melodies: Sonnets and Lyrics (1908).] Night Night brings the … [Read More...] about Night [poem by Mary E. Fullerton]
The Nautilus Shell [poem by Mary E. Fullerton]
[Editor: This poem by Mary Eliza Fullerton was published in Moods and Melodies: Sonnets and Lyrics (1908).] The Nautilus … [Read More...] about The Nautilus Shell [poem by Mary E. Fullerton]
When Love Awakes [poem by Mary E. Fullerton]
[Editor: This poem by Mary Eliza Fullerton was published in Moods and Melodies: Sonnets and Lyrics (1908).] When Love Awakes. Like … [Read More...] about When Love Awakes [poem by Mary E. Fullerton]
Featured items
Remembrance Day
Remembrance Day, commemorated each year on the 11th of November, was established as a way of paying homage to those who fought and died … [Read More...] about Remembrance Day
Aussie: The Cheerful Monthly
Aussie was originally an Australian Army periodical published in France, as Aussie: The Australian Soldiers’ Magazine. When its editor, … [Read More...] about Aussie: The Cheerful Monthly
Introduction and links
The Institute of Australian Culture: An introduction
Welcome to our website! The Institute of Australian Culture aims to provide a wealth of Australian cultural assets, so as to enable … [Read More...] about The Institute of Australian Culture: An introduction
Links
The following links may be useful for those researching Australian history, culture, and associated fields. Australian … [Read More...] about Links