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
Cabinet cards
Cabinet cards were a development in photography in the 1860s, which arose from the popularity of the cartes de visite. Cartes de visite … [Read More...] about Cabinet cards
Gold Licenses (Victoria)
The widespread public awareness of the discovery of gold in Victoria in 1851 led to a series of gold rushes, with many hopeful people … [Read More...] about Gold Licenses (Victoria)
Significant events
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
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
Anzac Day
Articles, letters, and poems regarding Anzac Day, the Anzacs, the Gallipoli landings, and the Dardanelles campaign. Heroes of the … [Read More...] about Anzac Day
Featured posts
Ned Kelly: Australian bushranger
Edward Kelly, commonly known as “Ned Kelly”, was born in Beveridge, Victoria. His exact date of birth is unknown, but it has been estimated … [Read More...] about Ned Kelly: Australian bushranger
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
On a Cattle Track [poem by Henry Kendall]
[Editor: This poem by Henry Kendall was published in Leaves from Australian Forests (1869).] On a Cattle Track. Where the strength … [Read More...] about On a Cattle Track [poem by Henry Kendall]
Core of My Heart [“My Country”, poem by Dorothea Mackellar, 24 October 1908]
[Editor: This famous poem by Dorothea Mackellar was first published in The Spectator (London, UK) on 5 September 1908; it was originally … [Read More...] about Core of My Heart [“My Country”, poem by Dorothea Mackellar, 24 October 1908]
Latest posts
Homage to Anzacs: More than 33,000 march: Twentieth anniversary [27 April 1935]
[Editor: This article, regarding Anzac Day, was published in The Australasian (Melbourne, Vic.), 27 April 1935.] Homage to … [Read More...] about Homage to Anzacs: More than 33,000 march: Twentieth anniversary [27 April 1935]
The Shrine of Remembrance [poem by “R”, 27 April 1935]
[Editor: This poem was published in The Australasian (Melbourne, Vic.), 27 April 1935.] The Shrine of Remembrance In years to come, … [Read More...] about The Shrine of Remembrance [poem by “R”, 27 April 1935]
Twenty years ago [re Anzac Day, 27 April 1935]
[Editor: This article, regarding Anzac Day, was published in The Australasian (Melbourne, Vic.), 27 April 1935.] Twenty years … [Read More...] about Twenty years ago [re Anzac Day, 27 April 1935]
Anzac Day 1935 [poem by Erle Cox, 27 April 1935]
[Editor: This poem, by Erle Cox, regarding Anzac Day, was published in The Australasian (Melbourne, Vic.), 27 April 1935.] Anzac Day … [Read More...] about Anzac Day 1935 [poem by Erle Cox, 27 April 1935]
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
Harvest festival [16 March 1915]
[Editor: This article, regarding the annual harvest festival held by the Methodist Church in Goulburn (NSW), was published in the Goulburn … [Read More...] about Harvest festival [16 March 1915]
Rabbits and hares at Nerriga [10 September 1901]
[Editor: This brief article, about rabbits and hares destroying crops, was published in The Braidwood and Araluen Express and People’s … [Read More...] about Rabbits and hares at Nerriga [10 September 1901]
A bad quarter-of-an-hour [by Barcroft H. Boake, 28 May 1892]
[Editor: This article, by Barcroft Boake, was published in The Bulletin (Sydney, NSW), 28 May 1892.] A bad quarter-of-an-hour.* I … [Read More...] about A bad quarter-of-an-hour [by Barcroft H. Boake, 28 May 1892]
His new love and his old friend [short story, by “Surcingle” (Barcroft H. Boake), 21 March 1891]
[Editor: This short story, by “Surcingle” (Barcroft H. Boake), was published in The Bulletin (Sydney, NSW), 21 March 1891.] His new … [Read More...] about His new love and his old friend [short story, by “Surcingle” (Barcroft H. Boake), 21 March 1891]
Barcroft H. Boake
Barcroft Henry Thomas Boake, known to some as “Bartie”, was a poet and writer. He wrote poetry for The Bulletin and The Sydney Mail, and was … [Read More...] about Barcroft H. Boake
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