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
Advance Australia Fair: How the song became the Australian national anthem
The story of how “Advance Australia Fair” became Australia’s national anthem takes place over the span of 106 years, from 1878 to 1984. … [Read More...] about Advance Australia Fair: How the song became the Australian national anthem
Saint Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day is celebrated each year on the 14th of February. The day is also known as Saint Valentine’s Day, or the Feast of Saint … [Read More...] about Saint Valentine’s Day
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
The Melbourne Cup [horse race]
The Melbourne Cup The Melbourne Cup is the most famous horse race in Australia. It began in 1861 and has been held every year since. It … [Read More...] about The Melbourne Cup [horse race]
May Day
Various articles relating to May Day, and May Day celebrations. May Day has long been observed in European cultures, as a celebration of … [Read More...] about May 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)
Joseph Furphy
Joseph Furphy (1843-1912) was an author, poet, farmer, bullock-driver, and iron worker. He is best known as the author of the novel Such is … [Read More...] about Joseph Furphy
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]
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]
Latest posts
St. Valentine’s Day: A Privateering Ballad (1708—1710) [poem by E. J. Brady, 16 December 1899]
[Editor: This poem, by E. J. Brady, about the English privateer Captain Woodes Rogers (and with reference to Valentine’s Day), was published … [Read More...] about St. Valentine’s Day: A Privateering Ballad (1708—1710) [poem by E. J. Brady, 16 December 1899]
St. Valentine’s Day [24 February 1875]
[Editor: This article, regarding Valentine’s Day, was published in The Illustrated Australian News for Home Readers (Melbourne, Vic.), 24 … [Read More...] about St. Valentine’s Day [24 February 1875]
The drought [27 March 1902]
[Editor: This brief article, regarding drought conditions, was published in The Brisbane Courier (Brisbane, Qld.), 27 March 1902.] The … [Read More...] about The drought [27 March 1902]
Literary notes [re Charles Lever, 27 April 1935]
[Editor: This article, regarding Charles Lever (1806-1872) and his prank on Italians regarding Cook’s Tours (regarding convicts supposedly … [Read More...] about Literary notes [re Charles Lever, 27 April 1935]
Literary notes [re Frederic Manning, 27 April 1935]
[Editor: This article, regarding Frederic Manning (1882-1935), is an extract from the “Literary notes” section published in The Australasian … [Read More...] about Literary notes [re Frederic Manning, 27 April 1935]
New novels [book review of “Saraband for Dead Lovers” by Helen Simpson, 27 April 1935]
[Editor: This book review, of the novel Saraband for Dead Lovers by Helen de Guerry Simpson, is an extract from the “New novels” section … [Read More...] about New novels [book review of “Saraband for Dead Lovers” by Helen Simpson, 27 April 1935]
New novels [book review of “Earth’s Quality” by Winifred Birkett, 27 April 1935]
[Editor: This book review, of the novel Earth’s Quality by Winifred Birkett, is an extract from the “New novels” section published in the … [Read More...] about New novels [book review of “Earth’s Quality” by Winifred Birkett, 27 April 1935]
New novels [book review of “Far Caravan” by E. V. Timms, 27 April 1935]
[Editor: This book review, of the novel Far Caravan by E. V. Timms, is an extract from the “New novels” section published in the The … [Read More...] about New novels [book review of “Far Caravan” by E. V. Timms, 27 April 1935]
Deaths [obituaries, 24 January 1883]
[Editor: These obituaries were published in the South Bourke & Mornington Journal (Dandenong, Vic.), 24 January 1883. The obituaries are for … [Read More...] about Deaths [obituaries, 24 January 1883]
Death of an Australian explorer [obituary re Weston Phillips, 30 January 1883]
[Editor: This obituary, regarding Weston Phillips, was published in the Newcastle Morning Herald & Miners’ Advocate (Newcastle, NSW), 30 … [Read More...] about Death of an Australian explorer [obituary re Weston Phillips, 30 January 1883]
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