This is a list of Australian words, phrases, slang, jargon, idioms, and colloquialisms (also known as “Australianisms”). The expression of words in an Australian accent has been described as “Strine” (which is the stereotypical way that Aussies say the word “Australian”). The vernacular of … [Read More...] about Australian slang, words, and phrases
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 Burke and Wills expedition (1860-1861)
The Burke and Wills expedition was created with the aim of exploring the Australian interior and finding a suitable path for the Australian … [Read More...] about The Burke and Wills expedition (1860-1861)
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 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
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
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
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]
Featured posts
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]
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
Featured poetry
Bell-Birds [poem by Henry Kendall]
[Editor: This poem by Henry Kendall was published in Leaves from Australian Forests (1869).] Bell-Birds. By channels of coolness the … [Read More...] about Bell-Birds [poem by Henry Kendall]
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
White labor and the mail contracts [25 July 1903]
[Editor: This article, regarding opposition to the racial clause of the Post and Telegraph Act 1901 (using extracts from the Standard and … [Read More...] about White labor and the mail contracts [25 July 1903]
English mail contracts: The white labour question: Condemned by the commercial parliament [19 June 1903]
[Editor: This article, regarding opposition to the racial clause of the Post and Telegraph Act 1901, was published in The Evening Journal … [Read More...] about English mail contracts: The white labour question: Condemned by the commercial parliament [19 June 1903]
The Motherland’s Misalliance [illustration by Ambrose Dyson, 1 March 1902]
[Editor: This illustration, drawn by Ambrose Dyson, regarding the British-Japanese alliance and White Australia, was published in The … [Read More...] about The Motherland’s Misalliance [illustration by Ambrose Dyson, 1 March 1902]
[“Old Phil Lorimer”] [The Bulletin, 1 March 1902]
[Editor: This untitled article, regarding Philip Lorimer, is an extract from The Red Page section of The Bulletin (Sydney, NSW), 1 March … [Read More...] about [“Old Phil Lorimer”] [The Bulletin, 1 March 1902]
The Jap. on the horizon [The Bulletin, 22 June 1901]
[Editor: This article, regarding White Australia, Joseph Chamberlain (the UK’s Secretary of State for the Colonies), and the British … [Read More...] about The Jap. on the horizon [The Bulletin, 22 June 1901]
Going North: About the East: Some reflections: The coloured invasion of Australia: The battle of Thursday Island [by “Banjo” Paterson, 31 August 1901]
[Editor: This article, by “Banjo” Paterson, regarding his travels in northern Queensland (including some commentary on non-Europeans), as … [Read More...] about Going North: About the East: Some reflections: The coloured invasion of Australia: The battle of Thursday Island [by “Banjo” Paterson, 31 August 1901]
Australian immigration policy: This speech was cheered by ANA Conference [speech by Arthur Calwell, 8 April 1949]
[Editor: This article, which reproduces a speech by Arthur Calwell (leader of the Australian Labor Party) regarding the O’Keefe case and the … [Read More...] about Australian immigration policy: This speech was cheered by ANA Conference [speech by Arthur Calwell, 8 April 1949]
‘White Australia’ policy must go [25 March 1949]
[Editor: This article, attacking the White Australia Policy, was published in the Workers Star (Perth, WA), 25 March 1949.] ‘White … [Read More...] about ‘White Australia’ policy must go [25 March 1949]
Press, clergy protest “White Australia” Policy [1 February 1949]
[Editor: This article, regarding Arthur Calwell, the O’Keefe case, and the White Australia Policy, was published in the China Mail (Hong … [Read More...] about Press, clergy protest “White Australia” Policy [1 February 1949]
We won’t fool Asia [31 January 1949]
[Editor: This article, regarding Arthur Calwell, the O’Keefe case, and the White Australia Policy, was published in The Daily Telegraph … [Read More...] about We won’t fool Asia [31 January 1949]
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