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 discovery of Australia
Early European cartographers had long suspected that there was a “great southern land” located in the Southern Hemisphere; hypothesizing the … [Read More...] about The discovery of Australia
The Groop [music videos]
The Groop was a rock band which was formed in Melbourne by Peter McKeddie, Max Ross, and Richard Wright, and which performed from 1964 to … [Read More...] about The Groop [music videos]
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]
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
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
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
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
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
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]
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]
Latest posts
Died on Active Service / Heroes of the Empire [Australian military personnel (WW1, WW2), 24 April 1943]
[Editor: Deaths notices and memoriam notices, regarding Australian military personnel, published in The Advertiser (Adelaide, SA), 24 April … [Read More...] about Died on Active Service / Heroes of the Empire [Australian military personnel (WW1, WW2), 24 April 1943]
Flooded house on Villiers Street, Grafton (NSW) [postcard, circa 1950]
[Editor: This postcard (unused), which incorporates a photograph of a flooded house on Villiers Street, Grafton (New South Wales), is … [Read More...] about Flooded house on Villiers Street, Grafton (NSW) [postcard, circa 1950]
Fossicker’s claim, Daylesford [postcard, circa 1905-1912]
[Editor: This postcard, which incorporates a photograph of a gold-seeker’s site in a bush area, is undated; however, it is believed to have … [Read More...] about Fossicker’s claim, Daylesford [postcard, circa 1905-1912]
The Bathing Beach Flinders [postcard, early 20th Century]
[Editor: This postcard, which incorporates a photograph of a beach at Flinders (Victoria), is undated; however, it is believed to have been … [Read More...] about The Bathing Beach Flinders [postcard, early 20th Century]
The Lass of Yackandandah [poem, 11 June 1857]
[Editor: This poem was published in Melbourne Punch (Melbourne, Vic.), 11 June 1857.] Colonial lyrics. The Lass of … [Read More...] about The Lass of Yackandandah [poem, 11 June 1857]
Imagine their surprise! [1st April 2025]
A little-known historical fact: When the First Fleet sailed into Sydney Harbour on the 26th of January 1788, to establish a new British … [Read More...] about Imagine their surprise! [1st April 2025]
Unification or Federation? A.N.A. debate [7 September 1909]
[Editor: This article, regarding an arranged public debate over the proposed abolition of state parliaments, was published in The Argus … [Read More...] about Unification or Federation? A.N.A. debate [7 September 1909]
The melancholic nature of Barcroft Boake
[Editor: This article, regarding Barcroft Boake, was written for the Institute of Australian Culture.] The melancholic nature of … [Read More...] about The melancholic nature of Barcroft Boake
Evolution of Australian architecture [by James Nagle, 1 December 1930]
[Editor: This article, by James Nagle, was published in Architecture (Sydney, NSW), 1 December 1930.] Evolution of Australian … [Read More...] about Evolution of Australian architecture [by James Nagle, 1 December 1930]
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]
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