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
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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 Battle of Beersheba (1917)
The Battle of Beersheba was a military action fought between Allied forces against troops of the Ottoman Empire (assisted by German and … [Read More...] about The Battle of Beersheba (1917)
The Ode of Remembrance
The “Ode of Remembrance”, also known as simply “The Ode”, is commonly recited at remembrance services in Australia, on Anzac Day (25 April) … [Read More...] about The Ode of Remembrance
Significant events
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
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
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 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
Featured posts
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
Brian Cadd [music videos and biography]
Brian Cadd (born in Perth, Western Australia, on 29 November 1946) was in two prominent Australian bands, The Groop (1966 to 1969) and Axiom … [Read More...] about Brian Cadd [music videos and biography]
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]
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
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]
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]
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