A History of Australia
A chronological, listenable, academic podcast that explores the history of Australia from its earliest times to the present day.
Episodes
Ep01: An Introduction
An Introduction to the A History of Australia podcast.
Ep02: Sahul and the Arrival of Humans
This episode of the A History of Australia podcast discusses Sahul as it was 60,000 years ago, the Megafauna that existed on it prior to human habitation, and how the first Indigenous Australians arrived on the continent.
Ep03: How Indigenous Australians transformed Sahul
This episode of the A History of Australia podcast examines how Indigenous Australians spread around the continent once they arrived in Australia, the extinction of the Megafauna and whether humans were the cause, and how Indigenous Australians utilised fire to manipulate the environment.
Ep04: Pre-Contact Indigenous Australia - Tools, Warfare, and Material Culture
This episode of the A History of Australia podcast focuses on Pre-Contact Indigenous Australia's material culture. In this episode, the tools/watercraft/shelters of Indigenous Australia will be overviewed and examined with how they changed across the continent. This episode will also overview pre-contact Indigenous conflict/warfare.
Website: https://ahistoryofaustraliapodcast.wordpress.com/
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Ep05: Society and Culture in Pre-Contact Indigenous Australia
This episode of the A History of Australia podcast will overview Pre-Contact Indigenous Australia's society, culture, and spiritual beliefs. We'll look at how concepts such as the Dreamtime, Sacred Ceremony, and Food changed across the continent, and what each of those meant for the Indigenous people who had them as a part of their lives. If you liked this episode or found it informative, feel fre
Ep06: Dingoes, Asian Contact, and European Fantasy with Australia
This episode of the A History of Australia discusses the arrival of the Dingo to Australia, how the outside world first contacted the Indigenous Australians through the Makassar peoples, and the manner in which the Europeans perceived Australia before they had ever found it.
Ep07: The Mythical and Dutch Exploration of Australia
In this episode of the A History of Australia podcast, we will overview both the more fanciful and legendary explorations of Australia, as well the as the first European exploration of Australia by the Dutch.
Ep08: British and French Exploration of Australia
This episode of the A History of Australia examines the British and French explorations of Australia. We look at the explorers who made their way to Australia's shores, and how they viewed both the continent and its people, during the 1600s and 1700s.
Ep09: Penal Colony or Imperial Ambition? Why Australia was Colonised.
In this episode of the A History of Australia podcast, we delve into the reasons as to why the British decided to colonise Australia, and whether it is just the same story you've known since you were a child (trust us, it likely is not). We also discuss Terra Nullius, and what it meant for how the British justified their colonisation of the continent.
Ep10: The First Fleet and Convicts
This episode of the A History of Australia Podcast will look at who the convicts were and how they have been understood throughout the shifting phases of Australian history. We will also look at the First Fleet, and its journey from England to Botany Bay.
Ep11: The First Days of Colony
In this episode, we put a magnifying glass to the first weeks of the colonisation of Australia, and examine how Arthur Phillip and the convicts went about putting the process into motion.
Ep12: Crime, Famine, and Smallpox in 1788-1789
In this episode, we'll be overviewing the first two years of the colony, picking up right where we left off last episode. We'll discuss the crime and famine which affected the colony, as well as how the 1789 Smallpox outbreak affect the Indigenous Australians.
Ep13: The Second Fleet, the 1790 Food Crisis, and Pemulwuy
This week, we continue to explore how the colony of Sydney and Governor Arthur dealt with and were affected by the food crisis. We also start to see the first instances of frontier warfare, as Pemulwuy leads the first attack against the Europeans in 1790.
Ep14: Ending the Food Crisis, and a Retrospective on Governor Arthur Phillip
In this episode of the A History of Australia Podcast, we overview how the 1790 Food Crisis ended. We also take a look at the historical events of 1791-1792, and end with a retrospective on the Governorship of Arthur Phillip, looking to answer the question, was he competent and effective as a leader?
Ep15: Alcoholism and Corruption under Francis Grose
In this episode of the A History of Australia Podcast, we examine how Australia, and the colony of Sydney were affected by Francis Grose's rule. Will he continue Phillip's practices, or will he enable corruption and alcoholism across the colony?
Ep16: The Massacre of Richmond Hill and Frontier War
This week's episode will take a magnifying glass to the battle/massacre of Richmond Hill, and discuss how it relates to the greater concept of Frontier Wars across Australia's History. We'll also take a quick look at Governor Hunter's arrival in the colony of NSW.
Ep17: The Trials and Tribulations of John Hunter
In this week's episode, we overview how newly minted Governor John Hunter attempts to fix the issues of war, corruption, and rum. We also look at how John Macarthur sets a record by igniting three public feuds in two months, and at Pemulwuy dueling against Australia's first bushranger.
Ep18: The Battle of Parramatta and the Wreck of the Sydney Cove
In this episode, we overview the substantial Battle of Parramatta, as well as the wreck of the ship, the Sydney Cove. We will also overview the start of an exploration boom led by George Bass and Matthew Flinders.
Ep19: The Dismissal of Governor Hunter
In this week's episode, we analyse the end of John Hunter's time as Governor, as well as the journey Bass and Flinders took to establish the existence of the Bass Strait. We'll also undertake a brief retrospective on Hunter, to see if he compares to Governor Phillip or if he falls short.
Ep20: The First Years of Governor King
In this episode we overview the first years of Governor King, as well as the duel between William Paterson and John Macarthur, the meeting of Baudin and Flinders, and the death of a recurring individual. Will King be a better Governor than Hunter? Only time will tell.
Ep21: The Irish Rebellion of 1804
This week, we overview the Irish Rebellion/Castle Hill Convict rebellion of 1804. We also take a look at the expansion of colony across Australia, as well as the events at Risdon Cove in 1804 and how they tie in to Australia's History Wars.
Ep22: The Prelude to the Rum Rebellion
This week, we overview the last years of Governor King, the return of John Macarthur, and the arrival of Governor Bligh. In essence, we take a look at the prelude to the Rum Rebellion!
Ep23: The Rum Rebellion Part 1
This week, we explore the start of the Rum Rebellion, and examine how the personalities of John Macarthur, George Johnston, Richard Atkins, and Governor William Bligh clashed to create the circumstances which led to the coup. Part 1 of a 2 part overview.
Ep24: The Rum Rebellion Part 2
This week, we analyse the events of January 26th 1808, as Johnston and Macarthur finally launch their coup against Governor Bligh.
Ep25: Military Junta in Australia, The Aftermath of Macarthur’s Coup
This episode, we examine the aftermath of the Rum Rebellion/Macarthur's Coup. Will Macarthur and Johnston hold onto power, or will the colony of NSW extend into chaos?
Ep26: Out with the Old, In with Governor Macquarie
In this episode, we finally step out of the shadow of Macarthur's Coup, and enter the period of Macquarie's Governorship. Will he deal with similar issues as his predecessors? Or will he prosper without Macarthur in the colony?
Ep27: Holey Dollars, Blue Mountains, and the Lieutenant Governor of the Woods
This week, we overview the establishment of Australia's first currency, the first crossing of the Blue Mountains, and Thomas Davey's time as Van Dieman's Land's Lieutenant Governor. Will he be able to prosper, or will bushrangers and insults from Governor Macquarie bring him down?
Minisode 01: Colonists Beyond Colony
In the first minisode of the podcast, we explore the colonists who lived beyond the colonial frontier by 1814, including Sealers on Kangaroo Island, and two supposed 'Wild White Men'.
Ep 28: The Hawkesbury-Nepean War
In this episode, we explore the 1814-1816 Hawkesbury-Nepean War. Part of the ongoing frontier wars in Australia's colonial history, this war sees one of the biggest military actions up until this point, as well as the most controversial parts of Macquarie's time as governor.
Ep29: The Bigge Report
In this episode, we overview the final years of Governor Macquarie, and examine how the Exclusives played a part in his resignation. We also take the time to overview the Bigge Report, which will have major ramifications down the road, and to briefly retrospect on Macquarie's time as Governor.
Ep30: From Autocracy to a Hint of Democracy
In this episode of the A History of Australia podcast, we focus in on Governor Brisbane's first years as Governor. And more specifically, we analyse the introduction of colonial Australia's first democratic institution in the 1823 Legislative Council, but is it really anything more than just a token gesture in an autocracy?
Ep31: Frontier War and Martial Law around Bathurst
In this episode we overview the last years of Governor Brisbane's time in charge, and take an eye to the frontier war against the Wiradjuri in the Bathurst region. We also take some time to discuss the bushranging mixed with frontier war in Tasmania, as well as the spread of colony across the country in the mid-1820s.
Ep32: Autocracy and Press Freedom
In this episode, we overview the struggle between Governor Darling and the Newspapers of the colony, as well as discuss the the separation of Van Diemen's Land from NSW. We also take a quick second to discuss an Australian ghost story.
Ep33: The Swan River Colony
In this episode, we explore the colonisation of the Swan River Colony (Western Australia) under Captain James Stirling. In addition, we follow the conflict between Governor Darling and the "Freer" Press to its conclusion, examine Australia's first, and possibly largest, bank robbery, and discuss the expansion of the Legislative Council.
Ep34: The Black Line & The Tasmanian War
In this episode, we overview Frontier Warfare in Van Dieman's Land during 1826-1831, and discuss the most prominent event of it all, the Black Line.
Ep35: The Bathurst Rebellion
In this week's episode, we overview the Bathurst Rebellion of 1830. We also take the time to discuss Charles Sturt's exploration of the Darling and Murray Rivers, and the end of Governor Darling's period of leadership.
Ep36: The Ripon Reforms and Macarthur's Death
In this episode, we take some time to discuss the land reforms of 1831 which lay the roots for issues decades in the future, as well as talk about the Swan River legislative council and some convict mutinies. Finally, we end the episode with an overview on John Macarthur's death, and the legacy he leaves on the Australian colonies.
Ep37: The Colonisation of Victoria
In this week's episode, we overview the colonisation of the state of Victoria. We also discuss Australia's only treaty between Indigenous Australians and Europeans, that of Batman's treaty, as well as why treaty-making basically did not exist in colonial Australia.
Ep38: Continental Frontier War in the 1830s
In this episode, we discuss frontier war on the main Australian continent throughout the 1830s, between the fort warfare in the North and the Battles in Western Australia.
Ep39: The Colonisation of South Australia
In this episode, we discuss the Colonisation of "the non-convict state", South Australia. We examine whether its pioneer Edward Wakefield deserved such a title, and how the colony actually got started up.
Ep40: The End of NSW's Convict Transportation
We've got a packed episode this week, as we overview Frontier War in Victoria and NSW, the end of two Governors, and the cessation of Convict Transportation to NSW.
Minisode 02: Elizabeth Macarthur
In this minisode, we overview the life of Elizabeth Macarthur, wife of John Macarthur and perhaps the true pioneer of Australia's wool industry.
Ep41: Frontier War in South Australia
This week we examine Frontier warfare in the "free colony" of Australia, and see whether 50 years of experience and knowledge changes frontier warfare for the better or worse.
Ep42: The Great Depression of the 1840s
In this episode, we discuss the ongoings of colonial Australia during the period of 1840-1843, with a specific focus towards the colonies affected by the Depression of the 1840s. These include the downfall of South Australia, the failure of Australind, and the recession of New South Wales, all of which we'll discuss today!
Minisode 03: Norfolk Island and its Many Convict Mutinies
In this minisode, we discuss Norfolk Island and the half a dozen convict mutinies, rebellions, and riots which occurred throughout its second period of colonisation.
Ep43: Democracy and Squatters
This week, we look towards the lurching forward of democracy which occurred throughout New South Wales in the early 1840s. We also take the time to discuss Governor Gipps' legislative brawl with the Squatters, and the political strife ongoing in Van Dieman's Land.
Ep44: The Failures of Governors Gipps and Wilmot
This week, we explore the failures and downfalls of both NSW Governor Gipps and Van Dieman's Land Governor Wilmot. We also discuss the risky exploration undertaken by Ludwig Leichhardt and Charles Sturt, and how they both nearly fell to Australia's wilderness.
Minisode 4: Australia's Involvement in New Zealand's Frontier Wars
This week, we take a break from our chronological retelling of Australia's history to discuss Australia's involvement in our neighbour's colonisation, as well as in their frontier wars.
Ep 45: The Disappearance of Ludwig Leichhardt
This week, we discuss the disappearance of Ludwig Leichhardt in the Australia's great desert, while also talking about the issue of convict transportation throughout the colony, and the start of NSW separating with the Port Phillip District and Melbourne.
Ep46: Colonial Australia before the Gold Rush
This episode, we overview Colonial Australia just before the Gold Rush in 1851. The episode is packed to the brim with political, social, and economical change, and contains some interesting stories and threads that will continue throughout the next decade.
If you're interested in reading about my Trove rabbit-hole when it came to that story regarding Victoria's separation, feel free to check out
Ep47: EUREKA! The Gold Rush Begins
In this episode, we discuss the beginning of the gold rush in Australia. We also take some time to talk about the possible pre-gold rush gold finds that may or may not have happened through Australia's history, so if you're into gold (and the gold rush), this episode is for you!
Ep48: The Goldfields of 1851
This week, we examine the goldfields of mid and late 1851, as well as the reason the gold diggers first began protesting in Victoria. In addition, we also look at the first Black Thursday fires on the continent and the first inter-colonial cricket match, while also taking some time to discuss the anti-transportation sentiment in the colonies of Australia at this time.
Ep49: Gold and Floods in 1852
This week, we continue our dive into Australia's gold rushes. We also discuss the lingering death of convict transportation to the Eastern colonies, as well as the most deadly flood in Australia's history.
Ep50: The Bunyip Aristocracy
In this episode, we discuss the year 1853, with its sprees of bushranger crimes, new frontier conflicts, ongoing issues with the gold license system, the final end of convict transportation to Victoria and Van Diemen's Land, and the Bunyip Aristocracy. It's a very packed episode!
Ep51: 1854 before the Eureka Stockade
This week, we discuss everything that is happening throughout Australia in 1854 before the Eureka Stockade. We'll observe the first telegraphs and trains on the continent, alongside fears of Russian invasions! This episode will serve as an excellent backdrop to understand how the colonies are moving when we get to the stockade itself.
Ep52: The Eureka Stockade Part 1
This episode, we discuss the immediate causes in the months leading up to the Eureka Stockade. Join us for the first of three parts, discussing the Stockade and its legacy!
Ep53: The Eureka Stockade Part 2
This week, we discuss the Battle for the Stockade itself, and examine the final days leading up to it.
Ep54: The Eureka Stockade Part 3
This week, we end our three-parter on the Eureka stockade by looking at its immediate consequences and its long-term legacy throughout Australia's history. Is it the democratic, national revolution many say it is, or is it a more local, self-serving affair?
Ep55: Australia after Eureka
In this episode we discuss the political and social changes that occur throughout a colonial Australia after the Eureka Stockade.
Ep56: Responsible Colonial Government
This week, we discuss the advent of Responsible Colonial Government, and all the political and electoral strife that brings to the Australian colonies.
Ep57: The Buckland Riot and Political Chaos in 1857
This week, we discuss the rise of anti-Chinese sentiment leading to the Buckland Riot. We also talk about all the political chaos across four different colonies, as well as some frontier wars and disasters. All in all, its a full on episode of Australia's history!
Ep58: The First Game of Australian Rules Football
This week, we discuss the first-ever game of Australian Rules Football. We also talk about the expeditions of Augustus Gregory and John McDouall Stuart and the connection of Victoria, South Australia, and New South Wales by Telegraph lines. Finally, we talk about issues on the goldfields and in Victorian politics, making for quite a varied year in 1858.
Ep59: The Year the Rabbits Came
In this episode focusing on the year 1859, we talk about how rabbits first arrived on the continent now known for its infamous rabbit-proof fence. We also discuss the shipwreck of the Admella, the United Confederacy of the Chinese, and the Hospital Creek Massacre. Finally, we discuss two elections in the NSW colony, and one in the Victorian colony.
Ep60: The Colonisation of Queensland
This week, we look at the separation of Queensland from the NSW colony. We'll discuss both the process leading up to it, and what happened afterwards, to fully understand how Queensland was colonised.
Ep61: The Race to Cross Australia
This week, we look at the three major expeditions attempting to cross Australia in 1860-1861, John McDouall Stuart's fourth and fifth expeditions, and the disastrous Burke and Wills expedition. On top of this, we discuss the topic of land reform as the colonies finally attempt to take down the Squatters.
Ep62: The Lambing Flat Riots
This week, we examine the precursor to the White Australian policy in the Lambing Flat Riots. In addition, we discuss land reform in NSWs with the Robertson land acts, and the first ever Melbourne Cup!
Ep63: Blackbirding and Slavery in Queensland
In this episode, we discuss the practice of Blackbirding, coerced and kidnapped slave labour, in the Queensland colony. We also talk about bushrangers, politics, and the hanging of Elizabeth Scott, the first woman to be hung in the Victorian colony.
Ep64: Bushrangers in 1860s Australia
This episode, we take a look at Australia in 1864-5, and discuss the lives and deaths of bushrangers Mad Dan Morgan and Ben Hall. In addition, politics and disaster are on the table, as well as a small cameo from the American Civil War.
Ep65: Bread Riots & Australia's First Saint | 1866
This week, we discuss Queensland economical crisis of 1866 and the subsequent Blood or Bread Riots. In addition, we also talk about Mary Mackillop, Australia's first and only Roman Catholic Saint. Finally, we look over the 1866 Victorian election as well as a few other political moments.
Ep66: WA and the End of Convict Transportation | 1867
This week, we discuss the final, no caveats, end of convict transportation to Western Australia and Australia. In addition, we talk about the Clarke Brothers bushrangers, gold in Queensland, and politics throughout the country, as well the largest ever flood of the Hawkesbury River.
Ep67: A Royal Assassination Attempt | 1868
This week, we discuss the first political assassination attempt in Australia's colonial history, as Prince Alfred, second son of Queen Victoria, is shot at a Sydney beachfront. In addition, frontier conflict, politics, and Blackbirding are all on the docket for this episode.
Also, the podcast is now on Bluesky! Check it out here: https://bsky.app/profile/ahistoryofaus.bsky.social
Ep68: Billy Lanne, The Last Aboriginal Tasmanian Man of Full-Descent | 1869 & 1870
This episode, we examine the life and death of the last Aboriginal Tasmanian man of full-descent, Billy Lanne. We also discuss prison breaks from Western Australia, gold finds in Victoria, and politics throughout the colonies.
Ep69: The Australian Overland Telegraph Line | 1870 - 1872
This week, we examine the creation of the Australian Overland Telegraph Line and see how Australia finally connects to the rest of the world. Furthermore, we discuss Mary Mackillop's excommunication, the rise of Henry Parkes to the role of Premier, and recap a bushranger who was missing from last weeks episode!
The Overland Telegraph Line: A Transcultural History | https://otlhistory.sa.gov.au/
Ep70: Uluru and Journeys Through the Centre of Australia | 1873
This week, we discuss three explorers who attempt to make their way from the centre of Australia all the way to the west coast, battling Australia's great deserts along the way. In addition, we discuss the Clunes miner's strike, little Eureka as it were, as well as the Intercolonial conferences which create the groundwork for Federation.
Ep71: The Premier and the Bushranger, the Fall of Henry Parkes' First Government | 1874 & 1875
Merry Christmas! In this episode, we discuss the unlikely combo which led to the fall of Henry Parkes' first government. In addition, we talk about the SS Gothenburg wreck, the Running Waters Massacre, and the time SA decided to stray past the Goyder Line, with disastrous results.
Ep72: The Catalpa Rescue | 1876
This week, we discuss perhaps Australia's most infamous prison escape, the Catalpa Rescue. In addition, we talk about political changes, the New Zealand to Australia submarine telegraph line, and the death of Truganini.
Ep73: Black Wednesday and Political Chaos | 1877 & 1878
This week, we examine the Victorian political event known as Black Wednesday, as well as a year of political chaos and strife for New South Wales. In addition, we discuss the first-ever Australian and English test cricket match.
Ep74: The Sydney Riot of 1879 and Captain Moonlite | 1879 & 1880
This week, we discuss the events of 1879-1880, as they occurred around Ned Kelly. From a riot over cricket which would include Australia's future first prime minister, to another bushranger whose life has been overshadowed by Kelly, this week is incredibly interesting!
Next week, we'll be diving straight into Ned Kelly and his gang!
Ep75: Ned Kelly Part 1 | The Early Years
In this episode, the first part of three, we look at the beginning of Ned Kelly's life, and his upbringing as part of the massive Kelly clan. We'll see how he grew up, and his first forays into a life of crime and bushranging, working to understand what led him to be the person he'd become.
Ep76: Ned Kelly Part Two | The Fitzpatrick Incident to the Jerilderie Raid
This week we'll be looking towards the Bushranger's life, as he goes from small-time criminal to well-known highwayman, and discuss what Ned did throughout the years that he was a Bushranger, from 1876 to 1879.
