This Southern Cross flag was based on earlier designs used in the Australian colonies. It was used as the battle flag of the Eureka Stockade in 1854. Captain Charles Ross of Toronto, Canada is said to be the designer of this flag. The rebellion was led by Peter Lalor who in later, life became Speaker of the Parliament of Victoria. Trooper John King retained a portion of the flag after the miners’ stockade was over-run on 3 December, 1854 and this remained in the King family’s possession until 1895. Today the remnants of the design are on display at the Ballarat Fine Art Gallery in Victoria.
Australia
Australia: The Land Where Time Began
MY COUNTRY
I love a sunburnt country,
A land of sweeping plains,
Of ragged mountain ranges,
Of droughts and flooding rains.
I love her far horizons,
I love her jewel-sea,
Her beauty and her terror
The wide brown land for me!
Dorothea Mackellar OBE (1 July 1885 – 14 January 1968)
I Am Australian (1987 - Bruce Woodley, The Seekers and Dobe Newton, The Bushwackers) I came from the dreamtime from the dusty red soil plains I am the ancient heart, the keeper of the flame I stood upon the rocky shore I watched the tall ships come For forty thousand years I'd been the first Australian. I came upon the prison ship bowed down by iron chains. I cleared the land, endured the lash and waited for the rains. I'm a settler. I'm a farmer's wife on a dry and barren run A convict then a free man I became Australian. I'm the daughter of a digger who sought the mother lode The girl became a woman on the long and dusty road I'm a child of the depression I saw the good times come I'm a bushy, I'm a battler I am Australian [chorus] We are one, but we are many And from all the lands on earth we come We share a dream and sing with one voice: I am, you are, we are Australian I am, you are, we are Australian. I'm a teller of stories I'm a singer of songs I am Albert Namatjira I paint the ghostly gums I am Clancy on his horse I'm Ned Kelly on the run I'm the one who waltzed Matilda I am Australian I'm the hot wind from the desert I'm the black soil of the plains I'm the mountains and the valleys I'm the drought and flooding rains I am the rock, I am the sky The rivers when they run The spirit of this great land I am Australian [chorus] We are one, but we are many And from all the lands on earth we come We share a dream and sing with one voice: I am, you are, we are Australian I am, you are, we are Australian.
photograpy LUISA FERNANDA MARMOLEJO MENDOZA
ABORIGINAL AUSTRALIA
Immerse yourself in Australia’s Aboriginal experiences, places and journeys. The Aboriginal people of Australia have a rich, living culture stretching back at least 50,000 years. Throughout Australia you’ll find opportunities to explore and immerse yourself in Aboriginal culture.
Experience Aboriginal Australia
9 Aboriginal sacred places you should visit (and one you shouldn’t!)
Indigenous Weather Knowledge
The D’harawal Country and language area extends from the southern shores of Port Jackson (Sydney Harbour) to the northern shores of the Shoalhaven River, and from the eastern shores of the Wollondilly River system to the eastern seaboard.
INDIGENOUS FOOD EXPERIENCES AROUND AUSTRALIA
Learning about bush tucker is one of the most enriching (and delicious) ways to deepen your understanding of our Indigenous culture. State by state, here are some of our favourite opportunities to taste, learn and respect these traditional foods.
DISCOVER ANCIENT ROCK ART IN AUSTRALIA’S NORTHERN TERRITORY
According to Aboriginal belief, ancestral spirits assumed human forms thousands of years ago to create the world and Australia as we know it. Applying red, yellow, white and black pigments to rock, indigenous Australians began recording tales of this creation period, known as the “Dreamtime,” as early as 50,000 years ago. Over time, they illustrated everything from hunting methods to laws and ceremonies to early contact with Europeans as a means of imparting knowledge to future generations. Today, these ancient canvases represent some of the oldest and longest running historical records of any group of people in the world.
INDIGENOUS FESTIVALS AROUND AUSTRALIA
Read on for our round up of our favourite festivals and cultural events across the country featuring First Nations dance, music, food, art and stories…
AUSTRALIA’S TOP 7 ABORIGINAL ROCK ART SITES
Australia is home to some of the oldest and most prolific collections of rock art in the world, and interpreting these ancient artworks provides valuable insights into our history.
19 Of The Most Beautiful Aboriginal Australian Words
KOALA
Koala is an Aboriginal word. It is a mispronounced word from the Dharug mob of Western Sydney: Gula/coola/ koolah – which means no water or
no drink. Let’s Make Our Own Koalas.
Photo taken at the Royal Botanical Gardens Sydney © Thérèse O’Leary
THE 20 AUSSIE SLANG WORDS YOU NEED TO KNOW
Yes, Australians speak English. But it’s a special kind of English that develops when you drag the language halfway across the globe then leave it out in the sun for a couple of centuries. Are you struggling to understand the locals in this land of bloody galahs, barbies in the arvo and choccy bikkies with your cuppa? Then use this dictionary of Aussie slang to help translate.
Freelance travel writer and Lonely Planet guidebook contributor Tim Richards decides to shake up his life by taking an epic rail journey across Australia. Jumping aboard iconic trains, like our Spirit of Queensland and Gulflander, he covers over 7,000 kilometres, from the tropics to the desert and from big cities to ghost towns. Tim’s journey is one of classic travel highs and lows: floods, cancellations, extraordinary landscapes and forays into personal and public histories – as well as the steady joy of random strangers encountered along the way.
The top arts and culture festivals in Australia
Australia’s cutest animals… and where to find them
How to make a positive impact on local communities while you travel
7 Aussie travel experiences that help protect the planet
The top 9 sporting events in Australia
6 great mountains to hike in Australia
How to reduce your transportation footprint while travelling Australia
5 best YHA rooftops in Australia
EXPERIENCE AUSTRALIA IN 8D SOUND
Australia is a country painted with a vivid rainbow of colours and enriched with unique and exotic sounds; it’s a place that dazzles your every sense. Experience it for yourself through our new series of videos that take you on an immersive journey of Australia through 8D audio.
7 MUSIC FESTIVALS WORTH TRAVELLING INTERSTATE FOR
Just because the party isn’t coming to you doesn’t mean you can’t go to the party! Whether your favourite international artist is heading Down Under for the first time in decades, or there’s a specific event that you’ve always been keen to check out, lend us your ear – we’ve composed our top 7 Aussie music festivals that are worth a trip from afar to see in person!
THE 11 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE TACKLING AN OUTBACK ROAD TRIP
“Eat your vegetables. Take a sweater. I don’t think that’s a good idea. Hmmm”. We don’t want to sound like a naggy Marge Simpson, but this is the stuff you need to wrap your head around if you’re planning to jump behind the wheel for an epic Aussie road trip.
9 OF AUSTRALIA’S MOST INCREDIBLE UNESCO SITES
From otherworldly natural areas to storied historical buildings, Australia’s 20 World Heritage Sites have been deemed worthy of preservation by UNESCO due to their universal value to humanity, now and for future generations. Ready to explore them? YHA has you covered with great places to stay near some of the nation’s most incredible UNESCO sites.
AUSTRALIA’S EAST COAST IN 30 DAYS: THE ULTIMATE GUIDE
We know the east coast is where it’s at when it comes to iconic Australia – pristine white sand beaches, jaw-dropping coral reefs and dense, lush rainforests are just a few of the many things you can find along the way. If you’ve been wondering where on earth to start your dream trip, what to see along the way and where to rest your sleepy head after all your adventure-filled days, YHA’s got you sorted.
HOT DRINKS OUTDOORS (BYO MARSHMALLOWS)
You don’t have to be a Masterchef to whip up a steaming cup of something delicious when you’re staying in a national park. These recipes are so simple and so good, they may even earn you a night off washing up (look, it’s worth a try).
AUSTRALIAN FOOD AND DRINK FESTIVALS WORTH TRAVELLING FOR
The great thing about the Australian food scene is that it’s so different, not only from state-to-state, but it also widely varies from region-to-region within each state. There’s just one teensy, tiny problem – with so many festivals celebrating the unique food culture of Australia, how do you know which ones are worth going to, let alone jumping on a plane for?
ICONIC AUSSIE FOODS THE WORLD IS MISSING OUT ON
Australia’s not just a nation of quirky animals, people and landmarks – Big Banana, we’re looking at you – it’s also a nation of some very interesting food. For the full Aussie experience, don’t miss these ten interesting, delicious foods you can only find in the land down under.
BROADSHEET
Through breaking news, features, event guides and insight from industry experts, Broadsheet is the authority on the cultural life of your city. We’re here to keep you across the goings on around town and to cover, analyse and comment on it all with accurate reporting, sharp photography and clear, clean design.
TIME FOR AN ADVENTURE!
Pump up the tyres and dust off your walking shoes, we’ve put together some of the most adventurous ways to have an active holiday – because it’s not always about sitting by the pool (although that is a great reward at the end of the day)!
GREAT AUSTRALIAN WALKS
AUSTRALIA’S BEST ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS
WEIRD and WONDERFUL NATURAL PHENOMENA in AUSTRALIA
WHAT TO DO IN AUSTRALIA IN WINTER
STILL OUR COUNTRY
We Yolngu, we are proud of our culture, of who we are. Our culture makes us strong. We Yolngu, we belong to our country and our country belongs to us. Our country makes us strong.
Sydney 1940
Paul Hogan – shrimp on the BBQ ad
John Collinson singing Waltzing Matilda around 1930
Answer to Waltzing Matilda Mystery Found in Broome, Western Australia
ABC Arts: Girt by Sea, An Archival History of the Australian Coast
Recently overseas friends have been asking about travel info for Australia and for your interest I have put some general info here:
YHA – HOW WE’RE MAKING YOUR STAY MORE SUSTAINABLE
HOW DOES THE AUSTRALIAN WALKING TRACK GRADING SYSTEM WORK?
TEN CHEAP, EASY AND HEALTHY MEALS YOU CAN WHIP UP IN A HOSTEL KITCHEN
You don’t have to be a MasterChef contestant to knock up these budget meals for two.
MONUMENT AUSTRALIA website is a historical and educational research site which records the public monuments and memorials in all Australian States and Territories under various themes. These public monuments and memorials were erected by a public desire to commemorate people or events.
An Interesting Web Page FIND MY AUSTRALIA
Interesting information about Australia on All Down Under
Car Rentals – economy car rentals
SUMMER OUTDOOR CINEMAS 2017-2018
There are a few visual cues that mark the beginning of summer in Australia. Jacarandas blossoming on suburban streets. Cricket replacing footy on local ovals. Backpackers sunburning on crowded beaches. And big screens popping up in parks and on rooftops around the country, preparing for another summer of outdoor cinema. Because what better way to spend a balmy evening than under the stars watching your favourite flick?
The world’s longest golf course:
As if golf didn’t take long enough to complete as it is, Australians have created a course that takes four days to play. Stretching 1365 kilometres from Ceduna in South Australia to Kalgoorlie in the West, the Nullarbor Links is a great way to break up the tedious journey on the long drive across the desert heartland of Australia.
Though it’s forbidden to get too close to whales, special permission has been granted to a number of tour operators on the Great Barrier Reef. Passive diving, in which the whales are the ones who need to initiate contact, allows you to get up close to majestic giants of the sea. If you’re lucky, you can be just metres away. The Minke Whale Project
View the oldest living organisms on Earth:
Did you know that Australia is home to the oldest living organism on the planet? The stromatolites in the Shark Bay World Heritage Area are estimated to be between 2,000 and 3,000 years old, and provide a unique insight into the origins of life.
Travel on the longest stretch of straight rail:
The Indian Pacific travels from east to west on the longest straight stretch of railway track, coming in at a massive 478 kilometres in length. On the journey you’ll get to experience the magic of our great southern land, all in air-conditioned comfort.
Visit the world’s largest sand island:
A must-see on the route around Australia, Fraser Island the world’s largest sand island – comprised of sand that has accumulated over 750,000 years. It’s home to over 100 freshwater lakes, and dunes that reach up to 260 metres above sea level.
Travel down a horizontal waterfall:
The Horizontal Falls, also known as the Horries, is a natural phenomenon in the Kimberley region of WA. Despite the name it’s not actually a waterfall, but rather a fast moving tidal flow between two narrow, closely aligned gorges. Still, we think it looks pretty spectacular and should be a must see on any Kimberley itinerary.
Drive around the world’s smallest continent:
Coming in at more than 24,000 kilometres, Highway 1 is the world’s longest national highway and allows you to circumnavigate Australia. Though we’re often called the world’s largest island, the jury is out on this claim as technically Australia is a continent and not an island. Either way, Australia still makes for an epic road trip.
AUSTRALIA’S EAST COAST IN 30 DAYS: THE ULTIMATE GUIDE
We know the east coast is where it’s at when it comes to iconic Australia – pristine white sand beaches, jaw-dropping coral reefs and dense, lush rainforests are just a few of the many things you can find along the way. If you’ve been wondering where on earth to start your dream trip, what to see along the way and where to rest your sleepy head after all your adventure-filled days, YHA’s got you sorted.
Discover some of Australia’s hidden gems. Turn your road trip into an experience you’ll always remember, with adrenaline pumping adventures, amazing food stops for a classic pub feed, and locations so beautiful they’ll keep you mesmerised. For a road trip large or small, pack the car and let’s go!
10 BEST AUSSIE TOWNS YOU’VE NEVER HEARD OF
The big city is dazzling, but there’s nothing quite like spending some time in a small town. The air is fresh, the locals are friendly and welcoming and there are endless unforgettable experiences to be had that should attract hordes of tourists, but don’t. When you take the road less travelled, you can swim alongside the world’s biggest fish species, fly across the treetops in a lush rainforest and eat some of the best and freshest food in the country. Here are the 10 best Australian towns you’ve never heard of, but should most definitely consider visiting.
Drink among the world’s oldest grape vines
With travel to and from Europe taking a ridiculously long time, grape vines were brought to Australia on the First Fleet. The first plantings were in the Hunter Valley around 1830. In the 1860’s, a grape root louse called Phylloxera wiped Europe’s vineyards. As a result, Australia possesses the oldest on-root vines in the world.
Hessel Gerritsz, Map of the Pacific, 1622
Dutch navigator William Jansz in the Duyfken explored the est coast of Cape York in 1606, not realising that this was the Australian mainland.
Endeavour beached at Endeavour River for repairs after her grounding on the Great Barrier Reef in 1770. By Johann Fritzsch, published 1786.
Captain Cook Claims Botany Bay, New South Wales, Australia, 1770 (1886): a wood engraving depicting Cook proclaiming NSW a British possession from Picturesque Atlas of Australasia Vol I by Andrew Garran. Photograph: Print Collector/Getty Images.
The first fleet had 11 ships carrying around 1470 souls. Enters Sydney Harbour, January 26, 1788. http://www.visitsydneyaustralia.com.au/history-5-first.html
National Colonial Flag for Australia (8123-4) The Southern Cross featured on this first attempt by Captains Bingle and Nicholson to create a natinal flag.
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- Australia’s first £1 note found after 80 years at the National Library of Australia. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-05-05/first-one-pound-note/6446036
THE first banknotes to circulate in the colonial days in Australia were issued by private banks. The Bank of New South Wales was the first after Governor Macquarie decided to form the financial institution. This week’s image is a genuine Bank of New South Wales five-pound note that was issued on October 6, 1866, just one of a series of denominations issued by the bank.
The holey dollar was created to address a shortage of coins in the new colony. Governor Lachlan Macquarie imported 40,000 Spanish reales in 1812 and had convicted forger William Henshall cut the centre out of each, to double the number of available coins. The coins were counterstamped and the outer ring became known as the holey dollar, with the centre renamed the dump.
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- Tom Roberts Bourke Street West 1886
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- Tom Roberts The Opening of the First Federal Parliament 1901
Tom Roberts “Shearing the Rams” https://www.directartaustralia.com.au/news/art-of-tom-roberts-at-the-national-gallery-of-australia-paintings-prints/
Australian Folk Songs Click go the Shears
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- Grace Cossington Smith “Reinforcements: troops marching” https://www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au/collection/works/OA5.1967/
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- George Lambert “A sergeant of light horse” https://www.ngv.vic.gov.au/explore/collection/work/5822/
The Squatter’s Daughter (1933)
THE STAR THEATRE, GLOUCESTER https://midcoaststories.com/2019/03/the-star-theatre-gloucester/
Sydney Harbour Bridge | Work commenced on the great coathanger in 1923 and was completed in March, 1932. The main span is 503m long. https://www.nma.gov.au/defining-moments/resources/sydney-harbour-bridge-opens
Hinkler, Herbert John (Bert) (1892–1933) http://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/hinkler-herbert-john-bert-6680
Lord Howard Walter Florey https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/medicine/1945/florey/biographical/
TV and Melbourne Olympics
1956: Television introduced in time for Australia’s first Olympic Games, Melbourne. ‘Good evening and welcome to television.’ These were the first words spoken on Australian television by Bruce Gyngell on 16 September 1956.
1966: Switch to decimal currency
On Valentine’s Day 1966 Australians woke to a brand-new currency. The decision to change from the Australian pound (with its awkward shillings and pence) to a decimal currency — the Australian dollar — had been a pragmatic, economic one. Yet decimalisation became an opportunity for Australia to assert itself as an increasingly self-assured and forward-thinking country.
Therese O'Leary 
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