Events
Defining Moments in Australian History: The New Zealand colony separates from New South Wales
16 November 1840: The New Zealand colony separates from New South Wales.
Category: On This Day
Events
Defining Moments in Australian History: The ongoing campaign to abolish nuclear weapons
In 2017, the Nobel Peace Prize was won by a Melbourne-founded nuclear disarmament organisation.
History & Culture
On this day: Pemulwuy is killed
Remembering the Indigenous resistance fighter determined to maintain Aboriginal traditions by resisting British rule.
Biodiversity
On this day: Trout arrive in Australia
On 4 May 1864, the first brown trout eggs ever successfully shipped to Australia hatched in the cool waters of Plenty River, Tasmania – causing a ripple effect for both fishing and conservation that endures to this day.
History & Culture
The evolution of Anzac Day from 1915 until today
Australians have commemorated Anzac Day on 25 April for more than a century, but the ceremonies and their meanings have changed significantly since 1915.
On This Day
On this day: Phar Lap’s death shocks the racing world
The death of the champion Australian racehorse was mourned by the nation – and shrouded in mystery.
On This Day
On this day: Australia switches from pounds to dollars
‘C-Day’ brought change to Australia in the form of a new decimal currency.
On This Day
On this day: Winning design for the Sydney Opera House revealed
Unknown Danish architect Jørn Utzon won the competition with his bold vision.
On This Day
On this day: Captain Moonlite’s hanging
Love letters, shootouts and bank robberies – Andrew George Scott’s life and relationship to James Nesbitt has left historians intrigued.
On This Day
On this day: HMAS Sydney (II) mystery solved
In 1941 the pride of the Australian navy was sunk with 645 lives aboard. Its final resting place remained a mystery until 2008.