1788 – 1913
Australia began as a British penal colony with the arrival of the First Fleet in 1788. Over time, free settlers joined, leading to the development of cities and the expansion of agriculture and mining. The discovery of gold in the 1850s sparked a gold rush, bringing wealth and new immigrants. This period also saw significant impacts on Indigenous peoples, including displacement and conflict. By 1901, the colonies united to form the Commonwealth of Australia, paving the way for modern nationhood.
Picture books
Meet Ned Kelly
Fun introduction to the famous Australian outlaw
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Waltzing Matilda
Popup book illustrating the famous Australian song
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Bob the Railway Dog: The True Story of an Adventurous Dog
True story of a dog who rode the rails in the early days of Australia’s railroad
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My Place
Unique Australian history through 200 years in one house
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Chapter books
Audrey of the Outback
Delightful story of a girl growing up in the Outback
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Goldfields Girl
Story of a determined teenage girl living in an Australian gold rush town
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The Poppy Stories: 4 Books in One
Four-book collection about a fictional Australian girl who follows her brother to the goldfields
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Our Australian Girl: The Grace Stories
Four-book collection about a fictional Australian girl traveling from England to be a servant
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I Escaped The Prison Island: An 1836 Child Convict Survival Story
Exciting story of two English brothers escaping a penal island in Australia
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