A History of Australia

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/
 
A History of Australia @ Bluesky | https://bsky.app/profile/ahistoryofaus.bsky.social 

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.