Australian History: A Few Facts Quiz

Answer: Port Jackson

The First Fleet were sent to Australia with Captain James Cook's recommendation of Botany Bay, as the ideal place for a settlement. They arrived on 18th to 30th January 1788. However, on closer inspection Port Jackson was chosen as the better setting.

Answer: Blaxland, Wentworth and Lawson

These men talked to indigenous people, who told them to use the ridges to get to the top, instead of the valleys. They were very successful and their journey opened up rich farmland, ensuring the success of the colony.

Answer: The Eureka Stockade

The miners of the Ballarat were demanding better conditions, the right to vote and the abolition of licence fees. When their demands were not met by the Governor, who sent troops in instead, the miners barricaded themselves behind a stockade for protection. On Sunday morning, December 3rd 1854, the troops attacked, killing 30 miners and taking 128 captive.

The ringleaders were taken to court, but the charges were dropped and conditions soon improved, with the men paying only a yearly one pound fee for the right to vote and mine for gold. Yet another event that has helped forge a sense of Australian identity.

Answer: An infamous bushranger

Ned Kelly is perhaps Australia's most famous bushranger. He has been the subject of many films including one if the 19th century's first films, and more recently starring both Mick Jagger and Heath Ledger. He is particularly famous for his suit of armor. Ned Kelly made a last stand against the Victorian Police in the town of Glenrowan, and was hanged in Melbourne jail in 1880.

Answer: 1st January 1901

On this date the nation of Australia was technically born. However, the national anthem was still "God Save the Queen" and the flag was still the Union Jack. It took many years and defining events for Australia to truly find its feet as a nation with its own identity.

Answer: Walter Burley Griffin

Canberra is known as the city of roundabouts to those who have got lost in the this very circular city. It has a very attractive design, but it can get a little confusing.

Burley Griffin also designed the city of Griffith. This becomes apparent if you try driving in it very long. The same circular patterns abound. It is also the largest city in New South Wales without any traffic lights till February 2010.

Answer: Gallipoli

This campaign is very important in any discussion of Australian history. It is one the focus points of the emergence of Australian identity. Legends such as Simpson and his donkey and the culture of the Aussie Digger were born there.

Answer: Darwin

Darwin was the only Australian city to be bombed by the Japanese. Sydney was the site of submarine infiltration, with some casualites. In 2007 the remains of one of these subs was found outside Sydney Harbour and was honoured as a war grave.

Answer: Gough Whitlam

A controversial point of Australian politics that had a huge impact on our cultural history. Conspiracy theories abound as to the events leading up to the sacking. Gough Whitlam's government still stands as a huge reformer of Australian society. Where would Australia be now without Medicare and relatively cheap university fees?

Answer: Sydney

Australia has a strong sporting culture, and this event is a very important one in that heritage. Australia is home to many world-class sports people and events.