Historical Australia
Attention, history buffs! While many tourists focus on the beaches and the Outback when it comes to travel in Australia, a growing number of tourists—both domestic and international—are exploring the fascinating history of the country as well. While enjoying lush Surfer’s Paradise accommodation might be a beautiful way to spend time on your trip, there are also several areas in Australia that offer something unique and interesting to the tourist—the places where Australia’s history lies. From the top end and the dreaming stories of its original owners to the penal colonies of Tasmania, Australia is rich in all kinds of stories and history. It’s a land with a heritage dating back 40,000 years, and with a European history that started in a way like no other colony on earth. We’ve put together some of Australia’s historical gems so that the next time you’re planning a holiday, you can make sure you experience the past, as well as the present.
Tasmania
Tasmania has a fascinating history, especially Port Arthur, which was the site of a massive penal colony in the early years of European settlement. The site still holds the penal colony, although now it is more of an historical museum. Port Arthur runs ghost tours through the property at night where you can experience the chilling stories about the prison asylum, the brushes with ‘the other side’ that others have had and lose yourself in the generally spooky nature of the place.
Kakadu National Park
Far before the English started shipping their criminals over in the 1700’s, Australia had already been populated for 40,000 years or more by the Indigenous people. Kakadu National Park in the Northern Territory bears a lot of the markings of this pre-colonisation time in the country, as you can see ancient Aboriginal art and rock paintings, and learn about the traditional methods used to maintain the land.
Sydney
While Sydney’s historical side might be slightly overshadowed by its beaches and shopping and gourmet food scene, it’s still the first place colonists landed when they arrived in Australia, and was the site of the first European settlement. The Rocks is a harbourside suburb particularly rich in history, as is the old Quarantine Station in Manly, where diseased boat passengers used to be kept for months when they arrived. Spooky!
Ballarat
When it comes to Australian History, the Gold Rush was a pretty important part of it. Ballarat, a country town in Victoria, was the site of this rush, and has been preserved as a monument to more prosperous times. You can pan for gold, take a tour through the mines, or just chill out in charming Ballarat accommodation while you experience the peace and tranquility of rural Australia.
They say if you want to earn about a place you should look to its past. The history of Australia is a rich and layered one, and one that will surely enhance your experience of the country. If you’re looking for somewhere to start you historical education, these will set you well on your way.
