Australian History Quiz

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What’s in the Australian History Quiz?

This comprehensive quiz explores the rich tapestry of Australian history, covering:

  • Indigenous Australian culture and significant events
  • Colonial settlement and exploration
  • Federation and nation-building
  • Wartime experiences and social developments

From the ancient traditions of the First Nations peoples to the dramatic events of the gold rush, and from the establishment of democracy to wartime challenges, this quiz examines pivotal moments that shaped modern Australia. Did you know that the Sydney Harbour Bridge was officially opened in 1932, and a former military officer named Francis de Groot famously upstaged the Premier by slashing the ceremonial ribbon with his sword moments before the official ceremony?

Australian History Quiz

Such fascinating incidents pepper Australia’s colourful history. The quiz covers stories like that of the Great Emu War of 1932, when the Australian military was deployed to combat troublesome emus in Western Australia – and the emus won! These are just a few examples of the intriguing historical tales covered in this quiz. Take a journey through time exploring significant events that shaped this remarkable continent. Find the complete list of questions and correct answers by clicking Preview Quiz Content below.

Preview Quiz Content

This section contains all of the questions that could be a part of this quiz. The quiz will choose 15 random questions from the pool below. If you've found this section wondering if Ned Kelly really used his famous armour to rob banks (he didn't - it was only used in his final showdown), you're in for some interesting historical discoveries! To begin the quiz properly, press "Start Quiz". Some information might appear missing from the questions below, as we only show the correct answers in this preview section.

Q1: Which year did the British First Fleet arrive in Australia?

A1: 1788

Q2: Select all of the following that were Australian gold rush colonies:

A2: Victoria, New South Wales, Western Australia

Q3: Who was the first Prime Minister of Australia?

A3: Edmund Barton

Q4: Match each historical event to its year in Australian history:

A4: Federation - 1901, Women's suffrage - 1902, Capital foundation - 1913

Q5: Which aboriginal tool was used for hunting and could return to the thrower?

A5: Boomerang

Q6: Arrange these events in chronological order, from earliest to latest:

A6: Cook's voyage to Australia, Gold Rush begins, Federation of Australia

Q7: Which city was the temporary capital of Australia before Canberra?

A7: Melbourne

Q8: Which famous Australian outlaw was captured and hanged in Melbourne in 1880?

A8: Ned Kelly

Q9: What year did Australia switch from pounds to dollars as currency?

A9: 1966

Q10: Which explorer was the first European to circumnavigate Australia?

A10: Matthew Flinders

Q11: Which of these events occurred during World War II in Australia?

A11: Bombing of Darwin, Submarine attack on Sydney Harbour, Cowra breakout

Q12: Which famous Australian landmark was opened in 1973?

A12: Sydney Opera House

Q13: Which disease caused a devastating epidemic in Aboriginal communities in 1789?

A13: Smallpox

Q14: What was the name of the ship that brought the First Fleet to Australia?

A14: HMS Sirius

Q15: In which year was the Aboriginal flag first flown?

A15: 1971

Q16: Who was Australia's longest-serving Prime Minister?

A16: Robert Menzies

Q17: What was the name of the famous ship wreck discovered off Western Australia in 1963?

A17: Batavia

Q18: Which historical event is known as 'Australia's Pearl Harbor'?

A18: Bombing of Darwin

Q19: Which famous Australian racehorse won the Melbourne Cup in 1930?

A19: Phar Lap

Q20: What was the original name of Brisbane when it was first established as a penal colony?

A20: Moreton Bay Settlement