The events in this book have all, in a significant way, shaped our history, attitudes and culture. Not many nations can remember their own birthday; in Australia’s case, it is 1 January 1901, the first day of the twentieth century. So it’s perhaps not surprising that many visitors to the Antipodes express wonder that Australia has a history at all.

Certainly, it’s a short chronology by European standardsa little over 200 years ago, the First Fleet deposited its white cargo on the fatal shores of Port Jackson. Yet, we are not the shortest-lived nation in the Commonwealth by a long shot. When we take into account the First Australians, we have perhaps the longest history of all.

The events that changed Australian history are iconic, character-building, and cataclysmicthe Boer War, Gallipoli, and Kokoda. They can also be as seemingly flippant as the introduction of surfing, cricketers bowling a dangerous high bouncing ball, and the death of a racehorse. However, all are major events in the evolution of our national psyche.

Bodyline caused a diplomatic rift between England and Australia; millions have paid homage to Phar Lap’s heart. Surfing created a culture. Floods and bushfires, the Covid impact on Australia, and the Bondi terror attack.

Events that Shaped Australia offers a captivating look into these defining moments, exploring how each has left its mark on the nation.