The course will begin with a discussion concerning the first Australians - the Aborigines and how and when they got there. This will lead to an investigation of Europeans entering the wider world - from ancient times to Cook's voyages in the 1770s. The first fleet and it's problems, the early governors and the Rum Rebellion, the age of MacQuarie, inland exploration and the establishment of other colonies, the convict system, the sheep industry, the Gold Rush, self-government and federation are other topics that will be examined. If time allows some discussion of twentieth century Australian history and society may be possible.