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In this episode, we explore four remarkable figures from the early colony, Henry Dod, James Ruse, Captain Watkin Tench, and Arabanoo. From the first farms to first contacts, we uncover their stories, struggles, and legacies in shaping Australia’s beginnings.

In this episode, we explore the shift inland to Parramatta and why it became the new heart of the colony. We break down the arrival of the Second and Third Fleets, the challenges they brought, and how families like the Macarthurs and Wentworths began shaping the colony’s future through land, power, and ambition.

With Sydney Cove’s soil failing and hunger rising, the colony looked inland. This episode explores why the early settlers were forced to move up the Parramatta River—and how this shift laid the foundations for farming, survival, and expansion.

In this episode, we dive into the tough early days of Australia’s first European settlement. From food shortages and harsh conditions to makeshift justice and fragile leadership, hear how the fledgling colony fought to survive its first year at Sydney Cove.

In this episode, we follow the epic journey of the First Fleet as it sets sail from Portsmouth in 1787, bound for the unknown continent of New South Wales. From cramped convict quarters to stormy seas and tense stopovers, we trace the fleet’s 8-month voyage across the globe, all leading to their long-awaited arrival at Botany Bay. What were they expecting to find… and what did they actually see?

In this episode, we uncover the fascinating life of Sir Joseph Banks, the adventurous botanist who joined Captain Cook aboard the Endeavour. From exotic plants in Tahiti to scientific breakthroughs that reshaped Europe’s view of the natural world, discover how Banks became one of history’s most influential explorers — without ever commanding a ship.

In the final chapter of our four-part series on Captain James Cook, we follow his journey as he sets sail from Tahiti, charts the coastlines of New Zealand, and becomes the first European to map the east coast of Australia. From encounters with Indigenous peoples to shipwrecks on the Great Barrier Reef, this episode captures the highs and hardships of Cook’s epic voyage, all leading to his triumphant return to England.

Before he became a Pacific legend, James Cook was mapping coastlines in the cold waters of Canada. In this episode, we dive into Cook’s pivotal role during the Siege of Québec, where his precision charting helped the British gain a decisive edge. From icy rivers to military maneuvers, we explore how this lesser-known chapter shaped the man who would one day sail the world.

Join us as we explore the early life of Captain James Cook, from his humble beginnings in rural England to the start of his seafaring journey. In this episode, we dive into the events and decisions that shaped the man who would go on to chart unknown lands and leave a lasting mark on history.

Why did Britain start sending convicts to the other side of the world?In this debut episode, a curious son asks his dad the big question: how did convict transportation to Australia begin? Together, they explore the social chaos of 18th-century Britain, the overcrowded prisons, and the surprising reasons that led to the First Fleet setting sail. A fun, engaging dive into the gritty beginnings of Australia’s colonial history.