World Travel Blog ~ A Travel Mate

Inhabited for tens of thousands of years, Australia has relics of human history scattered throughout the country. Numerous locations give visitors a glimpse into the past. From prehistoric times to the 20th century, these historical sites provide evidence of living history.

Kakadu National Park-Northern Territory

Encompassing over 19,000 hectares, Kakadu National Park boasts an abundant wildlife population. The spectacular scenery and the chance to enjoy a multitude of outdoor activities also bring many to the park every year. Aboriginal people have lived on the UNESCO World Heritage Site over 50,000 years.

Evidence of the generations upon generations of people that lived here remains in the countless rock art displays found throughout the park. Thus far, scientists have catalogued 5,000 sites and believe that thousands more exist. The painted rocks depict animals, people and everyday activities that include hunting and religious beliefs.

Port Arthur-Tasmania

Originally a source of timber for the British Empire, the area soon became of use as a penal colony in 1830. One decade later, Port Arthur had a prisoner population that exceeded 1,100. The colony slowly diminished and by the 1870s, all that remained were the various buildings of the compound. Soon after the settlement closed, the site peaked the public’s interest concerning the injustices committed by both sides of the law, influenced the site’s conversion into a historic site that remains a part of the country’s founding history.

Coober Pedy-South Australia

The desert community receives recognition for the unusual lifestyle adopted by the local people. The location began as an opal mine in 1915. Soon a town emerged. However, the scorching temperatures of the day’s heat influenced settlers to construct businesses and homes beneath the surface of the earth. Now known as the “opal capital of the world,” Coober Pedy residents continue their mole-like existence and welcome visitors regularly. Guests have the opportunity to stay in underground hotels, attend subterranean churches and explore the opal mines. The unique destination served as a filming location for “Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome,” starring Mel Gibson.
Source: www.cooberpedy.net

Castle Hill-Townsville, Queensland

The monolith known as Uluru may get the most the most attention, but Australia contains many other equally unusual rock formations having a historic past. The huge, pink monolith known as Castle Hill reportedly served as a military outpost during WWII. Deep within the confines of the rock lay an entire base equipped with soldiers and weaponry. Paved roads lead to the site where visitors may explore the vast network of underground tunnels.

Fort Scratchley-New South Wales

The fort began military operations in 1866 when the Newcastle Volunteer Rifle and Artillery Corps received two large smooth bore guns that the unit installed into the ground. The unit manned the site as protection over the harbour. Construction on the actual fort finished during the year 1882. The installation protected Newcastle from attack during the Crimean War. The fort fired upon a Japanese submarine in 1942, which emerged from the depths of the water and began firing on the community. The Japanese retreated, as the return fire succeeded in saving the town. Perched high above the harbour, the site now serves as a historic tourist attraction.

Also consider taking yourself overseas to places such as Gallipoli, where you will learn a lot about Australian history from your first-hand experience. Click here to see some of the best offers on Gallipoli tours.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Scratchley