The Yarra Waterfall
by The Yarra Waterfall used to stretch across the river where Queen Street is today. It was demolished in 1883.
The Wow Signal
In 1977 astronomers detected the Wow Signal, a short powerful burst of radio waves from deep space. Its origin is still unexplained.
The First Vaccine
The first vaccine was invented to tackle smallpox, a virus that is the single greatest killer humankind has ever faced.
The Origins of Tim Tams
The origin of Tim Tams required a penguin, a racehorse, a copycat, and a lot of chocolate. The end result: Australia’s most popular biscuit.
The 1978 Melbourne Landmark Competition
The Melbourne Landmark Competition was launched in 1978 to find a southern equivalent to the Sydney Opera House. It was (mostly) not successful.
Synthetic Test Cricket: Calling the Ashes by Telegraph
Before live TV, Synthetic Test Cricket used telegraph cables and radio to bring the Ashes home to Australia.
The Secret Tunnels at St James Station
Never used for train services, the secret tunnels at St James station in Sydney have led a fascinating, shadowy existence.
The Southern Cross Hotel
In 1962 the Southern Cross Hotel opened on Exhibition Street, and the international jet set came to Melbourne.
Marree Man
In the remote desert northwest of Adelaide you can find Marree Man: a giant glyph of unknown origin and purpose.
The Sinking of the SS Casino
For 50 years, the SS Casino hauled cargo and customers along Victoria’s south coast. In 1932, it foundered in Apollo Bay.