Special Sub-Topic: Aussie Oddities Click Here To Play: Aussie Oddities

In what year was it first declared illegal to swim at public beaches during the day in Australia?

1838. Amazingly enough, this law was enforced up until 1902.

Was Australia one of the first two countries in the world to give women the right to vote?

y. Australia was the second country to give women the right to vote, New Zealand was the first! New Zealand women were given the right to vote in 1893, women had been able to vote in two states of the US from 1896-70 and South Australia was the first Australian state to give women the right to vote in 1894.

What animal was believed to be an 'Australian joke' when a specimen was first sent to England?

Platypus. When a platypus was first sent to England, it was believed the Australians had played a joke on the 'poms' by stitching the bill of a duck onto the body of a rat!

Did an Australian invent the first underwater torpedo in 1847?

y. Louis Brennan invented the underwater torpedo. It had two propellers which were rotated by wires attached to winding engines that remained onshore!

What was the prize money on offer in 1922 in the competition launched to name 'Vegemite'?

Fifty pounds. The Fred Walker Company launched 'Vegemite' in 1923 after the name was drawn out of a hat and the winner awarded fifty pounds!

Was the first feature length film in the world produced in Australia?

y. 'Soldiers of the Cross' was made and shown in Australia in 1900, and in 1906 'The Story of the Kelly Gang' was produced, costing a thousand pounds to make!

Did the first Australian Aboriginal Cricket team tour England in the 1800's?

y. They weren't just the first Aboriginal team, they were the first Australian team and they toured in 1868! They played over forty matches during a five month tour and also gave exhibitions of boomerang and spear throwing.

Who was Australia's first 'Bushranger'?

John Caesare. 'Black' Caesare was born in the West Indies and transported to New South Wales aboard the First Fleet. He was 'murdered' for a reward of five gallons of spirits!

Does Australia have the highest ratio of television to video cassette recorder ownership in the world?

y. In 2003, 87% of Australian homes that had a television also had a video cassette recorder!

Why do we celebrate 'Labour Day' in Australia with a public holiday?

Commemorating the worlds first eight hour working day. The Stonemason's Society in Sydney were the first workers in the world to be awarded an eight hour working day (down from ten hours). This occured in March 1856.