Early Experiences in Australasia: Primary Sources and Personal Narratives 1788-1901

Early Experiences in Australasia: Primary Sources and Personal Narratives 1788-1901 is a collection of digitized materials, including letters, diaries, narratives, and other personal accounts, by European settlers, convicts, soldiers, gold miners, government officials, and more. The British government and other groups encouraged women to immigrate to the region, so the collection includes writings by women. There are also some materials produced and about Indigenous peoples of Australasia. Please note that many materials reflect a colonial perspective, and some digitized items may contain views, imagery, or terminology that may be inaccurate, biased, or offensive. Images, maps, and photographs provide supplementary information.  

Materials are sourced from the State Library of Victoria, State Library of New South Wales, State Library of Queensland, Flinders University, University of Melbourne, and University of Waikato. 

This collection may be searched alongside other primary source collections in Global & International Studies Collection (Alexander Street).