Did You Know...?

An anchor stands silent in Macquarie Place Park—but its story is anything but quiet. Join us as we uncover the dramatic final voyage of HMS Sirius, the lifeline of the First Fleet, and how its sinking sent shockwaves through a struggling colony. A story of hope, hardship, and history beneath the waves.

In this episode of Did You Know?, we chat with Phil Russo, former Deputy Mayor and Parramatta City Councillor, about his life, his time in office, and his passion for protecting the city’s heritage. Phil also reflects on his ongoing support for local Indigenous communities and the importance of preserving culture in a rapidly growing city.

We welcome Gareth, a British history buff, to share his perspective on Australia’s past. From classroom lessons in the UK to the significance of our story today, we explore how history connects us across continents.

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.

With Botany Bay in the rearview, the First Fleet has landed—now what? In this episode, we explore the early days of settlement at Sydney Cove. Governor Arthur Phillip faces the daunting task of turning a penal colony into a functioning society. How do you impose law and order when most of your population are convicts? What do you prioritise when everything is scarce? Join us as we unpack the chaos, compromises, and clever decisions that laid the groundwork for modern Australia.

January 1788: The First Fleet arrives at Botany Bay… and almost immediately regrets it. In this episode, we follow Governor Arthur Phillip as he sizes up the sandy disappointment of Botany, then sails north in search of something better. What he finds is the deep harbour and freshwater of Port Jackson, modern-day Sydney Cove. Join us as we uncover the real landing of Australia’s first colony and how a snap decision changed the country’s future.

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.

In this episode, we follow Captain James Cook as he sets sail from England on his very first voyage aboard the Endeavour. From navigating treacherous Atlantic waters to his arrival in the South Pacific, we explore the journey that took Cook and his crew halfway around the world. Hear about the scientific mission behind the trip, life aboard the ship, and the time spent in Tahiti preparing for one of history’s most important astronomical observations.

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.