The deadly journey to Australia wasn't just about surviving treacherous seas—it was about escaping invisible killers that stalked passengers in the cramped confines of sailing ships.  Dr. George Mayo's diary from his second voyage records ...

Deadly epidemics swept through 19th-century cities with terrifying regularity, leaving medical practitioners like Drs. Watts and Mayo powerless against invisible killers they couldn't understand. What made these diseases so devasta...

In the unforgiving landscape of 1840s South Australia, economic disaster struck with devastating consequences. This deeply researched episode unveils the human story behind colonial financial collapse through the experiences of 22-...

A young man's rejection of medical destiny leads to an epic sea journey and colonial adventure in this fascinating exploration of early South Australian settlement.When John Watts turned away from following his surgeon father's footstep...

Dr George Mayo's private diary from 1839 opens a rare window into the social world of a migrant ship bound for Australia. As ship surgeon aboard the Asia, Mayo moved freely between social classes—something no other passenger could ...

Embark on a journey back to 1839 as we unravel the remarkable tale of Dr. George Mayo aboard the migrant ship Asia. This episode reveals a gripping narrative filled with adventure, health struggles, and even threats of piracy durin...

Curious about your family's past? Discover the fascinating story of the Watts family crest, featuring a greyhound and a golden arrow—a symbol born from a dramatic saga involving survival and colonial legacy.  This episode dives...

What if the legacy of a kind-hearted village doctor could inspire generations and spark dreams of adventure across continents?  Join us as we explore the captivating story of the Watts family, where Thomas Watts defied t...

Unearth the captivating story of John Barton Hack, a pioneering figure whose journey from England to South Australia was fuelled by ambition and adventure. What if your investments could shape a new world?  Discover how Hack's...

What if the founding of a colony was more than just a historical event, but a dramatic saga filled with excitement, tension, and tragedy? Join us as we uncover the thrilling story of South Australia's establishment, starting with t...

Could more accurate early reports have changed the fate of South Australia? Join us as we unravel the chaotic beginnings of this unique colony, influenced by misconceptions and missteps, starting with the ill-fated decision to sett...

Could internal conflicts lead to tragedy, or is there something more sinister lurking in the mysteries of Kangaroo Island?  As we navigate the puzzling disappearance of trekkers, Slater and Osborne, we uncover the heated exchan...

Embark on a remarkable journey with us as we navigate little-known events in early South Australian history.  Picture young Charles Nantes, in early 1830’s England, a man pursuing a fresh start away from the shadows of his father's scandal...

Join us as we explore the fascinating life of Heinrich Wilhelm Nantez.  A man whose journey from Bremen, Germany to London illustrates both the opportunities and pitfalls of 18th century Europe.  Embracing a new English identi...

What if you were tasked with establishing a new colony, facing the unknown and battling both the elements and human conflict?   Join us as we uncover the incredible journey of the first fleet to South Australia, starting with the courageou...

What if you found out that the city of Adelaide was meticulously designed by a visionary figure amidst a backdrop of poor strategic planning and unexpected challenges?  Our latest episode of Today's Stories from Our Past reveals the intric...

Discover the surprising irony behind South Australia's convict-free reputation as we unravel the story of how the colony was conceptualized by a convict whose radical ideas shaped its foundation. Explore the grim reality of early 1800s England,...

Have you ever wondered how your family's past could shape your identity today and our country’s future? Join us as we embark on a captivating journey through the annals of Australian history, unearthing long-hidden secrets and stor...

Over the past 170 years, the story of the Mark’s Murders has been told to Australians in greatly different ways, depending on the era.  At the time, the murders were recorded in detail in official records.  At that time, all Aborigina...

The fate of James Mark after his murderous spree on the McIntyre has never been investigated.  We have found that he initially went to the Dawson River valley where he took up three runs which he subsequently sold at a good profit. He then...

After the murders by James Mark and the subsequent actions by the Native Police, the Bigambul people were never the same.  Many of the warrior men had been killed and they were excluded from their traditional water sources and hunting grou...

Commissioner Bligh was unable to achieve law and order on the McIntyre.  Partly at the instigation of Augustus Morris on Callandoon Station, the Native Police was formed under the command of Frederick Walker (a friend of Morris).  The...

Following the murders on Umbercollie, Commissioner Bligh visited the site, inspected the body of Bootha and took depositions. He knew who committed the murders and ordered his Border Police constables to arrest the gang. Some were arrested but ...

Following the attack on Umbercollie, a series of tit-for-tat murders occurred.  Aboriginal women and children were murdered on Callandoon and Canning Creek Stations and then a bullock driver who was removing goods from James Mark’s station...