Australia was colonised by Britain from 1788 and, since then, people from Britain and Europe have been encouraged to make Australia their home. Sometimes they came as hopeful new settlers, and sometimes as desperate people seeking any refuge from war and destruction in their homeland.
Find out about the different push and pull factors that encouraged migration to Australia from the countries of Europe. Discover the enormous contribution the new settlers made to the development of the nation, and the ways in which their varied cultures have helped create a unique Australian way of life.
ABOUT THE MIGRATION TO AUSTRALIA SERIES Australia is a country built on migration. People have been seeking a new life in Australia's cities and country regions from the colonial era up until the present. This series explains why they chose Australia as their destination, what the international conditions were that caused them to leave their homelands, and how thousands of migrants have contributed to making Australia the nation it is today.
