Year 6 History: Germany

Germans were among the first European settlers to arrive in Australia following colonisation as founding pioneers. Around 10,000 migrated during the gold rush in the 1850s. However, in the first half of the 20th century, Germans living in Australia became the subject of social isolation, suspicion and persecution surrounding the World Wars.

German immigration to Australia has a rich history that has significantly influenced the cultural fabric of the country. From early settlements to lasting contributions, German immigrants have played a vital role in shaping Australia into the diverse nation it is today. This article explores the history of German immigration to Australia, the factors that drove Germans to seek a new life in the land down under, their contributions to Australian society, and the challenges they faced along the way.

It might seem strange to think that there is a noticeable German influence in Australia, but in fact, there has been a significant German presence in the island continent since the early days of European colonization in the nineteenth century.

Germans have been arriving in South Australia since the beginnings of the new colony in 1836. This was before the unification of Germany, achieved by Prussia’s Prime Minister, Otto von Bismarck, in 1871.

From the 1850s German settlers escaping the rising nationalist sentiment in Germany began arriving in the Australian colonies looking to start a new life. Port Adelaide was the point of arrival for the majority of German settlers. The Germans moved onto Western Australia, the Barossa Valley, the Riverina and South East Queensland where they found the regions suitable for wheat and dairy farming, the planting of vineyards and wine making.