Settlement and Colonisation: Moreton Bay Settlement

Work! Punishment! Prison! What was it like to be a convict in Australia’s early penal colonies? Listen to the story of a convict from Moreton Bay as he describes why penal colonies were established; and learn about the harsh life convicts had. Students will learn through this easy to follow story accompanied by many primary sources from the era of Australian colonisation. It is accompanied by a detailed teacher pack that offers a variety of resources and extension activities to stimulate students’ interest and learning.

This video was created as a project exemplar for Year 5 students. However, it gives a brief overview of the establishment of Brisbane including the reasons for settlement, exploration in the area and the impact on the local Aboriginal people, the vegetation and local wildlife.