-
Period: to
Convict Transportation and Free Settlers
More than 160,000 convicts, mainly from Britain and Ireland, were transported to Australia after the arrival of the first fleet in 1788. Bread, salted meat and rum was what their diet consisted of.
In the early 1800s, thousands of 'free settlers' arrived in Australia, bringing their traditional cooking methods and recipes; including Irish stew, Cornish pasties and shepherds pie. Their food was typically bland. -
Period: to
Labourers to the New Colony
Many migrant workers from the UK, Europe, USA and China arrived after the discovery of gold in 1851 in NSW. The Chinese were disliked, but successfully set up eating houses while adapting their dishes to suit more people. Examples of the foods they brought include curry, herbs and spices, as well as cured and dried fish. -
Period: to
European Immigration (Post-World War II)
More than 171,000 migrants arrived from Europe, including Greece, western Germany, Turkey, Italy and Poland because of a new policy by the Australian government to increase the population. Most of these people also migrated to Australia for better opportunity after WWII. The 'bland' Australian diet began to change as these migrants brought with them their own customs and food cultures, such as souerkraut, feta cheese, coffee and smoked meats. -
Melbourne Olympic Games
Athletes, staff and visitors from all across the world came to Melbourne for the 1956 Olympics. Many of them stayed because of the great business and opportunity they were offered here. Multicultural and international cuisines were embraced by the Melburnians. -
Period: to
Vietnamese Boat People
After the end of the Vietnam war, approximately 137,000 Vietnamese refugees were accepted into Australia. They came by boat to avoid being executed. More refugees arrived from southern China in the 1980s and 1990s as well. Some Vietnamese began importing their traditional foods and ingredients, such as fish sauce and lemon grass. Many food markets opened within Vietnamese communities and spread to Australian's cuisine. -
Period: to
Refugee Resettlement
Many countries at war such as Syria, Iran and Pakistan have lead to refugees coming to Australia. Middle-east cuisine using spices such as saffron and cardamom have lead to new restaurants and meals across the country. Having access to new technologies and the internet in this timeframe, it has become easier for everyone across the world to find and learn about international cuisines and cultures.