Australian Sport History
Australia’s sport history dates back to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who maintained sporting traditions closely linked with culture and day-to-day life. 2
It was Australia's early European settlers who viewed sport as a leisure activity. Some of the first examples of sport in this form date back to the early 1800’s in the then colony of New South Wales, when cricket, horse racing, rowing, and boxing were popular sports. 3, 5
The development of sport, individually and more broadly, as well as the history of the various representative bodies, is a key part of Australia’s past, present, and future story. 3
Sport history can: 1, 3
- Provide an understanding of changes in society from a sport perspective.
- Document the development of sport/s in Australia.
- Recognise the achievements and contribution of athletes, coaches, officials, and sport organisations.
Background
Many Australians are passionate about sport, both as participants and spectators. Sport, and related concepts like ‘punching above our weight’, ‘having a go’, and ‘triumph in the face of adversity’, are often considered fundamental aspects of the Australian identity both on the sporting field and off. 4
We exist to preserve and celebrate the history of Australian sport; and to excite the next generation of young Australians to achieve their potential both in sport and in life. Sport Australia Hall of Fame, opens in a new tab
All sports and sporting organisations have a story to tell about how they were established and developed. These stories will often capture individuals and events that have contributed to the history of a particular sport—and the impact that sport has made on communities and Australian society more broadly.
A number of cultural institutions and bodies in Australia support the development and management of sport history. These bodies can assist and advise sporting organisations on how to best manage and preserve their historical legacy.
Preserving Australia's Sporting Heritage
Sport History Organisations
Research, preservation and promotion of sport’s history to recognise and share its stories, achievements and cultural impact.
Sport Museums
Collections and displays of objects and stories that show the history and importance of sport.
Sport Halls of Fame
Sport halls of fame honour those who have performed at an elite level or made a significant contribution to their sport.
Sport Collections
Sport collections preserve and showcase the rich history of sport through objects, memorabilia, documents, and stories.
Preservation Assistance
There are a range of resources and services that can assist Australian sporting organisations to manage their history.
Sport Organisational History
American Football
Archery
Artistic Swimming
Badminton
Blind Sports
Croquet
Curling
Cycling
Deaf Sports
Disabled Wintersport
Dragon Boat
Gaelic Football
Handball
Ice Hockey
Ice Skating
Kung Fu Wushu
Lacrosse
Modern Pentathlon
Muaythai
Orienteering
Pony Club
Riding for the Disabled
Rugby Union
Surf Life Saving
Table Tennis
Taekwondo
Tenpin Bowling
Underwater
Waterski and Wakeboard
Weightlifting
Wheelchair Rugby
Australian Sport Timelines
Disability sport in Australia
A brief overview of some of key events and organisational milestones in the history of disability sport in Australia.
REFERENCES
- Preserving Australian Sport History - a guide for sport organisations. Crook, E., (2020).
- Traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander games and sports in Australia: new perspectives, opens in a new tab, Tarunna Sebastian, Steve Georgakis, John Nauright, Sport in Society, Volume 27(2), pp.207-227, (2024).
- Grit & Gold Exhibition: Tales from a sporting nation,, opens in a new tab National Library of Australia, (last updated 10 September 2024).
- Australian identity and sport, opens in a new tab, Paul Barclay, ABC Radio National, (22 August 2016).
- Australia's Sporting Success: The Inside Story, opens in a new tab, John Bloomfield, UNSW Press, (2003).
Last updated: 23 July 2025 Content disclaimer: See Clearinghouse for Sport disclaimer
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