How Australian States and Cities Got Their Names | History | ClickView

Summary

This video explores the origins of Australia's place names, many of which date back to early colonial times, with few honoring the indigenous peoples who had lived there for millennia. It covers the states, territories, and capital cities, detailing how each received its name—from Western Australia’s name signifying its location, to Canberra’s First Nations origin, meaning 'meeting place.' The video reveals connections to historical figures such as Queen Victoria, Captain Cook, and Charles Darwin, offering fascinating insights into the country’s naming history.

Takeaways

• 😀 Many Australian place names originated in colonial times and did not honor the indigenous peoples of the land.
• 😀 Western Australia was named for its control of the westernmost part of the continent, and its capital, Perth, comes from the Gaelic word for a small group of trees.
• 😀 South Australia's capital, Adelaide, was named after Queen William IV's wife, Adelaide of Sexe-Meiningen.
• 😀 New South Wales was named by Captain Cook due to its resemblance to Wales in Britain, and its capital, Sydney, honors Lord Sydney, the Secretary of State for the Home Department.
• 😀 Victoria separated from New South Wales and was named after Queen Victoria. Its capital, Melbourne, was named after British Prime Minister William Lamb, 2nd Viscount Melbourne.
• 😀 Queensland was named in honor of Queen Victoria, who granted the people the right to self-govern. Brisbane, its capital, is named after Governor Sir Thomas Brisbane.
• 😀 Tasmania is named after Dutch explorer Abel Tasman, with its capital, Hobart, named after Robert Hobart, 4th Earl of Buckinghamshire.
• 😀 The Northern Territory is the northernmost part of Australia, and its capital, Darwin, was named after naturalist Charles Darwin.
• 😀 The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) surrounds Australia's capital city, Canberra, which is named after the First Nations word 'canberra,' meaning 'meeting place.'
• 😀 Canberra is the only Australian capital city with a name of First Nations origin, representing the local Ngunnawal language.

Q & A

What is the origin of the name 'Western Australia'?

Western Australia is named for its domination of the westernmost part of the Australian continent.

What does the name 'Perth' mean?

Perth, the capital of Western Australia, was named after the Gaelic word 'Perth,' meaning a small group of trees.

Who was South Australia's capital, Adelaide, named after?

Adelaide, the capital of South Australia, was named after Adelaide of Sexe-Meiningen, the wife of King William IV.

How did New South Wales get its name?

New South Wales was named by Captain Cook because he thought the area resembled Wales in Britain.

Who was Sydney named after?

Sydney, the capital of New South Wales, was named after Lord Sydney, England's Secretary of State for The Home Department.

Why was Victoria named after Queen Victoria?

Victoria was named after Queen Victoria when it separated from New South Wales to become its own state.

What was Melbourne named after?

Melbourne, the capital of Victoria, was named by Queen Victoria after William Lamb, 2nd Viscount Melbourne, the British Prime Minister at the time.

How did Queensland get its name?

Queensland was named in honor of Queen Victoria, who granted the people the right to govern themselves.

Who was Brisbane, the capital of Queensland, named after?

Brisbane, the capital city of Queensland, was named after Sir Thomas Brisbane, a governor of New South Wales.

What is the origin of Tasmania's name?

Tasmania was named after the Dutch explorer Abel Tasman, who was the first European to reach the island.

Who was Hobart, the capital of Tasmania, named after?

Hobart, the capital of Tasmania, was named after Robert Hobart, the 4th Earl of Buckinghamshire and Secretary of State for The Colonies.

What does the name 'Canberra' mean?

Canberra, the capital city of the Australian Capital Territory, is believed to come from the First Nations word 'canberra,' in the local Ngunnawal language, which means 'meeting place.'

Why is Canberra's name significant in Australian history?

Canberra is the only Australian capital city name that has a First Nations origin, reflecting its connection to indigenous culture.