Thanks for logging in.

You can now click/tap WATCH to start the live stream.

Thanks for logging in.

You can now click/tap LISTEN to start the live stream.

Thanks for logging in.

You can now click/tap LATEST NEWS to start the live stream.

LISTEN
Watch
on air now

Create a 4BC account today!

You can now log in once to listen live, watch live, join competitions, enjoy exclusive 4BC content and other benefits.


Joining is free and easy.

You will soon need to register to keep streaming 4BC online. Register an account or skip for now to do it later.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

How did Australia get its name? An expert explains

Article image for How did Australia get its name? An expert explains

201 years ago today, Governor Lachlan Macquarie recommended our country adopt the name ‘Australia’.

Our great southern land had previously been known by various names, including Terra Australis and New Holland.

So why was ‘Australia’ settled on?

Professor of history at Charles Darwin University David Carment tells Michael McLaren the name has a long history.

“‘Australia’ was used for the first time to apply to the continent of Australia towards the end of the 18th century and then it was really popularised in the early 19th century by Matthew Flinders.

“He was very keen on the word and felt that it should be formally adopted.

“It wasn’t until Governor Macquarie took up this issue in 1817 that it actually happened.”

Professor Carment reveals how long it took for the name to be adopted.

Click PLAY below for the full story

Michael McLaren
Advertisement