Weird Crap in Australia

On December 25, 1933, two young men were out for a morning of fishing. The pair were treating themselves to a little peace and quiet before the inevitable insanity that often accompanies Christmas, an often-hectic day filled with family, friends and foods as many go about their merriment. The men bunted along the Murrumbidgee River, near Wagga Wagga, and found a spot they could use to pass the tim...

When many people think of Australia in the 1960s, they picture an era of protests, sexual exploration and counter-revolutions staged namely by what we now call "The Baby Boomer Generation", who began Australia's first timid steps towards cultural maturity. These Australians began exercising their influence against restrictive legislation, outdated morality and social issues within Australian socie...

When many people think of Australia in the 1960s, they picture an era of protests, sexual exploration and counter-revolutions staged namely by what we now call "The Baby Boomer Generation", who began Australia's first timid steps towards cultural maturity. These Australians began exercising their influence against restrictive legislation, outdated morality and social issues within Australian socie...

As the world exited the Swinging 60s, Australia was looking to their own people for inspiration in the world of the cinema landscape. There were lots of American films to go see, European films were all the rage, but there was something missing from the world of Australian cinemas - the Australian. The Naked Bunyip was the first truly Australian film released to this country, as recent as 1970. It...

In this episode, we delve into the fascinating and grisly case of the Shark Arm Murders, a series of bizarre events that took place in Sydney, New South Wales in 1935. The story centers around a tiger shark caught by fishermen that had a human arm in its stomach. This led to a shocking investigation that uncovered a web of murder, deceit, and organized crime involving illegal animal smuggling and...

In this episode, we explore the captivating story of Midnight Oil, one of Australia's most iconic and politically charged bands. From their early beginnings in Sydney in the late 1970s, we follow the band's rise to international fame with hits like "Beds are Burning" and "Blue Sky Mine". We delve into their unique sound, their strong environmental and social activism, and their impact on Australia...

In this episode, we explore the captivating story of Midnight Oil, one of Australia's most iconic and politically charged bands. From their early beginnings in Sydney in the late 1970s, we follow the band's rise to international fame with hits like "Beds are Burning" and "Blue Sky Mine". We delve into their unique sound, their strong environmental and social activism, and their impact on Australia...

In this episode, we explore the captivating story of Midnight Oil, one of Australia's most iconic and politically charged bands. From their early beginnings in Sydney in the late 1970s, we follow the band's rise to international fame with hits like "Beds are Burning" and "Blue Sky Mine". We delve into their unique sound, their strong environmental and social activism, and their impact on Australia...

In the depths of February 1893, the banks of the Brisbane River, as it’s wont to do, broke and flooded the town – three times within two weeks. These three major floods in one month led to February 1893 being labelled Black February. Another flood also broke banks in June, but by then the city was recovered from the initial floods, making it a little easier to bear. In the floodwaters, which have...

There's always been something weird going on out there on the horizon. Long before nuclear bombs showed up in South Australia, there was a rocket range designed to test rockets. But what else was out there? If you trust the reports, at least a couple of alien visitors... Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support .

In this episode, we take a deep dive into the brutal murder of Anita Cobby, a young Australian nurse who was abducted and killed in 1986, and explore the impact of the case on Australian society, including changes in law enforcement and community attitudes towards violence against women. Join Holly and Matthew as they examine not only the murder, but the trial, the media interference, and the cons...

We delve into the rich history of The Rocks, one of Sydney's oldest and most iconic neighborhoods, exploring the area's fascinating past, from its origins as a First Nations fishing village to its development as a hub of colonial industry and commerce. Learn about the social and cultural landscape of The Rocks throughout history, and how it has changed over time. And, while on the hunt, follow us...

In 1920, a young woman ran away from a Catholic convent and into the arms of the Protestant church across town. When she was discovered missing, the Catholic church reported her missing to police, and they went looking for her. What would come is a series of events that seem outlandish and stupid in the 21st Century. Declared insane for rebuffing a return to the Catholic convent, police chased her...

As the world was beginning to shut down in 2020, two campers in their 70s headed up into the Alpine National Park for a weekend away. This was the last weekend before Covid restrictions came into effect in Victoria, and a lot of people were taking advantage of the March weather. This would be the last weekend away for our older campers. This would also be the story that spread a new legend in the...

As the world was beginning to shut down in 2020, two campers in their 70s headed up into the Alpine National Park for a weekend away. This was the last weekend before Covid restrictions came into effect in Victoria, and a lot of people were taking advantage of the March weather. This would be the last weekend away for our older campers. This would also be the story that spread a new legend in the...

In 1804, the only place you'd find someone prouder to be Irish than those in Ireland was in Australia. When the Irish motherland rebelled against their English overseers (for neither the first nor last time), a section of the burgeoning Australian Irish convict community stood up in solidarity. Join Holly and Matthew as they look at the Rebellion that never was, the only one that had the potential...

King Charles III succeeds Queen Elizabeth II to the throne. Will this cause anarchy in the streets, or will life continue on as before? The sharks are already circling, so let's put some information down for posterity. Bonus tip: Queen Elizabeth was alive 1926-2022 - which means she's seen almost 80% of Australia's life as "Australia". Her reign lasted just over 57% of the time we've been a nation...

In 1804, the only place you'd find someone prouder to be Irish than those in Ireland was in Australia. When the Irish motherland rebelled against their English overseers (for neither the first nor last time), a section of the burgeoning Australian Irish convict community stood up in solidarity. Join Holly and Matthew as they look at the Rebellion that never was, the only one that had the potential...

There is one common held truth amongst Aussies and that is that Australia is deceptively large. With a menagerie of various ecosystems and habitats, from deserts to rainforests and snowfields, the land reveals new secrets about herself all the time. In fact, the discovery of new animal species is quite frequent (though mostly of the ‘fossil’ or ‘insect’ varieties). What we don’t see in this countr...

In this episode, we explore the shocking case of the Pyjama Girl Murder, a brutal killing that occurred in Victoria, Australia in 1934. The unidentified body of a woman wearing distinctive pyjamas was found in a culvert outside Wagga Wagga, NSW, sparking a massive investigation that became one of Australia's most infamous and enduring mysteries. We delve into the details of the crime scene, the in...

In this episode, we explore the shocking case of the Pyjama Girl Murder, a brutal killing that occurred in Victoria, Australia in 1934. The unidentified body of a woman wearing distinctive pyjamas was found in a culvert outside Wagga Wagga, NSW, sparking a massive investigation that became one of Australia's most infamous and enduring mysteries. We delve into the details of the crime scene, the in...

In this episode, we explore the fascinating story of the 1956 Olympic Torch Hoax. With the Melbourne Olympics set to begin, a group of university students plotted to carry out a daring prank - stealing the Olympic Torch and replacing it with a homemade replica. The group's plan was meticulously executed and resulted in the international media reporting on the hoax as if it was real. The story capt...

Australia has some of the most varied fauna in the world. In the early part of the 20th century, it was all about the dinosaurs. We still discover new Australian fossils today - sometimes even at Harvard. Join Holly and Matthew as they look at the dinosaur America took, and its place in history. Main Theme music – Kevin MacLeod "Slow Ticking Clock" – Kevin MacLeod Used under a Creative Commons lic...

On July 26, 2022, the possible identity of the Somerton Man was put forth by Prof. Abbott. Holly and Matthew discuss. Main Theme music – Kevin MacLeod "Slow Ticking Clock" – Kevin MacLeod Used under a Creative Commons license. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support .

In 1899, a murder went down in the heart of Melbourne, the repercussions of which were felt 120 years later in the Australian gaming industry. What could possibly have happened, and how did phrenology, palmistry and a bunch of radishes play into the story? Join Holly and Matthew as they examine the murder that was, and the games that could be... Main Theme music – Kevin MacLeod "Slow Ticking Clock...