Bushrangers and the Bush · Term 2

Origins of Bushranging

Explore the social and economic conditions that led to the emergence of bushrangers in colonial Australia.

About This Topic

This topic introduces the phenomenon of bushranging in 19th-century Australia. Students investigate who these individuals were, from early runaway convicts to the 'wild colonial boys' of the mid-1800s. The curriculum explores the social and economic conditions that led people to take to the bush, including the harshness of the law, the lure of the goldfields, and the lack of opportunities for poor settlers.

Bushrangers are a central part of Australian folklore, and this topic allows students to critically analyze how history and legend intertwine. It provides a platform to discuss the concept of 'social bandits' and why some segments of the public supported criminals. This study connects to broader themes of colonial law, order, and the developing Australian identity.

Students grasp this concept faster through structured discussion and peer explanation, especially when debating the motives behind a bushranger's actions.

Active Learning Ideas

Think-Pair-Share: Why Go Bush?

Students are given a short 'backstory' of a fictional convict or poor selector. They discuss with a partner the specific reasons why this person might choose a life of crime in the bush over their current situation.

⏱ 20 min·Pairs

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Gallery Walk: Bushranger Profiles

Stations around the room feature different bushrangers like Ben Hall, Captain Thunderbolt, and Mad Dog Morgan. Students collect evidence of their crimes and any 'good' deeds reported by the public to build a profile.

⏱ 40 min·Individual

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Inquiry Circle: The Bushranger's Toolkit

Groups research the technology of the time, such as horses, telegraphs, and firearms. They create a 'survival guide' explaining how bushrangers used the landscape and technology to evade the police.

⏱ 50 min·Small Groups

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Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

All bushrangers were like Robin Hood, stealing from the rich to give to the poor.

What to Teach Instead

While some had public support, many were violent and stole from anyone they encountered. Analyzing police reports alongside folk songs helps students see the difference between historical fact and romanticized legend.

Common Misconception

Bushrangers only existed during the time of Ned Kelly.

What to Teach Instead

Bushranging began with the very first convicts (bolters) in the late 1700s and lasted over a century. A timeline activity helps students see the different 'waves' of bushranging throughout colonial history.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a 'bolter' and a bushranger?

A 'bolter' was an early convict who escaped from custody to live in the bush, often just to survive. As the colonies grew, 'bushranger' became the term for those who lived in the bush and committed armed robbery, often targeting travelers, mail coaches, and banks.

Why did some members of the public help bushrangers?

Many poor settlers felt the police and the government were unfair and only protected the wealthy. They saw bushrangers as people standing up to an unjust system. In exchange for food or information about police movements, bushrangers sometimes shared their stolen money or simply provided a sense of 'rebellion' that people admired.

How did the police eventually catch bushrangers?

The introduction of the telegraph allowed police to communicate faster than a horse could travel. The use of Aboriginal Trackers was also vital, as they had the skills to follow trails through the bush that European police could not see. Better firearms and higher rewards for capture also played a role.

How can active learning help students understand the bushranger era?

Active learning strategies like 'Gallery Walks' or 'Collaborative Investigations' help students move beyond the 'hero' myth. By examining primary sources like 'Wanted' posters and newspaper articles, students can weigh the evidence themselves. This encourages critical thinking about how media and storytelling can shape our perception of historical figures.

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