Heroes, Rebels and Radicals of Convict Australia

Heroes, Rebels and Radicals of Convict Australia brings to life a bold cast of characters from the convict era – stories of resilience, rebellion, hardship and hope that helped shape the nation. From freedom fighter Pemulwuy and reformed horse thief Mary Reiby to colonial leaders like Joseph Banks and Lady Jane Franklin, Jim Haynes shares the true tales of those who lived through Australia’s transformation from penal colony to nation. With warmth and wit, Haynes explores why transportation began, how it ended, and what life was really like from 1788 to 1870 – uncovering both the celebrated and the forgotten in our convict past.