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Incredible Aussie inventions that have changed the world

We didn’t just give the world Google Maps and the iconic goon bag. Here’s some surprising creation that was born right here on home soil.

Maddison Brennan-Mills
October 29, 2025 - 11:35AM
news.com.au
We’re known for beaches, barbecues, and things that can kill you. But it turns out Australia is also a hotbed of actual, world-changing genius. And no, we’re not just talking about the Tim Tam Slam. From the tech in your pocket to the medicine that saves lives, Aussie ingenuity is hiding in plain sight. Buckle up, because this list of things we invented will have you screaming ‘Straya!’ at your screen.
1/41We’re known for beaches, barbecues, and things that can kill you. But it turns out Australia is also a hotbed of actual, world-changing genius. And no, we’re not just talking about the Tim Tam Slam. From the tech in your pocket to the medicine that saves lives, Aussie ingenuity is hiding in plain sight. Buckle up, because this list of things we invented will have you screaming ‘Straya!’ at your screen.
Wi-Fi: You can thank a bunch of Sydney scientists for your ability to scroll TikTok from the couch. In the 1990s, a CSIRO team was trying to solve the annoying problem of radio waves bouncing off indoor walls. Their solution became the core technology for modern Wi-Fi. Yep, the thing connecting billions of devices was born here. Photo: Shutterstock
2/41Wi-Fi: You can thank a bunch of Sydney scientists for your ability to scroll TikTok from the couch. In the 1990s, a CSIRO team was trying to solve the annoying problem of radio waves bouncing off indoor walls. Their solution became the core technology for modern Wi-Fi. Yep, the thing connecting billions of devices was born here. Photo: Shutterstock
Black Box: Flight Recorder. This one’s genuinely game-changing. After his own father died in a plane crash, Melbourne scientist David Warren became obsessed with finding out why planes go down. In the 1950s, he built a machine that could record cockpit audio and flight data. The
3/41Black Box: Flight Recorder. This one’s genuinely game-changing. After his own father died in a plane crash, Melbourne scientist David Warren became obsessed with finding out why planes go down. In the 1950s, he built a machine that could record cockpit audio and flight data. The "black box" (which is actually bright orange so it can be found in wreckage) has saved countless lives by making air travel safer. Photo: Shutterstock
Cochlear Implant: This is basically a sci-fi miracle, and it came out of Melbourne. Professor Graeme Clark developed the
4/41Cochlear Implant: This is basically a sci-fi miracle, and it came out of Melbourne. Professor Graeme Clark developed the "bionic ear" after watching his own father struggle with hearing loss. In 1978, he was the first to enable a deaf man to hear complex sounds. The idea was considered bonkers at the time, but the cochlear implant has since changed the lives of more than half a million people globally. Photo: Shutterstock
Polymer Banknotes: Ever accidentally wash a $20 note without having a complete meltdown? You can thank an Aussie for that. In 1988, we became the first country to ditch flimsy paper money for durable polymer notes. They’re waterproof, tough to tear, and way harder to counterfeit. Now over 30 countries, including the UK and Canada, use our clever cash. Photo: Shutterstock
5/41Polymer Banknotes: Ever accidentally wash a $20 note without having a complete meltdown? You can thank an Aussie for that. In 1988, we became the first country to ditch flimsy paper money for durable polymer notes. They’re waterproof, tough to tear, and way harder to counterfeit. Now over 30 countries, including the UK and Canada, use our clever cash. Photo: Shutterstock
Gardasil (HPV Vaccine): This Aussie invention literally saves lives. In the 90s, Professor Ian Frazer and his team at the University of Queensland developed the HPV vaccine, which protects against the virus that causes most cervical cancers. Gardasil is now a routine shot in more than 100 countries and is on track to virtually eliminate cervical cancer within decades. That’s a legacy. Photo: Shutterstock
6/41Gardasil (HPV Vaccine): This Aussie invention literally saves lives. In the 90s, Professor Ian Frazer and his team at the University of Queensland developed the HPV vaccine, which protects against the virus that causes most cervical cancers. Gardasil is now a routine shot in more than 100 countries and is on track to virtually eliminate cervical cancer within decades. That’s a legacy. Photo: Shutterstock
Spray-On Skin: When the 2002 Bali bombings left hundreds with horrific burns, Perth surgeon Fiona Wood had a revolutionary tool ready. Her
7/41Spray-On Skin: When the 2002 Bali bombings left hundreds with horrific burns, Perth surgeon Fiona Wood had a revolutionary tool ready. Her "spray-on skin" technique used a patient's own healthy cells to grow new skin in a lab, which was then sprayed onto wounds. It dramatically slashed recovery times and reduced scarring. She was named Australian of the Year in 2005. Photo: YouTube
Dual-Flush Toilet: Okay, it’s not as sexy as Wi-Fi, but this invention is in almost every Aussie home. In 1980, a Caroma engineer gave us the dual-flush toilet, giving us the choice between a half flush (number one) and a full flush (number two). It’s estimated to save the average home 32,000 litres of water a year. Photo: Shutterstock
8/41Dual-Flush Toilet: Okay, it’s not as sexy as Wi-Fi, but this invention is in almost every Aussie home. In 1980, a Caroma engineer gave us the dual-flush toilet, giving us the choice between a half flush (number one) and a full flush (number two). It’s estimated to save the average home 32,000 litres of water a year. Photo: Shutterstock
Boxed Wine (Goon): Ah, the mighty goon sack. In 1965, a South Australian winemaker invented the wine cask (a plastic bladder in a box) to keep his vino fresh. He probably didn’t realise he was also inventing the staple of every uni student share house and backyard BBQ for the next 50+ years. The perfect pillow for when the party’s over. A true cultural icon. Photo: Shutterstock
9/41Boxed Wine (Goon): Ah, the mighty goon sack. In 1965, a South Australian winemaker invented the wine cask (a plastic bladder in a box) to keep his vino fresh. He probably didn’t realise he was also inventing the staple of every uni student share house and backyard BBQ for the next 50+ years. The perfect pillow for when the party’s over. A true cultural icon. Photo: Shutterstock
Victa Lawnmower: That VRRRMMM sound that shatters your Sunday morning sleep-in? That sound is Australia-made. In 1952, Sydney’s Mervyn Victor Richardson cobbled together a rotary mower from scrap metal in his garage. His neighbours all wanted one, and the Victa was born. The Aussie backyard was never the same. Photo: Shutterstock
10/41Victa Lawnmower: That VRRRMMM sound that shatters your Sunday morning sleep-in? That sound is Australia-made. In 1952, Sydney’s Mervyn Victor Richardson cobbled together a rotary mower from scrap metal in his garage. His neighbours all wanted one, and the Victa was born. The Aussie backyard was never the same. Photo: Shutterstock
Splayd: The ultimate tool for lazy eaters. In the 1940s, Bill McArthur watched people struggle to eat at barbecues and in front of the TV with a plate on their lap. His solution? The Splayd. A knife, fork, and spoon all in one. It became a must-have wedding gift in the 70s and is still genius for anyone trying to eat pasta on the couch. Photo: Shutterstock
11/41Splayd: The ultimate tool for lazy eaters. In the 1940s, Bill McArthur watched people struggle to eat at barbecues and in front of the TV with a plate on their lap. His solution? The Splayd. A knife, fork, and spoon all in one. It became a must-have wedding gift in the 70s and is still genius for anyone trying to eat pasta on the couch. Photo: Shutterstock
Google Maps: No, you did not read that wrong. The app you use literally every single day to find a new cafe or avoid traffic started in a Sydney spare room. A small team of four Aussies developed the platform, called Where 2 Technologies, which Google snapped up in 2004. It became Google Maps a year later. You can thank your own people for not being lost. Photo: Shutterstock
12/41Google Maps: No, you did not read that wrong. The app you use literally every single day to find a new cafe or avoid traffic started in a Sydney spare room. A small team of four Aussies developed the platform, called Where 2 Technologies, which Google snapped up in 2004. It became Google Maps a year later. You can thank your own people for not being lost. Photo: Shutterstock
Hills Hoist: It’s not just a clothesline, it’s a cultural landmark. The spinning, height-adjustable Hills Hoist was invented by Lance Hill in Adelaide in 1945 and quickly became the centrepiece of every Aussie backyard. It’s also the official equipment for the great Aussie pastime, Goon-of-Fortune. The ultimate duo of Aussie inventions.
13/41Hills Hoist: It’s not just a clothesline, it’s a cultural landmark. The spinning, height-adjustable Hills Hoist was invented by Lance Hill in Adelaide in 1945 and quickly became the centrepiece of every Aussie backyard. It’s also the official equipment for the great Aussie pastime, Goon-of-Fortune. The ultimate duo of Aussie inventions.
Pacemaker (Early Prototype): This one’s mind-blowing. In 1926, way before anyone else, a Melbourne anaesthetist and a physicist built an early external pacemaker. It wasn't just a theory — they successfully used it on a stillborn baby, restoring its heartbeat. While the modern implantable pacemaker came later, the Aussie device proved it was possible. Photo: Shutterstock
14/41Pacemaker (Early Prototype): This one’s mind-blowing. In 1926, way before anyone else, a Melbourne anaesthetist and a physicist built an early external pacemaker. It wasn't just a theory — they successfully used it on a stillborn baby, restoring its heartbeat. While the modern implantable pacemaker came later, the Aussie device proved it was possible. Photo: Shutterstock
Pedal Radio: How did people get help when they lived thousands of kilometres from the nearest town? In the 1920s, Alfred Traeger invented a radio transmitter powered by bicycle pedals. This simple, brilliant device gave remote outback stations a voice and was the invention that made the Royal Flying Doctor Service possible. Photo: Wikipedia
15/41Pedal Radio: How did people get help when they lived thousands of kilometres from the nearest town? In the 1920s, Alfred Traeger invented a radio transmitter powered by bicycle pedals. This simple, brilliant device gave remote outback stations a voice and was the invention that made the Royal Flying Doctor Service possible. Photo: Wikipedia
The Notepad: The humble notepad on your desk? Yep, ours. In 1902, a Tasmanian stationer got sick of loose bits of paper. He had the bright idea to glue a stack of them together at the top with a bit of cardboard at the back. The tear-off notepad was born. Simple. Genius. Photo: Shutterstock
16/41The Notepad: The humble notepad on your desk? Yep, ours. In 1902, a Tasmanian stationer got sick of loose bits of paper. He had the bright idea to glue a stack of them together at the top with a bit of cardboard at the back. The tear-off notepad was born. Simple. Genius. Photo: Shutterstock
Stump-Jump Plough: Back in the 1870s, Aussie farmers trying to grow crops kept having their ploughs destroyed by tough Mallee roots. A South Australian guy invented a plough with a hinged blade that would
17/41Stump-Jump Plough: Back in the 1870s, Aussie farmers trying to grow crops kept having their ploughs destroyed by tough Mallee roots. A South Australian guy invented a plough with a hinged blade that would "jump" over stumps instead of breaking them. It sounds simple, but it opened up millions of acres of tough land to farming. Photo: Shutterstock
Electric Drill: That’s right, the tool that powers every DIY weekend and Bunnings snag-run was invented here. In 1889, Aussie engineers patented the world's first electric drill, turning hours of hard yakka into a one-button job. We’ve been drilling it ever since. Photo: Shutterstock
18/41Electric Drill: That’s right, the tool that powers every DIY weekend and Bunnings snag-run was invented here. In 1889, Aussie engineers patented the world's first electric drill, turning hours of hard yakka into a one-button job. We’ve been drilling it ever since. Photo: Shutterstock
Frazier Lens: Ever wondered how The Lord of the Rings and David Attenborough documentaries get those insane shots where everything is in focus, from a tiny ant to the mountain behind it? That’s the Frazier Lens, invented by Aussie filmmaker Jim Frazier. He even won an Oscar for it. Photo: David Attenborough
19/41Frazier Lens: Ever wondered how The Lord of the Rings and David Attenborough documentaries get those insane shots where everything is in focus, from a tiny ant to the mountain behind it? That’s the Frazier Lens, invented by Aussie filmmaker Jim Frazier. He even won an Oscar for it. Photo: David Attenborough
RaceCam: Aussie engineers at Channel 7 literally changed sports broadcasting forever. In 1979, they invented the RaceCam, a small camera mounted inside Peter Williamson’s V8 Supercar at Bathurst. For the first time, fans could see the driver's face and feel the speed. It was chaotic, thrilling, and pure genius. Photo: Sportsmatik
20/41RaceCam: Aussie engineers at Channel 7 literally changed sports broadcasting forever. In 1979, they invented the RaceCam, a small camera mounted inside Peter Williamson’s V8 Supercar at Bathurst. For the first time, fans could see the driver's face and feel the speed. It was chaotic, thrilling, and pure genius. Photo: Sportsmatik
Permaculture: Before
21/41Permaculture: Before "sustainable living" and "eco-friendly" were Insta buzzwords, two Tasmanians invented the whole concept. In the 1970s, Bill Mollison and David Holmgren developed permaculture, a philosophy for designing self-sufficient, sustainable human settlements. The world is finally catching up. Photo: Facebook
Triton: Workcentre. This is peak
22/41Triton: Workcentre. This is peak "Dad's shed" energy. In the 1970s, TV handyman George Lewin built a modular woodworking bench that could basically do it all — saw, sand, drill, you name it. The Triton Workcentre became an icon of Aussie DIY culture. Photo: Triton
Winged Keel: This is the invention that let us beat the Yanks at their own game and win the America's Cup in 1983. Ben Lexcen’s top-secret
23/41Winged Keel: This is the invention that let us beat the Yanks at their own game and win the America's Cup in 1983. Ben Lexcen’s top-secret "winged keel" made the Australia II yacht faster and more stable. It was so revolutionary that the Americans tried to get it banned. They didn't, and we won. A legendary sporting moment. Photo: Wikipedia
Permanent-Crease Wool: In the 1950s, CSIRO scientists solved the annoying problem of wool pants getting wrinkly and losing their shape. Their Si-Ro-Set process created a permanent crease, making Aussie merino wool a global fashion staple and saving people from hours of ironing. Photo: Shutterstock
24/41Permanent-Crease Wool: In the 1950s, CSIRO scientists solved the annoying problem of wool pants getting wrinkly and losing their shape. Their Si-Ro-Set process created a permanent crease, making Aussie merino wool a global fashion staple and saving people from hours of ironing. Photo: Shutterstock
Plastic Spectacle Lenses: If you wear glasses, you’ve probably got Aussie science on your face. In 1960, chemists in Adelaide developed the first plastic lenses. They were lighter, cheaper, and way less likely to shatter than glass. A total game-changer for anyone who’s ever dropped their sunnies. Photo: Shutterstock
25/41Plastic Spectacle Lenses: If you wear glasses, you’ve probably got Aussie science on your face. In 1960, chemists in Adelaide developed the first plastic lenses. They were lighter, cheaper, and way less likely to shatter than glass. A total game-changer for anyone who’s ever dropped their sunnies. Photo: Shutterstock
Inflatable Aircraft Escape Slide: Ever seen that footage of people dramatically evacuating a plane on those giant slides? That’s Aussie ingenuity. A Qantas engineer named Jack Grant designed the first inflatable escape slide in the 1960s. It’s now mandatory on all major aircraft and has saved thousands of lives. Photo: Qantas
26/41Inflatable Aircraft Escape Slide: Ever seen that footage of people dramatically evacuating a plane on those giant slides? That’s Aussie ingenuity. A Qantas engineer named Jack Grant designed the first inflatable escape slide in the 1960s. It’s now mandatory on all major aircraft and has saved thousands of lives. Photo: Qantas
Penicillin (Making it usable): Okay, Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin, but it was just a lab curiosity. It was Aussie scientist Howard Florey and his team at Oxford who turned it into a mass-producible, lifesaving drug during WWII. He's the guy who actually saved millions of lives. Photo: Shutterstock
27/41Penicillin (Making it usable): Okay, Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin, but it was just a lab curiosity. It was Aussie scientist Howard Florey and his team at Oxford who turned it into a mass-producible, lifesaving drug during WWII. He's the guy who actually saved millions of lives. Photo: Shutterstock
Tank-Bred Tuna: Scientists in South Australia were the first in the world to breed southern bluefin tuna in captivity. Given that the wild population is under threat, this breakthrough is a massive deal for the future of seafood. Photo: Shutterstock
28/41Tank-Bred Tuna: Scientists in South Australia were the first in the world to breed southern bluefin tuna in captivity. Given that the wild population is under threat, this breakthrough is a massive deal for the future of seafood. Photo: Shutterstock
Medical Ultrasound: We didn't invent ultrasound, but we made it what it is today. From 1959, Sydney-based teams led by George Kossoff built the first practical, usable ultrasound scanners. They pioneered its use in obstetrics, giving the world the first blurry photos of babies in the womb. Photo: Shutterstock
29/41Medical Ultrasound: We didn't invent ultrasound, but we made it what it is today. From 1959, Sydney-based teams led by George Kossoff built the first practical, usable ultrasound scanners. They pioneered its use in obstetrics, giving the world the first blurry photos of babies in the womb. Photo: Shutterstock
Vegemite: Our national flavour. In 1923, chemist Cyril Callister was tasked with creating an Aussie version of British Marmite from leftover brewer’s yeast. The salty, black spread he created became a national obsession. Love it or loathe it, there’s nothing more Aussie. Photo: Shutterstock
30/41Vegemite: Our national flavour. In 1923, chemist Cyril Callister was tasked with creating an Aussie version of British Marmite from leftover brewer’s yeast. The salty, black spread he created became a national obsession. Love it or loathe it, there’s nothing more Aussie. Photo: Shutterstock
Speedo: The budgie-smuggler brand was born in Bondi in 1914. It was originally called 'Fortitude' (lol) but was renamed 'Speedo' in 1928 after the slogan
31/41Speedo: The budgie-smuggler brand was born in Bondi in 1914. It was originally called 'Fortitude' (lol) but was renamed 'Speedo' in 1928 after the slogan "Speed on in your Speedos" took off. From Olympic champions to tradies on smoko, it’s an Aussie classic. Photo: Speedo
Tim Tam: In 1964, Arnott’s launched the perfect biscuit: two layers of malted biscuit, a creamy chocolate filling, all coated in more chocolate. The final genius move was discovering the
32/41Tim Tam: In 1964, Arnott’s launched the perfect biscuit: two layers of malted biscuit, a creamy chocolate filling, all coated in more chocolate. The final genius move was discovering the "Tim Tam Slam". Perfection. Photo: Wikipedia
UGG Boots: Love 'em or hate 'em, they're ours. The iconic sheepskin boots were created by Aussie surfers in the 1960s to warm their feet after hitting the cold waves. The comfort-first trend eventually went global, and our feet have never been cosier. Photo: Original UGG Boots Australia
33/41UGG Boots: Love 'em or hate 'em, they're ours. The iconic sheepskin boots were created by Aussie surfers in the 1960s to warm their feet after hitting the cold waves. The comfort-first trend eventually went global, and our feet have never been cosier. Photo: Original UGG Boots Australia
Milo: The crunchy, chocolatey-malt goodness was invented in Sydney in 1934 by Thomas Mayne to help kids get more nutrition during the Great Depression. It became a taste of childhood for generations. Photo: Shuttertock
34/41Milo: The crunchy, chocolatey-malt goodness was invented in Sydney in 1934 by Thomas Mayne to help kids get more nutrition during the Great Depression. It became a taste of childhood for generations. Photo: Shuttertock
Arnott’s Shapes Pizza, BBQ, Chicken Crimpy … every Aussie has a ride-or-die flavour. Arnott’s launched Shapes in 1954, giving us savoury biscuits with the flavour
35/41Arnott’s Shapes Pizza, BBQ, Chicken Crimpy … every Aussie has a ride-or-die flavour. Arnott’s launched Shapes in 1954, giving us savoury biscuits with the flavour "baked on" (and then, controversially, sprinkled back on). A lunch box and party staple. Photo: Anott’s
Violet Crumble:
36/41Violet Crumble: "It's the way it shatters that matters." Invented in Adelaide in 1913, this is Australia’s original honeycomb chocolate bar. That explosive crack when you bite into it is still so satisfying. Photo: Facebook
Weet-Bix:
37/41Weet-Bix: "Aussie kids are Weet-Bix kids." That jingle isn't wrong. This breakfast staple started in a Sydney factory in the 1920s. Sanitarium’s Weet-Bix quickly became the go-to breakfast of champions. How many do you do? Photo: Shutterstock
Twisties That loud, cheesy crunch started here in the 1950s. A Melbourne engineer created the machine that puffs corn and rice into the iconic snacks.
38/41Twisties That loud, cheesy crunch started here in the 1950s. A Melbourne engineer created the machine that puffs corn and rice into the iconic snacks. "Life’s pretty straight without Twisties" is, frankly, one of the most accurate slogans ever. Photo: Reddit
Cherry Ripe: Launched in 1924, this is officially Australia’s oldest and most popular chocolate bar. That combo of ripe cherries, coconut, and rich dark chocolate is a classic for a reason. Photo: Cadbury
39/41Cherry Ripe: Launched in 1924, this is officially Australia’s oldest and most popular chocolate bar. That combo of ripe cherries, coconut, and rich dark chocolate is a classic for a reason. Photo: Cadbury
Freddo Frog: This little guy has a cute origin story. In 1930, a Melbourne chocolate factory worker named Harry Melbourne pitched a chocolate frog instead of the planned mouse, saying kids would prefer it. His boss agreed, and Freddo has been hopping off the shelves ever since. Photo: Facebook
40/41Freddo Frog: This little guy has a cute origin story. In 1930, a Melbourne chocolate factory worker named Harry Melbourne pitched a chocolate frog instead of the planned mouse, saying kids would prefer it. His boss agreed, and Freddo has been hopping off the shelves ever since. Photo: Facebook
This article is part of the Back Australia series, which was supported by Australian Made Campaign, Harvey Norman, Westpac,Bunnings, Coles, TechnologyOne, REA Group, Cadbury, R.M.Williams, Qantas, Vodafone and BHP.
41/41This article is part of the Back Australia series, which was supported by Australian Made Campaign, Harvey Norman, Westpac,Bunnings, Coles, TechnologyOne, REA Group, Cadbury, R.M.Williams, Qantas, Vodafone and BHP.
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Original URL: https://www.thechronicle.com.au/news/national/back-australia/the-incredible-aussie-inventions-that-changed-the-world/image-gallery/f5e1b01c5c03a551c28ecea6c7a2ad9a