Map of islands in the Southern Pacific, to the east of Australia, Australia's Defining Moments Digital Classroom

This region is often referred to as the South Sea. In 1863 a group of 67 South Sea Islanders were brought to Queensland to perform manual labour in the cotton and sugar industries. They were the first of more than 62,000 Pacific Island men, women and children who were transported to Australia over the next 40 years. Some were kidnapped, or ‘blackbirded’, others were misled.

Maps of Southeast Asia, Pacific World, Australia, New Zealand, Antarctica

Map of islands in the Southern Pacific, to the east of Australia, Australia's Defining Moments Digital Classroom

Second World War Defining Moments, 1939–1945, 1.3 Where was the Second World War fought?, Australia's Defining Moments Digital Classroom

Oceania map hi-res stock photography and images - Alamy

Queensland, History, Map, Flag, Population, Cities, & Facts

60+ Asia Pacific Region Stock Photos, Pictures & Royalty-Free Images - iStock

The Pacific Islands Natural History Museum

Pacific Islands & Australia Map: Regions, Geography, Facts & Figures

Kiribati Maps & Facts - World Atlas

Physical Features of Australia, Geographical Map & Topography - Lesson

Eastern Hemisphere, Map, Continents, & Facts