Life in Australia in the 1800s was marked by many challenges, including: 

    Difficult conditions for early settlers
    The hot, dry climate and unfamiliar plants and animals made farming difficult, and starvation was a constant concern. 

Hard work for everyone
Children and adults had to work hard to survive, with children completing chores like fetching water, washing dishes, and helping with laundry. 
Dispossession of Aboriginal peoples
The European colonization of Australia led to the violent dispossession of Aboriginal peoples from their homelands. 
Harsh working conditions
Workers in the 1800s worked up to 16 hours a day, suffered harsh conditions, and had minimal job security. 
Political divisions
The divide between liberals and conservatives in British politics was replicated in Australia. 
Economic growth
The discovery of gold in Victoria in 1854 led to a prosperous colony. 
Education
In Victorian schools, children sat in rows, in silence, and copied down what the teacher wrote on the blackboard. The main subjects taught were reading, writing, and arithmetic.