The Australian bushrangers were a group of notorious outlaws who roamed the Australian bushland during the 19th century. These bushrangers were known for their daring and often violent exploits, which included robbery, murder, and kidnapping. They were seen as both heroes and villains, depending on who you asked.
The origins of bushranging can be traced back to the early days of European settlement in Australia. The harsh conditions and isolation of the outback made it an ideal place for those seeking to escape the law. The first bushranger was said to be a man named John Caesar, who escaped from prison in 1789 and lived off the land for several years.
In the years that followed, bushranging became more widespread, with a number of notorious criminals rising to prominence. Among the most famous were Ned Kelly, Ben Hall and Captain Thunderbolt. These men became legends in their own time, with many people admiring their courage and daring.
Despite their popularity, the bushrangers were eventually brought to justice. The authorities used a range of tactics to capture and punish these outlaws, including offering rewards for their capture and using trackers to hunt them down. Many bushrangers were eventually captured and sentenced to long prison terms or executed for their crimes.
Today, the legacy of the Australian bushrangers lives on. Their exploits have been immortalized in books, movies, and television shows, and they continue to capture the imagination of people around the world.