Can You Complete These Australian Nursery Rhymes?

By: Hania Syed
Estimated Completion Time
4 min
Can You Complete These Australian Nursery Rhymes?
Image: Jordan Lye/Moment/Getty Images

About This Quiz

We all grow up being familiar with nursery rhymes, from having them sung to us in the crib to learning the words to them in pre-school. Australia's unique culture means we have plenty of nursery rhymes based on our flora, fauna and traditions. From nursery rhymes that are sung to babies, to classic songs that every Aussie kid had to learn at school (or even tunes that adults love to belt out together!), this quiz covers nursery rhymes and traditional tunes alike. Featuring patriotic anthems that bring Australians together, like "I Am Australian," "Waltzing Matilda" and "Home Among the Gum Trees," to adorable songs from shows like "The Wiggles," "Playschool" and "Hi-5," how much do you know about Australian nursery rhymes and songs for children? 

Aside from Australian-specific nursery rhymes, Australian kids also grow up with nursery rhymes that are universally known and loved. Are you on top of these familiar, timeless tunes as well? 

Test your knowledge of all things Australian with this quiz. Why not send it to your mates to see who has the best knowledge of the songs every Aussie grew up with? Be prepared because this quiz gets harder as you progress! 

1 - waltzing matilda
DaniloAndjus/E+/Getty Images
What did the swagman sing as he watched and waited 'til his billy boiled?
"Down came a jumbuck to drink at the billabong"
"Under the shade of a coolibah tree"
"You'll come a-Waltzing Matilda with me"
"Up rode the troopers, one, two, three"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

This line is from the classic Australian ballad, "Waltzing Matilda," by Banjo Patterson. In fact, it's so loved by Aussies, it was once seriously considered as the new national anthem!

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2 - Aussie, Aussie, Aussie, Oi, oi, oi
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What should you reply with after hearing the chant "Aussie, Aussie, Aussie"?
"Hey, hey, hey"
"Oi, oi, oi"
"Yip, yip, yip"
"Yeah, yeah, yeah"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

While not a nursery rhyme, every Aussie kid grows up knowing this chant. After one person yells "Aussie Aussie Aussie," the rest will repeat "Oi, oi, oi" or repeat a singular "Oi" after someone calls out "Aussie!"

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3 - Botany Bay ship
Pobytov/DigitalVision Vectors/Getty Images
What line comes after "singing too-ral-li-ooral-li-addity"?
"Oh, we're bound for Botany Bay"
"Farewell to the well-known Old Bailey"
"Singing too-ral-li-ooral-li-ay"
"Or you'll find us in Botany Bay"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"Botany Bay" is an Australian folk song detailing the experience of Englishmen sailing to Australia. The song originally comes from a musical that was performed in London and then in Melbourne, Australia.

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4 - My Boyfriend Gave Me An Apple
Philary/E+/Getty Images
In the classic clapping song, what did the singer's boyfriend give her?
An avocado
An engagement ring
An evening primrose
An apple
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"My Boyfriend Gave Me An Apple" is typically accompanied by a clapping game which school kids are fond of playing. It's a cheeky song with plenty of playful lyrics to giggle over!

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5 - Row your boat
Sutthiwat Srikhrueadam/Moment/Getty Images
What is being rowed in the popular nursery rhyme beginning with "Row, row, row"?
A ship
A boat
A dinghy
A catamaran
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

While not strictly Australian, "Row, Row, Row Your Boat" is a classic nursery rhyme that all Aussie kids grew up with. Typically, preschoolers start singing this song with their teacher's help.

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6 - Home Among the Gumtrees
Chasing Light - Photography by James Stone james-stone.com/Moment/Getty Images
Where did John Williamson want his home to be?
Among the flowers
Among the gumtrees
In the forest
In the bush
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"Home Among the Gumtrees" is a country song written by John Williamson that many Aussies grew up listening to. It fondly speaks of the gorgeous natural surroundings enjoyed by Australians.

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7 - Play School
ABC
What is "in there" in addition to a bear?
A bow in her hair
A mare
A chair
A deer
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

This is the opening line to the intro song of the iconic Australian children's show, "Playschool." For generations, Aussies have grown up hearing this jingle, plus plenty of other songs on "Playschool."

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8 - The Wiggles
ABC Music
What do The Wiggles say after "fruit salad"?
"Yummy, yummy"
"With berries"
"For my honey"
"In my tummy"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Another kids' show favourite, this song is from "The Wiggles." These brightly coloured entertainers put on live shows for children, as well as regular episodes filled with catchy songs.

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9 - Little Grey Bandicoot
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What happens after the "little visitor" visits at night?
"We send no invitation/we do not bid him come"
"And walks about the garden/when the moon is shining bright"
"He hops about/as if he were at home"
"Sometimes we hear his chattering call"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

These lines are from the nursery rhyme, "Little Grey Bandicoot," by Maybanke Anderson, which details the adventures of a little bandicoot, and the whole family's efforts to spot the cheeky creature.

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10 - A Sailor Went to Sea
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Why did the sailor go to sea, sea, sea?
"To see what he could be, be, be"
"To help his knee, knee, knee"
"To see what he could see, see, see"
"To flee, flee, flee"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Slightly different versions of 'A Sailor Went to Sea' are sung throughout the English-speaking world, with fun actions accompanying the lyrics. What variants do you know of the words?

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11 - Kookaburras
Andrew Aylett/The Image Bank/Getty Images
Where does the kookaburra sit?
By the water
On the windowsill
Perched on the tree
On the old gum tree
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

This popular nursery rhyme was written in 1932, celebrating the trademark laugh of the kookaburra. This bird is known for the merry feeling its laugh gives off, echoing throughout the trees.

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12 - Home Among the Gumtrees
Clea-marie Thorne/Moment/Getty Images
What does John Williamson first cook up in the kitchen in his song, "Home Among the Gumtrees"?
A slice of Vegemite toast
A roast
A storm
A cup of tea
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

These lines are also from "Home Among the Gumtrees" by John Williamson, celebrating the little pleasures of having a roast, a slice of Vegemite toast and a cup of tea - all Australian essentials!

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13 - Hey, Diddle, Diddle
ABC Music
Who played the fiddle in "Hey diddle, diddle"?
Bird
Dog
Mouse
Cat
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

This nursery rhyme is sung throughout much of the English-speaking world, with the song being regularly performed on "Playschool" in Australia, accompanied by puppets and imagery.

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14 - Itsy bitsy spider
Twinkle Little Songs - Nursery Rhymes via YouTube
What did the itsy bitsy spider do?
Make its way through the garden
Crawl down the water spout
Climb up the water spout
Climb over the hose
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Sometimes called "Incey Wincey Spider," this simple nursery rhyme tells the sweet story of a little spider who gets washed away from the water spout it was in, but then makes its way back up again.

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15 - Vegemites
Bega Cheese
In the famous advert, what do the children sing after "we're happy little"?
Cobbers
Champions
Rascals
Vegemites
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

This iconic line is from the advertising jingle of Vegemite, Australia's favourite spread. In the ad, children merrily announce their love of Vegemite and the health benefits of the popular product.

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16 - animals
Joao Inacio/Moment/Getty Images
Which one of these animals is first referred to in a nursery rhyme as a cuddly creature?
Koalas
Possums
Kangaroos
Joeys
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

This simple nursery rhyme is sung to the tune of "Frere Jacques," and is an ode to one of Australia's favourite animals, the cuddly little koala. It also mentions possums, wombats, wallabies and roos.

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17 - I still call Australia home
John Crux Photography/Moment/Getty Images
In "The Boy From Oz," what does the singer say after "But no matter how far or how wide I roam"?
"I still know my home."
"I know where my heart is home."
"I still call Australia home."
"I still return to my home."
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"I Still Call Australia Home" is a touching ode to the land down under performed by Peter Allan in the musical, "The Boy From Oz." Plenty of kids grow up learning this song, especially if they did drama at school.

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18 - australia Christmas
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In the Australian version of "Jingle Bells," how did the protagonists dash through the bush?
In a sturdy Ford
In the pouch of a kangaroo
In a rusty Holden Ute
On a kangaroo sleigh
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

This line is from Australia's very own take on "Jingle Bells," which includes references to the heat, summer outfits, barbeques, the pool and everything else that makes Australian Christmases so unique!

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19 - how to make gravy
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In a classic Christmas song by Paul Kelly, which dish does he ask to be made?
Pavlova
Lamingtons
Gravy
Roast
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Australian musician Paul Kelly wrote "How to Make Gravy" as a Christmas tune, telling the story of a family's Christmas traditions. Plenty of people still analyse the lyrics to figure out who actually makes the gravy!

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20 - I Am Australian
Michael Siward/Moment/Getty Images
In a famous patriotic song, what are "you", "I" and "we"?
Together
Indigenous
Australian
United
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"I Am Australian" is a rousing classic written by The Seekers and since performed by a host of other Aussie stars. The lyrics celebrate the multicultural nature and fascinating history of Australia.

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21 - Hi-5
Nine Network/9Go!
After Hi-5 say "five in the air," what do they sing next?
"There's a smile on my face."
"Let's move side to side."
"Let's do it together."
"Who's in it together?"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

This fun bop is the theme song of "Hi-5," another iconic kids show. "Hi-5" was made a particularly entertaining show due to the presence of a live audience filled with kids singing along to their fun songs!

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22 - old man
Dean Mitchell/E+/Getty Images
What is the line after "It's raining, it's pouring"?
"Today is so boring!"
"Where are you going?"
"This morning"
"The old man is snoring"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

This silly tune is well known in Australia and is thought to date back to around 1912. It's thought to originate from New York, and it is now a popular nursery rhyme in Australia!

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23 - frogs
MarkBridger/Moment/Getty Images
What do the five little peckled frogs do?
Fall in the muddy bog
Sit on a speckled log
Hide from the neighbour's dog
Sit by the bog
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

This children's tune is a popular, fairly modern one about the adventures of five frogs, the yummy bugs they get to feast on and the cool water they enjoy dipping into. What a life!

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24 - kettle
Marissa Powell/Moment/Getty Images
What is said after Polly puts the kettle on?
"Put on a brew."
"Let's have tea."
"We'll all have tea."
"Let's have a brew."
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

This fun little nursery rhyme is popular among Aussie kids and has a simple tune. Amazingly, it was first published in 1803! Did you know when it was first published, Polly was actually a pet name for Mary!

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25 - Little miss muffett
Natasha Sioss/Moment Open/Getty Images
What did Little Miss Muffet do?
Sat on a tuffet
Put her hair in a bonnet
Met Mr. Muppet
Went to the buffet
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

This nursery rhyme first made its rounds in the mid-20th century, featuring a spider startling a young girl. Since its origins in England, it has become a fairly popular nursery rhyme in Australia as well.

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26 - Jack Horner
Jupiterimages/PHOTOS.com>> / Getty Images Plus/Getty Images
What did Little Jack Horner do?
Raced round the corner
Tried to get warmer
Sat in the corner
Was what he was known former
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Similar to "Little Miss Muffet," "Little Jack Horner" is an older nursery rhyme focusing on a young protagonist. The rhyme tells the simple story of a little boy enjoying a plum pie at Christmastime.

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27 - kangaroo
John Crux Photography/Moment/Getty Images
What does Rolf Harris say after asking for help with tying his kangaroo down?
"Please"
"Now"
"Mate"
"Sport"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"Tie Me Kangaroo Down, Sport" was a popular song written in the 1960s by the now controversial Rolf Harris. The lyrics mention various Australian animals, but they also use some outdated language.

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28 - Click Go the Shears
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What goes "click" in the classic Aussie song?
Lighters
Tools
Shears
Recorders
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"Click Go the Shears" is an Australian bush ballad telling the story of sheep shearers. The song is a nod to how important the wool industry was to early Australian settlers (and still is to many shearers!).

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29 - clock
Ekspansio/E+/Getty Images
What completes the line, "hickory dickory"?
Dock
Clock
Chickory
Yay
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The simple tune of "Hickory, Dickory, Dock" is well known by all. Teaching children how to tell time in a fun and approachable way, the song is known by Australian kids as well.

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30 - teapot
Lesley Magno/Moment/Getty Images
In addition to stout, what is the little teapot?
Hot
Cute
Short
Small
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Another universal classic in the English-speaking world, "I'm a Little Teapot" is a popular American nursery rhyme which features accompanying actions for an added bit of fun.

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31 - miss polly had a dolly
ABC Music
How is Miss Polly's dolly?
Cute, cute, cute
Sweet, sweet, sweet
Hurt, hurt, hurt
Sick, sick, sick
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

This tune tells the story of Miss Polly who has an unwell doll. It's known by Aussie kids due to The Wiggles performing it with their own flair. The song is another great one for accompanying actions.

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32 - mulberry bush
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Which bush do we all go around in the classic Aussie version of "Wheels on the Bus"?
Raspberry
Mulberry
Blueberry
Cranberry
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

While English in its origins, "Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush" is a song that many Aussies are familiar with, too. It can be sung to the tune of "Wheels on the Bus," making it an easy one to remember.

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33 - Old MacDonald
Noelia Ramon - TellingLife/Moment/Getty Images
What does Old Macdonald have?
A ranch
A farm
An acre
A house
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Everyone knows this one about Old MacDonald, his farm and all the noises his animals make! It remains a popular tune among Aussie kids, being one of the first they learn at school.

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34 - Kangaroo
Jami Tarris/Stone/Getty Images
What action is the kangaroo doing in the song by Peter Combe?
Jump jump
Hop hop
Boing boing
Skip skip
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"Kangaroo Kangaroo" is a simple song by Peter Combe, one of Australia's most loved children's songwriters. The song tells the story of befriending various Aussie animals, and it includes the sounds they all make.

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35 - sleeping bird
Jun Zhou/E+/Getty Images
What type of tree is the little bird asleep in?
Plane
Wattle
Gum
Jacaranda
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Another Peter Combe classic, "Jacaranda Tree" is a simple ode to the beautiful jacaranda tree, which is known for its purple flowers. It also notes the beauty of a bird taking shelter in the large tree.

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