Year 6 · Geography · Geographical knowledge and understanding
Australia's global connections
Learners explore how Australia is connected to other countries through trade, migration, tourism, aid, culture and technology.
Awaiting educator review. This material was drafted by our content team with AI assistance and is waiting for review by a qualified educator. Please check it suits your child before using it. Created 10 October 2026.
Learning goals
Learners will
- Describe different types of connections between Australia and other countries.
- Explain how these connections affect people in Australia and elsewhere.
Success looks like
- I can name four ways Australia is connected to other countries.
- I can explain the difference between exports and imports.
- I can describe how a connection affects people's lives.
The big idea
Australia is connected to the world in many ways. Geographers call this interconnection.
Trade: Australia exports resources such as iron ore, coal and natural gas, farm products such as wheat, beef and wool, and services such as education and tourism. It imports goods such as cars, phones, computers, clothing and fuel. China has been Australia's largest trading partner for many years, and other major partners include Japan, the United States, South Korea and India.
Migration: Many Australians were born overseas or have a parent born overseas. Migrants bring languages, food, skills and cultures that shape Australian life.
Tourism and education: Many people travel to and from Australia for holidays and study.
Aid: Australia provides foreign aid to countries in the region, particularly in the Pacific and Southeast Asia, and helps after disasters such as earthquakes and cyclones.
Culture and technology: Music, films, sport and the internet connect people across the world. This growing connectedness is called globalisation.
First Nations peoples had connections beyond the continent long before 1788, including trade between Torres Strait Islanders and New Guinea, and between Aboriginal communities in the north and Makassan visitors.
Worked examples
Investigating labels
A family finds labels showing a phone made in China, a shirt made in Bangladesh and a car made in Japan. What does this show?
- These are imports: goods bought from other countries.
- They show trade connections with Asian countries.
Answer: The household depends on imports from several Asian countries.
Export or import?
Australia sells iron ore to China. Is this an export or an import for Australia?
- Australia is selling to another country.
- Selling to another country is exporting.
Answer: An export.
Practice check
Have a go, then check your answers. Each answer comes with an explanation.
Answer guide for parents
What is an export?
A good sold to another country — Exports are sold overseas.
Which is one of Australia's major exports?
Iron ore — Iron ore is one of Australia's largest exports.
Which country has been Australia's largest trading partner for many years?
China — China has been Australia's largest two-way trading partner for many years.
Which is an example of foreign aid?
Sending medical teams after an earthquake in another country — Aid is help given to other countries.
Who traded with Makassan visitors before 1788?
Aboriginal communities in northern Australia — Makassan trepang fishers visited northern Australia and traded with Aboriginal communities.
A good bought from another country is an ____.
import — Imports are bought from overseas.
The growing connection of the world's economies and cultures is called ____.
globalisation — Globalisation increases interconnection.
Moving to live permanently in another country is called ____.
migration — Migration connects Australia with many countries.
Watch out for
- Some think Australia mainly exports manufactured goods. Its largest exports are resources, energy, farm products and services such as education.
- Children may think global connections began recently. First Nations peoples traded beyond the continent long before 1788, and global trade shaped the colonies.
Tips for parents
- Go on a 'Made in…' hunt around the house and mark each country on a world map.
- Talk about family members or friends who were born overseas and the connections they maintain.
- Keep trade figures general; specific rankings change from year to year.
Go further
- Create a map showing where ten household items were made.
- Research one Australian aid project in the Pacific.
- Interview someone who migrated to Australia about how they stay connected to their country of birth.