Would it have been easy to start a new life in Australia during the early 1800s? Why / why not?

It depends on what you want to do.

Explanation:

Australia in 1804 revolted from the British empire, which then became it's own nation. However, the British still had a lot of influence in Australia at the time. Australia didn't have the best economy and was hostile to the British. So it all depends on who you were, and where you came from.