Australian colonial currencies were the various forms of money used in Australia before the establishment of a unified national currency. Each colony, such as New South Wales and Victoria, issued its own banknotes and coins, often based on the British pound. These currencies were influenced by trade and local economies, leading to a mix of foreign and colonial money in circulation. As Australia moved towards federation in 1901, the need for a standardized currency became clear. This led to the introduction of the Australian pound in 1910, which replaced the colonial currencies and laid the foundation for the modern Australian dollar.