Beef cattle were first introduced to Australia in 1788, with early imports including Shorthorn and Hereford breeds from Britain used in northern and western regions. Zebu cattle from India and later the American Brahman breed were brought to withstand tropical climates. Major modern breeds fall into two categories - Bos taurus including Angus, Hereford and Charolais, and Bos indicus such as Brahman and Santa Gertrudis that are heat tolerant. The document provides an overview of the history and development of Australia's beef cattle industry and main breeds.