Although originating in England and Europe, Calisthenics came to prominence in the Victorian Gold Rush. It provided exercises to help city dwellers keep fit. These exercises were often combined with apparatus to keep their wrists, elbows and shoulders supple. Clubs and rods are currently being used for this. Musical accompaniment gradually enhanced performances and it slowly became an integral part of the sport.

Public classes began in the 1880's. By 1903 the Royal South Street Society introduced calisthenics to its famous Eisteddfod in Ballarat. The competition in Ballarat is still the focus for many clubs in Australia. Calisthenics was introduced into Victorian State Schools in the 1930s.

The sport became so popular that Calisthenics Clubs spread rapidly, although mostly in Victoria and South Australia. It achieved national attraction when Victorian and South Australian coaches began moving throughout Australia. Calisthenics came to the ACT in the mid 60's when Florence Curtis started classes in Belconnen.

Australian Calisthenics today is considered an artistic and performance sport, as are rhythmic gymnastics and ice dancing. It is a year round sport with a strong emphasis placed on team work. Participants are separated into sections according to their age and are then placed in teams according to their skill level and experience.