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<p><strong>Background</strong>: The 1970s and 1980s represent the early era of in vitro fertilization (IVF) research. This article is a concise review of the early history of IVF, focusing on the contributions made by Australian pioneers.</p><p><strong>Objectives</strong>: To research the history of the early days of IVF in Australia.</p><p><strong>Search Strategy</strong>: ‘IVF history’ was used as a search criteria in PubMed.</p><p>Selection criteria: We selected articles that were dealing with Australian research on IVF in 1970–1980s and were also statistically sound where applicable.</p><p><strong>Data collection and analysis</strong>: We collected, processed, and analyzed the data, and summed up two decades of IVF research in Australia.</p><p><strong>Main results</strong>: The first ideas about introducing IVF research in Australia started in 1970. Years of trials and hard work bore success and the first baby was born in 1980. IVF procedures then spread quickly across Australia.</p><p><strong>Conclusions</strong>: Australia was a leading force in the early days of IVF and with many innovative approaches contributed greatly to the development of IVF as we know it today.</p>