The first volunteer units in Australia were the Loyal Associations of Sydney & Parramatta. They were formed due to fear of a French invasion and the possibility of a revolt by Irish convicts. They wore whatever they had or received from the NSW Corps and only lasted a couple of years. There were various attempts to raise other corps over the next 40-odd years but to no avail. There was a militia in South Australia, but its said this had more officers than men. Then fear of an expansionist Russia led to the formation of a number of corps in Victoria, NSW and South Australia.
The colonial forces in Australia waxed and waned as fear and apathy caused the number of volunteers to rise and fall. By federation each colony had a reasonable force that included permanent artillery supported by militia cavalry and infantry. Their uniforms were very distinctive along with their name and role in some cases, like the NSW Railway Volunteer Rifles, the Victorian Railways Volunteer Rifles, St George's English Volunteer Rifle Corps, and the highlanders in NSW, Victoria, Queensland and South Australia. And then you have Lancers in NSW and South Australia, Mounted Rifles in all colonies.
Some small illustrations of their uniforms can be seen at www.uniformsotw.com/products.htm
The CDs include brief histories of the forces, badges, and in some cases dress regulations.
Attached is an illustration of an officer of the St George's English VR from the mid 1890s, hope you enjoy it
Sean