Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures are the oldest continuing cultures on earth, with archaeological evidence in Australia dating back 65,000 years. Today, First Nation’s communities continue to pass down their diverse languages, philosophies and histories, to generations now and in the future.
Australia’s human history began over 60,000 years ago with the arrival of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders calling the land and surrounding islands home. Their culture permeated far and wide across the vast continent and today, Australia’s First Nations are considered to be the oldest, continuously inhabiting culture of the world. Theirs is a complex history, along with a brutal colonial period, Aboriginal children were also removed from their families and the stories of the Stolen Generation continue to emerge in today’s society.
Australia has a long history of convict settlement and was also considered an explorer’s gateway, a gateway that informed and changed the science and views of today.
As the country grew and migration became a bloodline for the remote settlement, Australia procured migrants throughout their history, be it the gold rush era or the intake of refugees following the world wars. As a result, Australia is now a broad mixture of cultures and people coming together.
Did you know? There are 20 sites inscribed on the World Heritage List across Australia (with another 4 on the tentative list). The four cultural, 12 natural and four mixed sites include the Sydney Opera House and the Great Barrier Reef but there are heaps more to see as well, the most recent addition being the Budj Bim Cultural Landscape in Victoria.
Did you know? Throughout Australia, there are 11 UNESCO-listed convict sites that provide a historical insight into the large-scale convict transportation and the colonial expansion of European powers within Australia, through the presence and labour of convicts.
Did you know? Australia is brimming with world-class art and you don’t have to be inside a gallery to experience it. Some of the quirkiest, yet stunning, galleries can be found either al fresco, under the stars or along the coast, underwater or underground.
Did you know? In addition to its historic architectural styles and protected buildings, modern Australian architecture is gaining world notoriety. Of the completed buildings on the 2022 World Architecture Festival awards shortlist, Australia accounts for 38 completed buildings, while China accounts for 36, Britain 28 and the U.S.A, just 10 buildings. Source
Did you know? Indigenous art themes and techniques vary from location to location across Australia and differentiate from one Aboriginal and Torres Islander community to another. For example, in Arnhem Land, paintings are made with a cross-hatching or 'rarrk' technique that uses straight lines in addition to the more widely known dot painting techniques.
If you’d like to learn more about the best times to experience nature, as well as wildlife events and highlights, be sure to read our eGuide on navigating Australia’s seasons.
*For more information on nature and wildlife tourism in Australia you can:
‘Navigating Austral Seasons [When Planning a Trip Down Under]’, to make the most of experiencing seasonal nature and wildlife events that occur around Australia each year.
To learn more about making eco-conscious and ethical decisions before, during and after you’ve experienced nature and wildlife tourism activities.
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