History, cultures and traditions of Australia

A single tradition or artwork cannot represent the cultural diversity of the continent and the Torres Strait. Names, cultural responsibilities and knowledge belong to particular peoples and places. Local interpretation and Indigenous-led experiences can help visitors understand a destination through the perspectives of its custodians.

Respect local guidance on access, photography and the sharing of knowledge. Some places and cultural information have specific restrictions. Learning the identity of the community associated with a destination adds depth to the experience of visiting it.

British colonisation began in 1788 with the establishment of a penal colony in New South Wales. Dispossession, violence and profound social change followed, with consequences continuing into the present. Different regions and communities experienced these processes in different ways.

In 1992, the High Court's Mabo decision recognised that traditional rights and interests in land could survive colonisation, rejecting the application of terra nullius in Australian law. The case concerned the Meriam people and Mer, or Murray Island, in the Torres Strait. It is an important part of the history of native title.

The buildings, transport routes and institutions of Australian towns reveal further layers of history. Sydney provides a setting for exploring the early colonial period alongside contemporary urban life. The planned national capital, Canberra, offers a different perspective on the development of the Commonwealth.

Regional landscapes add agricultural, industrial and migration histories. A journey through South Australia, for example, can connect settlement patterns with food and wine regions. These stories sit alongside the continuing histories of Traditional Owners. Allowing for both local cultural perspectives and later developments gives a fuller understanding of the places along your route.