Aboriginal Australia & the Torres Strait Islands

by Sarina Singh, Lonely Planet

Reconciliation with Indigenous peoples is the most significant issue confronting contemporary Australia. When British colonisers invaded Australia in 1788, more than 600 different Indigenous nations -- each with their own distinct language, culture and traditions -- were dispossessed of their land.This companion to the Australia guide is ideal for travellers who want to understand the country's 50,000-year-old cultural tradition. More than 60 Indigenous people have contributed to this guide, together with some of LP's most experienced guidebook researchers. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander writers cover the Dreaming, bush tucker, art, sport, music and modern Australia's history from invasion-era massacres to modern-day disadvantage.

With this practical guide, travellers can take a horseback tour of ancient cultural sites with an Adnyamathanha Elder, learn some of the Tjukurpa stories of Uluru (Ayers Rock) from an Anangu guide, work out in a Koorie gym, get online to learn the latest in Indigenous politics, meet contemporary Aboriginal artists at work or marvel at the work of their ancestors.

448 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2001

Reviews

[Alasdair MacCaluim · Rating 5 out of 5]

While this is primarily a travel book, I bought it as an introduction to Aboriginal Australia and the Torres Strait Islands and wasn't disappointed. It gives an excellent summary of the languages, culture, history and present day situation of Australia's First Nations and is worth the price for that alone. It also gives a detailed run down of Aboriginal places of interest state by state and territory. As this book is widely available at a low price at the moment, it makes an excellent starting point for anybody wishing to learn about indigenous Australia.

[Edith Riegler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brilliant compilation of maps, accounts of traditional history, social studies, and personal stories.
I believe it's a must-read for anyone interested in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander culture. Very informative and very interesting.
Note: I used this guide as source for an essay on Aboriginal Identity, couldn't have found better information anywhere else.

[Lesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an account of present day Australia - and its history - by Aboriginal writers. It's a revelation. It's refreshing to hear the truth, for example the British are referred to as invaders - which is exactly what they were.

[PMP · Rating 4 out of 5]

Is this the new generation of printed travel guidebooks?