What did the Australian aboriginies for living?

Hunting and Gathering:

1. Hunting: Men in Aboriginal communities were primarily responsible for hunting. They used spears, boomerangs, and other traditional weapons to hunt various animals, including kangaroos, wallabies, emus, and other game. 

2. Gathering: Women and children played a crucial role in gathering plant foods. They collected fruits, nuts, seeds, roots, and other edible plants, which formed a significant part of their diet.

Fishing and Seafood:

1. Coastal Fishing: Aboriginal groups living along the coasts engaged in fishing. They used nets, spears, and fishing lines to catch fish, shellfish, and other marine life.

2. Inland Fishing: In areas with rivers, lakes, and water bodies, Aborigines developed techniques for fishing, including using traps and weirs.

Plant Cultivation:

1. Small-Scale Cultivation: Some Aboriginal groups in certain regions practiced small-scale cultivation. They used digging sticks and rudimentary tools to grow plants like yams and other crops.

Nomadic Lifestyle:

1. Seasonal Movement: Many Aboriginal groups were nomadic or semi-nomadic. They moved seasonally to follow the availability of resources, especially during wet and dry seasons.

2. Foraging: To sustain their nomadic way of life, Aborigines relied on foraging for food, moving from one location to another to find sustenance.

Shelter:

1. Bush Shelters: Aborigines constructed temporary shelters using materials like branches, leaves, and twigs. These shelters were often built for short-term stays during hunting and gathering expeditions.

2. Rock Shelters: In certain areas, Aboriginal communities made use of natural rock shelters for protection from harsh weather conditions.

Water Management:

1. Water Collection: Aborigines had intricate knowledge of water sources and developed techniques to collect and store water in arid environments.

2. Water Holes: They created water holes and constructed dams to ensure a reliable water supply during dry seasons.

Traditional Tools:

1. Spears: Spears with sharpened tips were used for hunting and fishing.

2. Boomerangs: Boomerangs, a signature Aboriginal tool, were used for hunting and sometimes as weapons for self-defense.

3. Grinding Stones: These were used to process plant foods, preparing them for consumption.

4. Skin Bags: Skin bags were made from animal hides to carry water and store food. 

It's important to note that the diversity of Australian Aboriginal cultures means that there was variation in subsistence strategies across different regions. However, the above points provide a general overview of the ways in which Aboriginal communities traditionally sustained themselves.