Aboriginal Australia Before 1788: A Continent of Nations

Prior to British settlement (1788), Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples occupied the entire Australian continent, including:

• Mainland: All environments—tropical north (Arnhem Land, Kimberley), arid center (Western Desert, Simpson), temperate southeast (Murray-Darling, Victoria), southwest (Noongar country), Tasmania.
• Islands: Tasmania (Lutruwita) (separated ~12,000 BP), Torres Strait Islands (distinct Melanesian culture), Tiwi Islands, Groote Eylandt, and many smaller islands.

Diversity, Not Monolith

Over 250 distinct language groups (600+ dialects) and complex nations with defined territories, laws, trade routes, and ecological knowledge. Population estimates range 300,000–1.2 million+. They managed the continent through fire-stick farming, sophisticated aquaculture (e.g., Budj Bim eel traps), grain harvesting, and spiritual connection to Country (Dreaming).

The myth of "terra nullius" (empty land) ignored this intricate, continent-spanning civilization.