Amazing Amazon- what about Australia? (29)

Contrary to what Mr Lookin says, I was not around in those days (although Mum was alleged to have welcomed Capt Cook).

Australia was invaded about 40,000 years ago and then just over 240 years ago. Studies have been undertaken in Mungo National Park, NSW which have established pre-40,000 years ago. So things have changed a lot over time. The Tasmanian Aborigines were the last descendants of the earliest known inhabitants.

Australia being such a large place, local traditions do vary. While the didgeradoo is associated with our Aboriginies, it should be recognised that it did originate in a very small part of the Northern Territory but is recognised as being the "Aboriginal" instrument even if it was not part of any other traditional area.

When in Switzerland, my 10 yo daughter did play the Alpine Horn. No musical or Swiss background. My nephews can do a "didgeradoo" on a piece of PVC pipe, even with thier Asian background.

Australia is such a large country and has so many diverse regions and cultures. Even over the last 240 years.

If you want to visit the "tropics" and the local indigineous inhabitants, you are limited to Cape York, Kakadu and Arnhiem Land.

What people do not understand is that Australia is so large and has many different cultures within the indigineous population, let alone even with our cities.