A unique collection of original Australian bush ballads and the stories that inspired them – in the tradition of Banjo Paterson and Henry Lawson. WALTZING AUSTRALIA is a wonderful celebration of the Australian bush and the people who live there, written by a gifted storyteller who's spent much of his life working on the land. Featuring fifty poems and stories that tell of the heartbreak, humour and hard yakka that come with living and working in the bush – many of which were written on long days droving sheep and cattle, on the back of a motorbike, or by the fading light in camp hundreds of miles from anywhere. These evocative bush verses and the tales behind them shine light on characters and events from Australia's pioneering past as well as embracing Tim's own experiences in the outback.

An expose of two cover-ups: one the death of a swagman by a billabong; the other, a torrid affair between Banjo Paterson and his fiancee's best friend, and how the two events come together in Australia's best-loved national song. Australians know Waltzing Matilda, written by their most popular poet Banjo Paterson, as their most loved song and unofficial national anthem. What Australians don't know is that their song is embroiled in a web of secrecy, violence and a triangular love affair. Written at a pivotal time in Australia's history, Waltzing Matilda is as important to Australian culture as events like the Eureka Stockade and the story of Ned Kelly. One hundred and fifteen years after the writing of Waltzing Matilda, Australians continue to be fascinated with the song and sing it proudly wherever they meet to celebrate. Given the facts outlined in this story, they will be further captivated and embrace the song for decades to come.

This famous ballad of the outback wanderer who drowned himself rather than lose his freedom needs no introduction. There is no swagman as legendary as the tragic hero of this tale, and there is no Australian song as well-known throughout the world. Here the famous ballad is given new depth and perspective. Talented illustrator Freya Blackwood has explored the intriguing background behind the writing of this song, and has shown us not just the lively story of a proud outback larrikin, but also a glimpse into the clashes and struggles that were so formative of Australian history.

The story behind Banjo Paterson's iconic Australian song. 'Once a jolly swagman camped by a Billabong Under the shade of a Coolibah tree And he sang as he watched and waited till his Billy boiled You'll come a-waltzing Matilda with me...' In 1894, twelve-year-old Matilda flees the city slums to find her unknown father and his farm. But drought grips the land, and the shearers are on strike. Her father has turned swaggie and he's wanted by the troopers. In front of his terrified daughter, he makes a stand against them, defiant to the last. 'You'll never catch me alive, said he...' Set against a backdrop of bushfire, flood, war and jubilation, this is the story of one girl's journey towards independence. It is also the story of others who had no vote and very little but their dreams. Drawing on the well-known poem by A.B. Paterson and from events rooted in actual history, this is the untold story behind Australia's early years as an emerging nation. PRAISE 'Jackie French has a passion for history, and an enviable ability to weave the fascinating minutiae of everyday life into a good story.' -- Magpies Magazine

With fresh journalistic writing and reams of information on what to see and do, this guide takes readers from the big cities to the countryside. Includes candid reviews on restaurants and accommodations for all budgets. 83 maps. Full-color insert. Two-color throughout.

Presents the history, geography, government, economy, environment, religion, people, and social life and customs of the island continent of Australia.

This book contains language activities to accompany each story of courage, achievement and fame about people in Autralia's past.

‘People in Australia’s Past - Stories & Activities’ has twenty stories of people who shaped Australia’s history. Some, like Mary Reibey and James Ruse arrived as convicts with immense difficulties to overcome. On the other hand, women like Elizabeth Macarthur, Elizabeth Macquarie and Caroline Chisholm came as free settlers, and seeing problems in society, set out to bring change and progress. Other history-makers were native born Australians like David Unaipon, Edith Cowan, John Flynn, Eddie Mabo and Charles Perkins who saw injustice and devoted their time and energy to bring progress in the fields of health, education and law reform. Edmund Barton, Australia’s first Prime Minister, was a tireless advocate for the development of Australia’s Constitution. ‘People in Australia’s Past’ 2nd edition, has the addition of the important stories of Oodgeroo Noonuccal and Vincent Lingiari who advanced the rights of Aboriginal Australians. Some Australians gained fame through their discoveries or abilities. Douglas Mawson was an explorer who collected valuable scientific information in Antarctica. Charles Kingsford Smith set world records in flying across Australia and around the globe. Banjo Paterson is remembered for his unique stories of life in the Australian bush and for his celebrated song: ‘Waltzing Matilda’. Dame Nellie Melba was Australia’s first superstar, world famous for her beautiful voice. The stories in this book relate to history topics of the Australian Curriculum, mid to upper primary school levels and are accompanied by language and research activities including crosswords, map activities, discussion topics, models for writing information texts. Language activity answers are also included. Other information: ‘People in Australia’s Past - Stories & Activities’ 2nd edition (ISBN 9781877074462) replaces the 2011 edition of ‘People in Australia’s Past’ (ISBN 9781877074363) ‘People in Australia’s Past’, 2nd edition, consists of three items. ‘People in Australia’s Past - Stories & Activities’, ISBN 9781877074462 RRP AUD29.95 ‘People in Australia’s Past - Audio CD’ ISBN 9781877074479 RRP AUD19.95 ‘People in Australia’s Past - Book & Audio CD’ ISBN 9781877074486 RRP AUD39.95 ‘People in Australia’s Past - Stories & Activities’ accompanying audio CD has narration of the twenty stories. The narration, used concurrently with the written text can be a useful tool for developing language literacy skills at all ages. The ‘People in Australia’s Past - Stories & Activities’ book has the audio CD included. The title is ‘People in Australia’s Past - Book & Audio CD’. The ISBN is 9781877074486.

Are you ready to explore? This continent has unique people, plants, animals, geographical features, and cultures. Take a fascinating tour of Australia to learn what makes it like no other place on Earth. You?ll find well-researched, clearly written informational text, primary sources with accompanying questions, charts, graphs, diagrams, timelines, and maps, multiple prompts, and more. Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards. Core Library is an imprint of ABDO Publishing Company.

An introduction to the geography, history, economy, culture, and people of Australia.