The state symbol for South Australia, the Aboriginal people call this beautiful, vibrant red flower the ‘flower of blood.’ It is also considered a symbol of the blood spilt during the invasion and the following years of European settlement. The Dreaming for this flower, from which the Aboriginal name originates, …
Sun
Yhi the Sun Woman makes her endless journey across the sky daily. She travels overhead, carrying her burning torch before she descends over the western horizon to make her journey, through a tunnel beneath the earth, and emerges in the east of a new day. In one Dreaming from the …
Tasmanian Devil
This carnivorous creature is only found in Tasmania. Well-known as a cartoon character, the Tasmanian Devil has a destructive and evil reputation – and not just from its namesake, the Devil. Carnivores the world over have been persecuted, some to the point of endangerment. These creatures inspire horror and fear …
Top-knot Pigeon
These birds are very elegant with their feathered crests on their heads. A popular staple during the early years of Western invasion, these birds were killed in great numbers. They are not threatened, although the clear felling of the bush has decreased their food sources. They are nomadic, following the …
Turtle
Tortoises and turtles are found the world over and have been around for millions of years. In this guide, I refer to either as turtle because it can be very difficult to tell the difference between the two. Some species of both are endangered and highlight the importance of conservation, …
Waratah
This large, stately flower is the state symbol for New South Wales. Its Aboriginal name comes from its vibrant, red colouring. There are several Dreamings about the Waratah, one going back to the days of volcanoes! This Dreaming describes how the leaves of the Waratah can protect one from fire …
Wedge-tailed Eagle
Mullian the Eagle Hawk is a very important part of the Dreaming, especially around the Victoria and New South Wales areas. There are many tales about his exploits. These magnificent birds are Australia’s largest birds of prey. Often seen effortlessly soaring the wind drafts, Wedge-tailed Eagle is an inspiring sight. …
Whale
These giants of the sea have been the focus of a preservation scheme as big in scale as their physical size. Whale is an easy target, and because he is good tucker and a source of oil and other products, he has had the harpoon pointed his way far …
Willy Wagtail
This clever black and white bird is well-known and loved for his cheeky, bold nature, always busy and cheerful. They are unafraid of people; if one approaches too close to a nest, this wagtail will guide you away, flying and darting just out of reach. They will also vigorously defend …
Wombat
Wombats are slow, solitary creatures, looking cute and comical whether they are sleeping away the day or ambling through the night. A vegetarian, wombat is nocturnal and lives in a burrow; in fact, the wombat is the biggest burrowing animal in the world. Strong, solid animals, Wombat can bring up …