From our salt-rimed coast to the sands of our deserts, via the breezy tropics and our vast sweeping grasslands, our built environment is as much a function of the landscape, as an attempt to live in it. In a lyrical and comprehensive feature, we put our lens on the architecture of the Australian bush, including shearing sheds, high country huts, grand government buildings and underground dugouts. We also cover a 123-year-old Merino property in central western NSW, a quirky WA town with a population of 2, a back blocks brewery trail, the delicious Darwin laksa festival and a Tasmanian swimmer’s paradise, as well as our perennial favourites of dogs, boots, bush kids and more. Some highlights:
Floodplain folly
A 1950s American venture to farm rice south of Darwin was ultimately a failure, but the rural hamlet of Humpty Doo still sees some benefits from the grand plan.
Up to speed
Bill Speedy shares stories of his First Nations’ heritage from his home country around Bollon in south-western Queensland.
Bull bar
Billed as ‘Australia’s most unique pub’, the Great Western Hotel in Rockhampton serves as a clubhouse for bull riding and rodeo.
A beautiful life
Shoring up off-farm income opportunities is helping increase the resilience of Cora Lynn, a 123-year-old Merino property in central western NSW.
Forrest, WA, 6434
Once an important Nullarbor settlement for the Trans Australia Railway, Forrest, population 2, is a vital stopover for travellers by air.
Taking the plunge
