What do you think?
Rate this book
Welcome to Country
Marcia Welcome to Country is a curated guidebook to Indigenous Australia and the Torres Strait Islands. In its pages, respected scholar and author Professor Marcia Langton offers fascinating insights into Indigenous languages and customs, history, native title, art and dance, storytelling, and cultural awareness and etiquette for visitors. There is also a directory of Indigenous tourism experiences, organised by state or territory, covering galleries and festivals, national parks and museums, communities that are open to visitors, as well as tours and performances.
This book is essential for anyone travelling around Australia who wants to learn more about the culture that has thrived here for over 50,000 years. It also offers the chance to enjoy tourism opportunities that will show you a different side of this fascinating country — one that remains dynamic, and is filled with openness and diversity.
This book is essential for anyone travelling around Australia who wants to learn more about the culture that has thrived here for over 50,000 years. It also offers the chance to enjoy tourism opportunities that will show you a different side of this fascinating country — one that remains dynamic, and is filled with openness and diversity.
459 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2018
88 people are currently reading
1226 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
June 10, 2019
‘Australia is alive with the long history of the Indigenous people, our culture and our presence.’
There are two parts to this beautifully presented book. The first part introduces Indigenous cultures, and the second part explores Indigenous Australia by State and Territory. Reading through this book made me aware of just how ignorant I am of so much Indigenous Australian culture and history. Partly this is because Indigenous history was not taught when I was at school in the 1960s (not in regional Tasmania, anyway) and partly it’s because my learning has focussed on European history.
This book provides a wonderful starting point for those of us who want to know more about the history and culture of Indigenous Australians. Part one of the book covers Indigenous languages and customs, art and dance, storytelling history and native title, as well as cultural awareness and etiquette for visitors. Perhaps most importantly, Professor Langton explains what ‘country’ means to Indigenous people. And, as I am reminded that I am reading about one of the oldest continuous cultures on earth, I can appreciate how important that connection to country is.
The second part of the book provides a comprehensive listing of Indigenous Australian experiences, including galleries, festivals, tours and performances as well as communities that are open to visitors. Importantly, this listing also includes information such as the distance to the nearest town, and (where applicable) restrictions on visiting.
Both Australians and visitors to Australia will find this book useful. For older Australians like me who grew up knowing little about the history of Australia before European settlement, this is an invaluable starting point. I’ve added several places to my ‘must visit’ list.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
There are two parts to this beautifully presented book. The first part introduces Indigenous cultures, and the second part explores Indigenous Australia by State and Territory. Reading through this book made me aware of just how ignorant I am of so much Indigenous Australian culture and history. Partly this is because Indigenous history was not taught when I was at school in the 1960s (not in regional Tasmania, anyway) and partly it’s because my learning has focussed on European history.
This book provides a wonderful starting point for those of us who want to know more about the history and culture of Indigenous Australians. Part one of the book covers Indigenous languages and customs, art and dance, storytelling history and native title, as well as cultural awareness and etiquette for visitors. Perhaps most importantly, Professor Langton explains what ‘country’ means to Indigenous people. And, as I am reminded that I am reading about one of the oldest continuous cultures on earth, I can appreciate how important that connection to country is.
The second part of the book provides a comprehensive listing of Indigenous Australian experiences, including galleries, festivals, tours and performances as well as communities that are open to visitors. Importantly, this listing also includes information such as the distance to the nearest town, and (where applicable) restrictions on visiting.
Both Australians and visitors to Australia will find this book useful. For older Australians like me who grew up knowing little about the history of Australia before European settlement, this is an invaluable starting point. I’ve added several places to my ‘must visit’ list.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
July 7, 2019
The first section, about 75 pages, provides chapters on prehistory, language and culture, kinship, art, performance, music, the Stolen Generation, native title, fakes and tourism, cultural awareness (the do's and dont's) and a useful glossary.
Part two - the final two-thirds of the book is a state by state run down on the various Indigenous activities available to see and experience.
Highly recommended for the culturally conscious traveller.
Part two - the final two-thirds of the book is a state by state run down on the various Indigenous activities available to see and experience.
Highly recommended for the culturally conscious traveller.
February 18, 2020
I'll be keeping this book in my collection and referring back to it from time to time. The bite size bits of information are very interesting.
April 20, 2024
Great overview of indigenous culture at a glance with plenty of very interesting aspects of aboriginality, and a sobering reminder of the past and current issues still present. I find the more I read, the more I can appreciate the complexities of the culture. Great first book if you haven't read much about indigenous australia.
June 28, 2019
What a superb book. Welcome To Country is so much more than a travel guide, but a thoughtful essay on many aspects of Indigenous Australian culture and history. This book has made me see familiar places in a new light, and inspired me to explore others. I cannot recommend it highly enough, to both Australians looking to learn more about the nation we all share, as well as to visitors to Australia seeking to better understand one of the oldest continuous cultures on earth.
In my travels I have often been struck by the Australian tourism industry's comparative lack of promotion of and engagement with Indigenous culture. It occurs to me that many Australians have likely attended cultural performances, viewed or purchased Indigenous artworks, tried new foods, and even learned a few words of the language when on vacation overseas - how many tourists visit NZ and fail to hear "kia ora" or haven't at least heard "aloha" in a movie? It's practically impossible to visit Fiji without trying some kava or if you go to Taiwan, at least smelling the delicious sausages produced by local indigenous peoples. And if you go to Canada you're almost guaranteed to see totems and other artworks of spiritual and cultural significance by the First Nations artists. Those of us living in or visiting Australian cities, however, are perhaps more likely to come across mass-produced knock-offs of Indigenous art styles than authentic pieces.
When we go abroad we seek these experiences out - and, I think, they're promoted far more. Prof. Langton's book explains why this hasn't been the case in Australia, what exciting opportunities are emerging, and how we can find them.
In my travels I have often been struck by the Australian tourism industry's comparative lack of promotion of and engagement with Indigenous culture. It occurs to me that many Australians have likely attended cultural performances, viewed or purchased Indigenous artworks, tried new foods, and even learned a few words of the language when on vacation overseas - how many tourists visit NZ and fail to hear "kia ora" or haven't at least heard "aloha" in a movie? It's practically impossible to visit Fiji without trying some kava or if you go to Taiwan, at least smelling the delicious sausages produced by local indigenous peoples. And if you go to Canada you're almost guaranteed to see totems and other artworks of spiritual and cultural significance by the First Nations artists. Those of us living in or visiting Australian cities, however, are perhaps more likely to come across mass-produced knock-offs of Indigenous art styles than authentic pieces.
When we go abroad we seek these experiences out - and, I think, they're promoted far more. Prof. Langton's book explains why this hasn't been the case in Australia, what exciting opportunities are emerging, and how we can find them.
Read
December 30, 2019This book made me want to go travelling! Welcome To Country is an Australian travel-guide with a focus on the cultural heritage of Indigenous Australians.
It opens with chapters about Indigenous history and culture, and how colonisation caused so much dispossession, loss of culture, and outright genocide.
There are also sections explaining Indigneous notions of kinship and ceremony, and other cultural aspects. As the book is written as a travel guide, none of this goes into huge amounts of depth, but it is enough for a primer, which is what the average reader is likely to be looking for.
After this, the book is divided into chapters on each state and territory, and these are further divided into sections on festivals, sporting events, places, galleries, music and other tourist attractions run by Indigenous Australians.
I will admit that I didn't read this section in the greatest of detail, and mostly skimmed over information related to travelling to each place (the font changed and was a lot smaller for this information, and once I started skimming that, I found the whole reading experience a lot better). But I did pay attention to the names of places and tours, and I wanted to visit so many and give them my support. The Northern Territory and Western Australia are the two longest chapters and the ACT and Torres Strait Islands chapters are the smallest, but they all contain valuable information.
This is such a fantastic resource that should have existed long before 2018! I'll definitely be consulting it again when I am planning to travel this great land.
This review is part of my 2019 Australian Women Writers Challenge. Click here for more information.
It opens with chapters about Indigenous history and culture, and how colonisation caused so much dispossession, loss of culture, and outright genocide.
There are also sections explaining Indigneous notions of kinship and ceremony, and other cultural aspects. As the book is written as a travel guide, none of this goes into huge amounts of depth, but it is enough for a primer, which is what the average reader is likely to be looking for.
After this, the book is divided into chapters on each state and territory, and these are further divided into sections on festivals, sporting events, places, galleries, music and other tourist attractions run by Indigenous Australians.
I will admit that I didn't read this section in the greatest of detail, and mostly skimmed over information related to travelling to each place (the font changed and was a lot smaller for this information, and once I started skimming that, I found the whole reading experience a lot better). But I did pay attention to the names of places and tours, and I wanted to visit so many and give them my support. The Northern Territory and Western Australia are the two longest chapters and the ACT and Torres Strait Islands chapters are the smallest, but they all contain valuable information.
This is such a fantastic resource that should have existed long before 2018! I'll definitely be consulting it again when I am planning to travel this great land.
This review is part of my 2019 Australian Women Writers Challenge. Click here for more information.
June 30, 2020
A fantastic glimpse at the world's oldest surviving (against all odds) culture. Great for tourists, teachers, and business people wanting to ensure they pay respect and have a basic understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander customs. Links to various resources for further learning.
June 3, 2018
Billed as a travel guide to indigenous Australia.
It is a very handsome book, so much so that I really wanted it to be larger in format.
I appreciate good quality photographs and these are crying out for a big coffee table sized book.
Each state has a comprehensive guide to indigenous places, national parks, culture and events.
South Australia is fortunate to have the very excellent Tarnarthi cultural program held in October each year. It is such a highlight of indigenous art, music, food and sharing across cultures that I can't wait for the next one.
It is a very handsome book, so much so that I really wanted it to be larger in format.
I appreciate good quality photographs and these are crying out for a big coffee table sized book.
Each state has a comprehensive guide to indigenous places, national parks, culture and events.
South Australia is fortunate to have the very excellent Tarnarthi cultural program held in October each year. It is such a highlight of indigenous art, music, food and sharing across cultures that I can't wait for the next one.
June 18, 2020
Essential for anyone wanting to travel around Australia.
April 27, 2025
This is one of the few books I own and reference when I have the chance to explore more of Australia. The section on various festivals and Indigenous-owned businesses and tours has been helpful, complementing the first section which is a guide for travellers and a judgement-free 101 of Indigenous Australia.
November 13, 2019
Welcome to Country is an incredible prologue to the assortment and excellence of Aboriginal Australia - the nation, the individuals, their various dialects and dynamic social articulation in move, music, workmanship and guided voyages through nation. An absolute necessity for any nearby and guest who needs to know the astonishing social legacy of past and present day Australia.
April 1, 2019
Informative.
Beautifully presented in a two part hardback, Welcome To Country first goes into the traditions and culture of many of the different indigenous nations of Australia and then part two is dedicated to ways that you can explore each state from an indigenous point of view.
I did struggle a little with the font choice here for some reason, I found it really hard to read, especially in the parts that the font got even smaller but it was worth the struggle for the information.
Beautifully presented in a two part hardback, Welcome To Country first goes into the traditions and culture of many of the different indigenous nations of Australia and then part two is dedicated to ways that you can explore each state from an indigenous point of view.
I did struggle a little with the font choice here for some reason, I found it really hard to read, especially in the parts that the font got even smaller but it was worth the struggle for the information.
November 30, 2023
I read this after Australia voted no for the Voice referendum-the parts in this book talking about how the Voice would benefit Indigenous Australians and how respectful it was broke my heart. I was so angry and disappointed when I found out how the vote had gone, but this book helped me understand the loss of the Voice and how important it is for me to use my privilege to advocate for positive change.
A lot of it, as Langton also states, is because of misinformation and this book will help alleviate that. Those who say the Voice wasn’t organised enough do not know that it was “developed gradually over three decades.” Those who say it would divide Australia do not understand its policies of “a united Australia which respects this land of ours, values Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage and provides justice and equity”.
Marcia Langton is an incredible writer, who has carefully laid this book out in a researched and easy to understand way. As I read this I did think about how I wasn’t sure if this was supposed to be an unbiased text (just providing information). It did unsettle me when Langton’s thoughts and experiences played a larger role in the text. After thinking about this though, I would not have it any other way. Langton is obviously angry and sad about some of the topics depicted in the book, and proud of her culture and history. Why shouldn’t she be? I think we need more books like this, ones that have a powerful voice, solid reason and intellect behind it but also a great depth of heart.
I didn’t personally connect to it as a book (mainly because it is very factual and only because of this I found it a bit hard to flow through at times) but I admire it so much. There is a reason it is getting such good reviews. I think I may have connected more if some of the examples/evidence were more specific? I completely understand that this book contains a wide range of topics though. I would recommend this to anyone wanting to get a more broad understanding of Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander cultures and histories.
The cover is beautiful and I appreciated the images throughout, although at times I did wonder what the image had to do with what was being written about. That could be a formatting error as I read it as an ebook.
I really liked the chapter on pre-colonial history, the Kimberley art and other artefacts are so old it is actually mind boggling. I’ve read about Indigenous mythologies before and every time I do I think “this is the most beautiful and respectful culture I have ever experienced.” This book kept affirming that. Even learning more about Welcome to Country was so helpful. The whole point is so that the visitor will be safe and meet peaceful spirits in the land, this includes smoke ceremonies too.
The oldest continuing culture, 60,000 years of history. It was so destroying reading the later chapters about colonisation and discrimination. Marcia writes about this with passion and evidence, and this part particularly empowered me:
“a self respecting person would not cause harm to others because such behaviour diminishes one’s own humanity. The racists are the ones who suffer from a diminished sense of humanity. They are weak, and like startled animals, strike out when their fragile sense of self is threatened.”
I loved learning about the different languages and traditions of the clans. I didn’t know that didgeridoo was a coloniser word! It’s actually a Yidaki. Are there cultures in Australia where women can play it?
I found the parts about Kinship relationships confusing, especially the Appendice at the end, but I will keep trying to understand it. I thought it was so nice that people can adopt other people into their lives and everyone treats them with respect, calling them family.
I really want to listen to more Indigenous modern music! It sounds very cool.
I could not believe it when I read that Native Title is only supported when there are records of continued ancestry or importance. Who wrote these laws about a culture that practices oral transfer of knowledge and when colonisers destroyed anything that could empower those they committed genocide against?! What?! That the Stolen Generations were happening up until the 1970s…it is so scary. Truly horrific. When Uluru was getting closed off to protect the sacred place and people were so disrespectful and awful about not being able to climb it😢 I was so angry.
I found the chapter on cultural awareness very helpful as it’s good to know that every place differs in terms of when you can ask questions and what can be talked about etc.
The glossary was quite helpful in clarifying some things. 👍
Overall this is a well presented book that contains facts, incredible culture and a powerful voice. Please pick this up if you are wanting to learn more in general about Indigenous Australians and Torres Strait Islander peoples❤️
A lot of it, as Langton also states, is because of misinformation and this book will help alleviate that. Those who say the Voice wasn’t organised enough do not know that it was “developed gradually over three decades.” Those who say it would divide Australia do not understand its policies of “a united Australia which respects this land of ours, values Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage and provides justice and equity”.
Marcia Langton is an incredible writer, who has carefully laid this book out in a researched and easy to understand way. As I read this I did think about how I wasn’t sure if this was supposed to be an unbiased text (just providing information). It did unsettle me when Langton’s thoughts and experiences played a larger role in the text. After thinking about this though, I would not have it any other way. Langton is obviously angry and sad about some of the topics depicted in the book, and proud of her culture and history. Why shouldn’t she be? I think we need more books like this, ones that have a powerful voice, solid reason and intellect behind it but also a great depth of heart.
I didn’t personally connect to it as a book (mainly because it is very factual and only because of this I found it a bit hard to flow through at times) but I admire it so much. There is a reason it is getting such good reviews. I think I may have connected more if some of the examples/evidence were more specific? I completely understand that this book contains a wide range of topics though. I would recommend this to anyone wanting to get a more broad understanding of Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander cultures and histories.
The cover is beautiful and I appreciated the images throughout, although at times I did wonder what the image had to do with what was being written about. That could be a formatting error as I read it as an ebook.
I really liked the chapter on pre-colonial history, the Kimberley art and other artefacts are so old it is actually mind boggling. I’ve read about Indigenous mythologies before and every time I do I think “this is the most beautiful and respectful culture I have ever experienced.” This book kept affirming that. Even learning more about Welcome to Country was so helpful. The whole point is so that the visitor will be safe and meet peaceful spirits in the land, this includes smoke ceremonies too.
The oldest continuing culture, 60,000 years of history. It was so destroying reading the later chapters about colonisation and discrimination. Marcia writes about this with passion and evidence, and this part particularly empowered me:
“a self respecting person would not cause harm to others because such behaviour diminishes one’s own humanity. The racists are the ones who suffer from a diminished sense of humanity. They are weak, and like startled animals, strike out when their fragile sense of self is threatened.”
I loved learning about the different languages and traditions of the clans. I didn’t know that didgeridoo was a coloniser word! It’s actually a Yidaki. Are there cultures in Australia where women can play it?
I found the parts about Kinship relationships confusing, especially the Appendice at the end, but I will keep trying to understand it. I thought it was so nice that people can adopt other people into their lives and everyone treats them with respect, calling them family.
I really want to listen to more Indigenous modern music! It sounds very cool.
I could not believe it when I read that Native Title is only supported when there are records of continued ancestry or importance. Who wrote these laws about a culture that practices oral transfer of knowledge and when colonisers destroyed anything that could empower those they committed genocide against?! What?! That the Stolen Generations were happening up until the 1970s…it is so scary. Truly horrific. When Uluru was getting closed off to protect the sacred place and people were so disrespectful and awful about not being able to climb it😢 I was so angry.
I found the chapter on cultural awareness very helpful as it’s good to know that every place differs in terms of when you can ask questions and what can be talked about etc.
The glossary was quite helpful in clarifying some things. 👍
Overall this is a well presented book that contains facts, incredible culture and a powerful voice. Please pick this up if you are wanting to learn more in general about Indigenous Australians and Torres Strait Islander peoples❤️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 7, 2019
I read this book for #IndigLitWeek 2019 at ANZ Litlovers.
Much as I like the wealth of detail in Burnum Burnum's book and the walking trails to follow in Melbourne Dreaming, I think that Welcome to Country has a broader appeal. It is written as a tourist guide, to enable travellers to plan an itinerary that includes Indigenous culture, and to encourage business and tourism operators to get a bit smarter about the opportunities that are out there. If research has found that domestic visitors have little interest in Indigenous tourism, then Welcome to Country shows its readers that there are lots of interesting things to do, and they don't all involve outback travel because many attractions (such as gourmet food and culinary tourism!) appeal to urban Australians like me.
Marcia Langton's chapter about Victoria begins with a festival to attend: Tanderrum, a gathering of the five clans of the Kulin nation with a ceremony which marks the beginning of the Melbourne Festival in October...
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_co...
... and continues with sporting activities to attend such Dreamtime at the G (the Melbourne Cricket Ground) or a visit to the Harrow Discovery Centre and Johnny Mullagh Interpretive Centre in the Wimmera to learn about the Indigenous athletes in the first Australian international test cricket team. She covers Indigenous heritage in our national parks, including the Grampians National Park, the Brambuk National Park and Cultural centre, and she suggests cultural tours, such as the Aboriginal Heritage Walk through the Royal Botanical Gardens opposite Birrarung Marr; the self-guided driving tour along the Bataluk Cultural Trail; and the Tower Hill Visitor Centre near Warrnambool.
To read the rest of my review please visit https://anzlitlovers.com/2019/07/07/w...
Much as I like the wealth of detail in Burnum Burnum's book and the walking trails to follow in Melbourne Dreaming, I think that Welcome to Country has a broader appeal. It is written as a tourist guide, to enable travellers to plan an itinerary that includes Indigenous culture, and to encourage business and tourism operators to get a bit smarter about the opportunities that are out there. If research has found that domestic visitors have little interest in Indigenous tourism, then Welcome to Country shows its readers that there are lots of interesting things to do, and they don't all involve outback travel because many attractions (such as gourmet food and culinary tourism!) appeal to urban Australians like me.
Marcia Langton's chapter about Victoria begins with a festival to attend: Tanderrum, a gathering of the five clans of the Kulin nation with a ceremony which marks the beginning of the Melbourne Festival in October...
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_co...
... and continues with sporting activities to attend such Dreamtime at the G (the Melbourne Cricket Ground) or a visit to the Harrow Discovery Centre and Johnny Mullagh Interpretive Centre in the Wimmera to learn about the Indigenous athletes in the first Australian international test cricket team. She covers Indigenous heritage in our national parks, including the Grampians National Park, the Brambuk National Park and Cultural centre, and she suggests cultural tours, such as the Aboriginal Heritage Walk through the Royal Botanical Gardens opposite Birrarung Marr; the self-guided driving tour along the Bataluk Cultural Trail; and the Tower Hill Visitor Centre near Warrnambool.
To read the rest of my review please visit https://anzlitlovers.com/2019/07/07/w...
May 26, 2022
I would love everyone to be able to read this book. It is incredibly informative and addresses many questions about Indigenous culture and how to appropriately interact with people, cultural sites and history.
The book is divided into two sections. The first focuses on history, languages across the country, art, performance and storytelling. What I found very helpful was advice around etiquette for visitors to indigenous communities and cultural sites. What questions are OK to ask, what ones should not be and also explanations around photography.
This first section also deals with issues around colonial history (the invasion), Native Title (there is also a concise definition of terra nullius for those who are not sure), the impact of the Stolen Generations, #BLM and the importance of First Australians and their place in the nation, especially the Uluru Statement from the Heart.
The second part of the book is a fantastic state by state guide - a travel directory really - of Indigenous owned or operated tourist destinations. This is an incredibly good reference guide and opens up so many sites that are available to explore.
The book is divided into two sections. The first focuses on history, languages across the country, art, performance and storytelling. What I found very helpful was advice around etiquette for visitors to indigenous communities and cultural sites. What questions are OK to ask, what ones should not be and also explanations around photography.
This first section also deals with issues around colonial history (the invasion), Native Title (there is also a concise definition of terra nullius for those who are not sure), the impact of the Stolen Generations, #BLM and the importance of First Australians and their place in the nation, especially the Uluru Statement from the Heart.
The second part of the book is a fantastic state by state guide - a travel directory really - of Indigenous owned or operated tourist destinations. This is an incredibly good reference guide and opens up so many sites that are available to explore.
January 26, 2019
A really beautiful book - thick paper, embossed hardcover, full colour photos on nearly every page - that does really important work. The first half of the book provides a basic (but not simplistic) primer on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and history. It’s ostensibly targeted at visitors but I suspect a lot of Australians would benefit from reading this accessible description, which makes clear the diversity of peoples and their practices. The second half of the book describes, state by state, some of the wide range of tourism opportunities, including festivals, national parks, Indigenous-owned tours, and art galleries. The book has given me itchy feet - I only wish it had maps to show where the different places of interest are located.
January 16, 2022
I have been wanting to get hold of a copy of this impressive collection for quite sometime and have recently spent the festive holidays with it in my home and me with time to dip into its various stories and places and sections.
I have the 2nd edition, published 2020, fully revised and Updated.
New cover artwork also by Barbara Moore, Anmatyerre people. Titled Ngayuku ngura-My Country
It really is a bit of a cheek really to count this as in my Read books, as it really is a huge resource book that anyone and everyone can learn from and also use as they ravel on Country or if they are planning on journeying to new places to enjoy and explore and learn
It’s back to the library now for my copy, but I send it off with a recommendation to everyone to have a dip between the covers.
I have the 2nd edition, published 2020, fully revised and Updated.
New cover artwork also by Barbara Moore, Anmatyerre people. Titled Ngayuku ngura-My Country
It really is a bit of a cheek really to count this as in my Read books, as it really is a huge resource book that anyone and everyone can learn from and also use as they ravel on Country or if they are planning on journeying to new places to enjoy and explore and learn
It’s back to the library now for my copy, but I send it off with a recommendation to everyone to have a dip between the covers.
July 28, 2020
I found this at the library and when I saw it was a travel guide I was super happy to see that. I loved the explanations on traditional customs in Aborigine culture and that there were recommended your companies/guides who were aboriginal that you could support and hear their stories. I just wish there was more explanations about significant sacred places, but I suppose you find out about them when you visit. I also would have loved a section on aboriginal restaurants, shops, even places with significant history listed as you would any other guide or suggested itineraries. I loved what was discussed but I wouldn’t say it’s your typical travel guide.
June 20, 2020
A great education
Welcome to Country is an essential read for anyone seeking an introduction to Australian Aboriginal culture, kinship, art, performance, storytelling, and so much more. Langton provides insights into the ancient connections that remain integral to our First People today. She shares stories and introduces details for where you can learn and experience more in each state and territory. Even places I've visited had more to offer, deeper ways of knowing and understanding. I will certainly be consulting Welcome to Country again and again.
Welcome to Country is an essential read for anyone seeking an introduction to Australian Aboriginal culture, kinship, art, performance, storytelling, and so much more. Langton provides insights into the ancient connections that remain integral to our First People today. She shares stories and introduces details for where you can learn and experience more in each state and territory. Even places I've visited had more to offer, deeper ways of knowing and understanding. I will certainly be consulting Welcome to Country again and again.
December 31, 2022
This book is brilliant. I bought it prior to spending 6 months travelling half of Australia, and it had a profound impact on where we went, what we experienced, and what we learned about our country. Thank you so much, Langton.
I feel strange marking it as "read" because we only travelled half of Oz so I've only read the chapters for the western and central states, none of the eastern. But this way I get to review it, and I'll definitely be picking it up again before travelling the eastern states.
I feel strange marking it as "read" because we only travelled half of Oz so I've only read the chapters for the western and central states, none of the eastern. But this way I get to review it, and I'll definitely be picking it up again before travelling the eastern states.
October 16, 2020
We may not be doing any traveling right now but I look forward to the day when we can. I haven’t explored much of Australia but I intend to change that post COVID. This book will definitely be my guide. Each state and territory is represented and all businesses are Indigenous owned/run. What a great way to see our home while learning, paying tribute and contributing to the continuation of our first peoples culture.
February 21, 2021
A great book to introduce the issues surrounding Australia's First Nations people - plus an excellent travel companion. It is not totally comprehensive as a travel book but provides great ideas to get started in exploring the richness of Indigenous Australian culture and has useful information regarding areas where a permit is required and/or how to be respectful on country. I'm glad to have a copy to reference for my own travel to do list.
May 30, 2021
The first section is quite interesting and gives good foundational insight for anyone travelling Australia. While I’d say the main audience are tourists to Australia I think it’s accessible for everyone.
The second section wasn’t quite what I thought. I had thought I’d be about different areas in Australia and the First Nations history/culture. Instead it’s about different places to visit & indigenous business in each state.
The second section wasn’t quite what I thought. I had thought I’d be about different areas in Australia and the First Nations history/culture. Instead it’s about different places to visit & indigenous business in each state.
August 3, 2025
3.5 stars.
This is such important information and very useful for many people! However, I am wondering whether a book is the best format for this. Maybe a website that can be updated and hyperlinks that take tourists to the sections they’d like to visit would be better?
However, the first part is such a good introduction for non-Australians to Aboriginal culture and I would certainly recommend this to any tourist for that section alone.
This is such important information and very useful for many people! However, I am wondering whether a book is the best format for this. Maybe a website that can be updated and hyperlinks that take tourists to the sections they’d like to visit would be better?
However, the first part is such a good introduction for non-Australians to Aboriginal culture and I would certainly recommend this to any tourist for that section alone.
January 13, 2019
Welcome to country by Prof. Langton. This is a most informative book for any traveller or Australian who wants to learn about this country, and not the white man's. She has given an impressive array of where to visit in each state and territory, their history (over 50,000 years), the National Parks, their Dreamtime stories, the festivals, art galleries, Aboriginal tour guides, even down to how far each is from the nearest town. In the spirit of Reconciliation, I hope many people read this book.
October 21, 2025
found this to be a really great book to read as an introduction to Australia’s long history, how and why it is the way that it is now, and to learn more about aboriginal and Torres Strait islander culture. would definitely recommend to read, especially to my friends that have also just moved here recently.
May 21, 2020
Absolutely loved this and I learned a ton. The format is perfect for learning about Aboriginal culture and customs and then breaking down each state of Australia and finding Aboriginal events and tours. Exactly what I was hoping for.
July 23, 2020
Great book for a bit of cultural knowledge and understanding. Also very worthwhile to read up about indigenous places, businesses, festivals, arts, before travelling to others states and territories
October 6, 2020
A unique reference for people of Australia and the world, for all the parts of our country to be explored and enjoyed
January 2, 2021
Every Australian should read this. It would be good that in future editions (or perhaps as an app) all Australian First Nations could be included.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews