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Women of the Outback
Maree was left with three small daughters when her husband and son were killed in a light plane smash. Cheryl lives in such a remote area, she had to winch herself and her three children across the Murray River to get the eldest to school. Alice admits she couldn't even tell a cow from a bull when she first went to live in the outback. These women are only some of the twelve extraordinary women who have overcome incredible hardships to survive and thrive in some of the most extremely remote parts of Australia. Sue Williams has uncovered some remarkable subjects in this book. From high-profile businesswomen to everyday heroes, these women will inspire and delight.
- GenresNonfictionBiography
304 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2008
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
August 5, 2023
4.5 stars
A thought-provoking and moving collection of stories of the women of the Outback. I found their stories to be so interesting and extraordinary. These women are resilient, humble, brave, inspiring, and absolutely amazing.
A thought-provoking and moving collection of stories of the women of the Outback. I found their stories to be so interesting and extraordinary. These women are resilient, humble, brave, inspiring, and absolutely amazing.
March 25, 2021
This book was a souvenir of my Outback trip, purchased at souvenir shop of the Royal Flying Doctor Service in Broken Hill. As an American who's only lived in Australia for a few years, it gave me some insight into the history and culture of the Outback beyond what we experienced on our trip. Just before we went to the Outback, there was an unusual amount of rain, so we got an uncharacteristically green and wet version of it, but I could still could imagine the harshness of the landscapes described in the book. I grew up in the Southwestern United States, so I'm familiar with cattle ranches and dry and barren landscapes, but the Outback is different. Take the Southwest and make it even more drought-ridden. Then multiply the distances, reduce the number of towns and settlements, take away the mountain refuges, and then you have the Outback.
The women in the book are almost superhuman, to not only survive in such harsh and remote conditions, but to overcome so many personal tragedies as well. These tragedies, it seems, are too common a story in the Outback. So common, in fact, that at times, I felt like I was reading the same story over and over again!
I gained a greater appreciation for Australia and it's people, so for me, it was definitely worth the read. I especially appreciated that at least some Aboriginal perspectives were included. "A love of the land" is a phrase so often mentioned in this book. These women, especially the Aboriginal ones, really know what it means to be connected to the land. I have to wonder what the future holds for Australia and the Outback with an increasing majority of Australia's population living in well-watered coastal cities.
The women in the book are almost superhuman, to not only survive in such harsh and remote conditions, but to overcome so many personal tragedies as well. These tragedies, it seems, are too common a story in the Outback. So common, in fact, that at times, I felt like I was reading the same story over and over again!
I gained a greater appreciation for Australia and it's people, so for me, it was definitely worth the read. I especially appreciated that at least some Aboriginal perspectives were included. "A love of the land" is a phrase so often mentioned in this book. These women, especially the Aboriginal ones, really know what it means to be connected to the land. I have to wonder what the future holds for Australia and the Outback with an increasing majority of Australia's population living in well-watered coastal cities.
June 11, 2017
An interesting collection of stories about women who sound like real badasses. However, the story telling is so white it really detracted from the overall book for me. The constant description of the landscape as harsh, barren and inhospitable - even though the women themselves didn't find it that way, and even when the women were Aboriginal and that is their country being described so negatively - was annoying. And even though it wasn't a complete whitewash - there were two Aboriginal women included in the stories and Aboriginal people were mentioned in most - there was a blind spot for actual history. For example, about a relationship between an outback bloke and a South African woman, a line like "While she was growing up, black South Africans lived under apartheid. Meanwhile, he grew up playing with Aboriginal kids".... who also lived under a regime that was similar to apartheid in many ways. I actually snorted out loud as I listened to that line of the audio book.
July 24, 2019
I finished listening to this on today's jog. These women are incredibly strong and self-assured. They rise to every occasion, incident and event without trauma, self-pity, remorse or even a thought that they are doing anything out of the ordinary.
The isolation of these lives is astounding. Living hundreds, sometimes thousands, of kilometers from their nearest neighbour with only a 2-way radio for company; uprooting themselves from city life to take on cattle droving and ranchwork; to start & run businesses in the harshest conditions and still raise families, entertain & help friends.....the stories are inspiring, interesting and strengthening.
The narrator, Catherine Milte, adds life to these stories.
Usually while running, my mind goes to "my legs hurt", "this is *hard*", "when is this over?" but listening to these stories knocked these thoughts out of my head and inspired me to try harder, run longer and enjoy my surroundings in their full wonder.
The isolation of these lives is astounding. Living hundreds, sometimes thousands, of kilometers from their nearest neighbour with only a 2-way radio for company; uprooting themselves from city life to take on cattle droving and ranchwork; to start & run businesses in the harshest conditions and still raise families, entertain & help friends.....the stories are inspiring, interesting and strengthening.
The narrator, Catherine Milte, adds life to these stories.
Usually while running, my mind goes to "my legs hurt", "this is *hard*", "when is this over?" but listening to these stories knocked these thoughts out of my head and inspired me to try harder, run longer and enjoy my surroundings in their full wonder.
September 3, 2011
This was an amazing book, I thoroughly enjoyed it and it was so interesting to hear about the trials, tribulations and the ability to just get on with life in not so pleasant conditions. Must buy this one!
This book is back in my possession and I am enjoying reading it as much as the first time.
This book is back in my possession and I am enjoying reading it as much as the first time.
August 1, 2023
Book 7 in 2023
Title :- Women of the outback
Author :- Sue Williams
Pages :- 288
Genre :- non fiction, biography, Australia.
I was given this book by a friend to read and through its pages I’ve learnt that our country is hard and at its core it has a breed of woman that can look at death, accidents, droughts, disasters and isolation, with eyes and minds that can not only survive but thrive.
“Australia was built by men and women working together. Living in the outback, it doesn’t matter wether someone is killed or there’s an accident - they all come back to the women. At times like that you’re the one who has to deal with it. You read about the building of Australia and how Mr Smith done this and that, out droving, selling stock and fixing fences, but there’s no mention of Mrs Smith who was left behind and kept things running. Without her, most of the work in building wouldn’t have been done, so how about telling her story.”
I found this book, not a page turner but definitely an eye opener and it made me cry. The women in these pages are spectacular, but humble. Gayles resilience at surviving her accident, Maree’s story of carrying on because it was in her soul to stay, amd Molly who lived alone in her 1920’s homestead in the middle of Simpson desert for 20 years without even a phone, truly inspiring, such strength.
This book is worth a read but have some tissues ready. I’m sure you’ll be moved to tears and filled with appreciation and a respect for the love of this land we all call home and the woman who helped shape it.
Quote “ she loves being home, and really appreciates the fresh air, and not having neighbours peering over your backyard. It’s very healthy for the soul.”
“ what could be better,really, than living out in the country, with all that fresh air and sunshine? It’s the smartest lifestyle that anyone could ever come up with “.
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️🌟out of 5 stars
#bookstagram #booksofinstagram #soniasreads2023 #womenoftheoutback #suewilliams
Title :- Women of the outback
Author :- Sue Williams
Pages :- 288
Genre :- non fiction, biography, Australia.
I was given this book by a friend to read and through its pages I’ve learnt that our country is hard and at its core it has a breed of woman that can look at death, accidents, droughts, disasters and isolation, with eyes and minds that can not only survive but thrive.
“Australia was built by men and women working together. Living in the outback, it doesn’t matter wether someone is killed or there’s an accident - they all come back to the women. At times like that you’re the one who has to deal with it. You read about the building of Australia and how Mr Smith done this and that, out droving, selling stock and fixing fences, but there’s no mention of Mrs Smith who was left behind and kept things running. Without her, most of the work in building wouldn’t have been done, so how about telling her story.”
I found this book, not a page turner but definitely an eye opener and it made me cry. The women in these pages are spectacular, but humble. Gayles resilience at surviving her accident, Maree’s story of carrying on because it was in her soul to stay, amd Molly who lived alone in her 1920’s homestead in the middle of Simpson desert for 20 years without even a phone, truly inspiring, such strength.
This book is worth a read but have some tissues ready. I’m sure you’ll be moved to tears and filled with appreciation and a respect for the love of this land we all call home and the woman who helped shape it.
Quote “ she loves being home, and really appreciates the fresh air, and not having neighbours peering over your backyard. It’s very healthy for the soul.”
“ what could be better,really, than living out in the country, with all that fresh air and sunshine? It’s the smartest lifestyle that anyone could ever come up with “.
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️🌟out of 5 stars
#bookstagram #booksofinstagram #soniasreads2023 #womenoftheoutback #suewilliams
December 17, 2025
Women of the Outback offers an engaging and often moving glimpse into the lives of women who live and work in some of Australia’s most remote and unforgiving landscapes. Through a series of interviews and personal stories, Williams captures both the romance often associated with the outback and the harsher realities that shape daily life far from urban centres.
The book’s greatest strength lies in its insights into the resilience and adaptability of these women. Several stories stand out for their honesty, particularly those involving women who have endured serious physical injuries or the death of loved ones, yet have found ways to carry on. These accounts are not sentimentalised; instead, they convey a quiet determination and an acceptance that hardship is part of outback life, rather than something to be endlessly lamented.
Williams writes in an accessible, journalistic style, allowing the women’s voices to take centre stage. While not every story is equally compelling, there are enough powerful narratives to leave a lasting impression. The book does not shy away from isolation, danger, or emotional toll, but it also highlights camaraderie, humour, and a deep connection to land and community.
Overall, Women of the Outback is an interesting and worthwhile read, offering a respectful portrait of strength, endurance, and pragmatism. It will particularly appeal to readers curious about life beyond the cities and those interested in women’s lived experiences in challenging environments.
The book’s greatest strength lies in its insights into the resilience and adaptability of these women. Several stories stand out for their honesty, particularly those involving women who have endured serious physical injuries or the death of loved ones, yet have found ways to carry on. These accounts are not sentimentalised; instead, they convey a quiet determination and an acceptance that hardship is part of outback life, rather than something to be endlessly lamented.
Williams writes in an accessible, journalistic style, allowing the women’s voices to take centre stage. While not every story is equally compelling, there are enough powerful narratives to leave a lasting impression. The book does not shy away from isolation, danger, or emotional toll, but it also highlights camaraderie, humour, and a deep connection to land and community.
Overall, Women of the Outback is an interesting and worthwhile read, offering a respectful portrait of strength, endurance, and pragmatism. It will particularly appeal to readers curious about life beyond the cities and those interested in women’s lived experiences in challenging environments.
July 21, 2019
I was given this book to read from one of my extended family, as she knew I grew up in, and have written about, country Western Australia in one of my books; but even so, this is not the kind of book I would normally pick up for myself. I am more interested in the history rather than contemporary stories - though by no means disparaging the importance that these stories have.
A couple of them I found really moving.
The very first, about Gayle Shann, was absolutely amazing - how anyone can survive that accident and carry on afterwards so resiliently is truly mind-blowing; but for me, the most emotional story was Maree Stockman’s. It had me in tears. That kind of quiet strength is completely inspirational. She is a true heroine, carrying on not because she wants to make a fortune, or gain fame, but because it was in her soul to stay. An amazingly courageous woman.
One of my biggest gripes with this book is the under representation, as usual, of Western Australia. One of the largest stretches of outback in the country, and one story? Come on now. This bias to the east coast is always completely disappointing. We exist, you guys, just on the other side of the Nullarbor!
A couple of them I found really moving.
The very first, about Gayle Shann, was absolutely amazing - how anyone can survive that accident and carry on afterwards so resiliently is truly mind-blowing; but for me, the most emotional story was Maree Stockman’s. It had me in tears. That kind of quiet strength is completely inspirational. She is a true heroine, carrying on not because she wants to make a fortune, or gain fame, but because it was in her soul to stay. An amazingly courageous woman.
One of my biggest gripes with this book is the under representation, as usual, of Western Australia. One of the largest stretches of outback in the country, and one story? Come on now. This bias to the east coast is always completely disappointing. We exist, you guys, just on the other side of the Nullarbor!
April 12, 2020
An easily read book of short stories of women who did it tough in the Outback and succeeded in wonderful ways. My only quibble is the author's use of "now xx years old" which is useless as the book ages. If she had instead included the year of birth of these women then the stories would not be dated as they are now, 12 years after the publication date.
June 21, 2018
This book was OK. It was interesting to read about the lives of these women. It's not a book that I'll read again but some of the business sounded interesting. There's not much more to say about this book other than that I can now take it off my to read list.
October 1, 2023
I’ve read a lot of books and don’t get around to updating Goodreads straight away. Consequently, I can’t give an adequate rating or review. That said, I have enjoyed every book and don’t regret the time spent reading them. There has been such a variety and one has often led to another.
January 11, 2024
Lent to me by Ann Madden. 14 stories. Could read one a night. Inspiring but most women suffered a terrible tragedy which made them hard to read. The love of the outback came through in all the stories. Easy read.
June 3, 2018
Very interesting read. These women are courageous and inspirational.
December 13, 2021
Brilliant story of read Farm accidence , resourcefulness , high achievement sorrow and loss. All in life’s experiences .
October 7, 2022
Very nice to read about great women that made a great life in Australia.
January 3, 2023
This book is an inspiration to all women.
August 4, 2018
I began this book some time ago...then lost it. However, I did find it again and read the stories of some of Australia's most incredibly brave women of the outback.
My sister-in-law gave me this book and I will most certainly be passing it along to her as it shows the courage and tenacity of these women who have had such tragic accidents happen to some, and others who have lead a most remarkable life that most of us have never even heard of them.
Sue Williams has done a wonderful job in collating the facts and putting them into this most readable book.
This is a book well worth a place on your bedside table.
My sister-in-law gave me this book and I will most certainly be passing it along to her as it shows the courage and tenacity of these women who have had such tragic accidents happen to some, and others who have lead a most remarkable life that most of us have never even heard of them.
Sue Williams has done a wonderful job in collating the facts and putting them into this most readable book.
This is a book well worth a place on your bedside table.
August 28, 2013
I bought this as a book when we were in Australia this past January and read it when we returned home. It was a very interesting collection of stories on the women of the outback. She also included pictures. I thought this was a great subject, but did find her writing not as professional as I expected. However, she covered her subjects well. If you are at all interested in Australia and the women living in challenging climate and terrain, it's well worth the time. I passed my copy on to a friend who I knew would enjoy these stories.
August 3, 2012
Touching selection of stories about amazing Aussie women who pioneered life in the outback of Austrlaia overcoming many challenges at time.... very inspiring and a good read to understand their way of life.
September 15, 2010
Brilliant.
December 31, 2010
Ejnoyable read. An insight into the lives of inspirational women of the outback.
June 19, 2013
What an anmazing book of true stories about outback women working hard to survive in the harshest of territories, and succeeding to such great heights. Very inspirational.
January 11, 2014
Stories of some AMAZING women
May 29, 2015
As with most short story collections, some were more interesting than others.
December 19, 2015
Great stories, some quite horrific, amazing to see how they all coped with all the dramas.
February 5, 2012
good stories of amazing women who live and work in the outback.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews