Top Australia Stories on GatherTales

Australia's indigenous Dreamtime stories are among the oldest in the world, offering a profound connection to the land and its origins. One such tale is that of the Rainbow Serpent, a powerful deity who created rivers, mountains, and life itself. The serpent's undulating movements across the landscape shaped the natural world, and its presence is still revered by Aboriginal Australians. In more contemporary folklore, the mysterious creature known as the "Bunyip" is said to lurk in swamps and billabongs, its terrifying cries sending shivers down the spines of those who hear them. Australian literature also boasts the iconic figure of "Waltzing Matilda," a ballad that tells the story of a swagman (a traveling laborer) who makes his home by a billabong. The ballad, often considered Australia's unofficial national anthem, captures the rugged spirit of the Outback and the tenacity of those who live in it.