Migration and Deep History

Some of the earliest expressions of modern human behaviours are evident in the original peopling and occupation of Australia. The intial arrival on the continent constitutes the first evidence of humans using watercraft to cross ocean waters. The first boomerangs, edge-ground axes and grindstones are found in Australia, as is the earliest evidence of complex burial practices and human cremation. Some of the oldest rock art in the world is in northern Australia, as is evidence of some of the earliest personal adornment. This chapter focuses on the first peopling of Australia, and on technological and social change over deep history within the continent, as people adjusted to an ever-changing environment.