The history of Australian literature contains a large collection of notable names. The unique qualities found in the people and the natural surroundings of Australia have inspired its writers for centuries. Here is a brief glimpse at the history of Australian literature and some of the famous writers who are a part of it. In addition, here is a helpful list of online resources for anyone interested in learning more about the heritage of Australian literature.

If you visit the History of Australian Literature you'll read that Australia's earliest writers wrote about the beauty of the landscape. Charles Harpur's poem entitled, A Midsummer Noon in the Australian Forest, is a wonderful example of an Australian writer expressing an appreciation of the serenity of his natural surroundings. Other poets work expressed a pride in their nation, too. The website gives the example of one of Australia's earliest poets William Charles Wentworth who wrote, Australasia, an Ode, in 1823. The poem expressed the enduring spirit of Australia. Henry Clarence Kendall and Adam Lindsay Gordon are two other examples of early Australian poets of significance that are mentioned at the above site.

Any discussion of the history of Australian literature would not be complete without mentioning two very famous names. The beloved children's author, Ethel Turner and the well-known novelist Patrick White.

Ethel Turner, wrote the enduring story of, Seven Little Australians over one hundred years ago that is still in print today. View Famous Names in the History of Australian Literature to see an excerpt of, Seven Little Australians, along with a photograph of Ethel Turner.

Patrick White won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1973 for his novel, Eye of the Storm. To learn more about Patrick White, including how he used his Nobel Prize money to further advance Australian literature go to, Australian Writer Patrick White.

To learn more about the history of Australian literature and its writers visit:

Famous Australian Poets and Their Poems Visit this site and you will find a list of Australian poets and samples of their work.

An Overview of the History of Australian Literature This informative website offers a look at the writers who contributed to Australian literature over the years.

A Brief Summary of Australian Literature Travel to this website for a concise summation of the periods of Australian literature.

Works from Australian Writers Check out this website if you want to view works from various Australian writers.

Classic Australian Writing Try this site if you are looking to read some classic Australian literature.

The Progression of Australian Literature Consult this page if you'd like a concise explanation of the progression of Australian literature.

The Stories of Indigenous Australians This is a unique page with a collection of stories from indigenous Australians.

Influences on the Development of Literature in Australia Visit this website for a revealing look at the influences on literature in Australia.

Literature in Australia Learn more about what affected the development of Australian literature at this website.

A Look at the Growth of Children's Literature in Australia Learn about the development of children's literature in Australia at this informative website.

Australian Literature and its Writers Travel to this website and read about the gradual changes in the literature of Australia.

Children's Author Norman Lindsay Read here about Australian children author Norman Lindsay and his famous work, The Magic Pudding.

Australia's Women Writers This page contains a thorough list of the women writers of Australia, descriptions, and lists of their work.

A Look at Two Centuries of Australian Literature Australian literature in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries are looked at on this website.

Samples of Australian Literature Check out this page for a taste of Australian literature.

Australian Literature and Poetry This website is a helpful guide to the literature and poetry of Australia.

Past Australian Periodicals Visit this website to view a collection of Australian periodicals dating from 1840 to 1845.

Over the centuries Australian writers have continued to offer the world's readers countless great works of literature. Picking up a book from any of these writers, and reading while you travel the country in a car rental or during a flight, is the perfect way to compliment Australian travel.