How did the first humans reach Australia?

The first humans reached Australia around 65,000 years ago, having embarked on a remarkable journey that took them from their origins in Africa to the shores of a distant and unexplored continent.

They had traveled through Asia, navigating challenging terrains and adapting to new environments as the world's climate changed over thousands of years.

The final leg of their journey involved crossing the sea, which they likely accomplished using primitive boats or rafts, by navigating through islands and relying on their knowledge of the stars and currents.

Once they landed on the northern coasts, they became the first humans to set foot on the Australian continent.

However, the landscape they encountered was very different to modern Australia and was called Sahul. 

Sahul is the name given to the combined landmass that, during periods of lower sea levels, connected what are now Australia, New Guinea, and Tasmania.

This vast continent existed during the Pleistocene epoch, when ice ages caused significant amounts of water to be locked up in glaciers and polar ice caps.

As a result, sea levels dropped, revealing land bridges and allowing for the movement of plants, animals, and eventually humans.

As sea levels were lower, early humans could move more easily between regions that are now separated by water. 

The diverse landscapes of Sahul, ranging from tropical rainforests to vast deserts, provided a variety of habitats for its inhabitants.

The flora and fauna of Sahul were also unique, with many species, such as the kangaroo and the Tasmanian devil, evolving in isolation from the rest of the world. 

However, as the ice ages ended and the global climate warmed, the glaciers and ice caps melted, causing sea levels to rise.

This led to the flooding of the land bridges and the separation of Australia, New Guinea, and Tasmania into distinct landmasses. 

After their arrival, these early Australians began to explore and settle in different parts of the continent.

They moved along the rivers and coastlines, and slowly ventured into the heart of the land. 

As they moved, they adapted to each new environment. In the coastal areas, they became skilled fishermen, using nets and spears to catch fish.

In the forests, they hunted kangaroos and other animals, and gathered fruits and nuts. In the arid deserts, they found ways to find water and food in such a challenging environment. 

As these early Australians settled in different regions, they developed unique cultures, languages, and traditions.

They shared stories about the land, the animals, and the stars, which helped them understand their world and their place in it.

These stories, known as Dreamtime stories, explained how the world was created and how people should live in harmony with nature. 

One famous Dreamtime story is about the Rainbow Serpent, a powerful creature that shaped the mountains, rivers, and lakes.

Another tells of Tiddalik the frog, who drank all the water in the world and caused a drought, until he was made to laugh and release the water. 

The journey and settlement of the First Nations Australians is a remarkable story of exploration, adaptation, and survival.

Over thousands of years, they have shaped the culture and history of Australia, leaving behind art, stories, and traditions that continue to be celebrated today.