Think IN BED: Loving Country

Words by Elisha Kennedy
Photography by Vicky Shukuroglou

As our plans for travel have become domestic, we are given an opportunity to better understand and appreciate what our home countries have to offer. For those of us living in Australia, we’re lucky to have in abundance such diverse and awe-inspiring landscapes to discover. At the heart of each of these environments, from desert to ocean, rainforest to mountain range, there are Indigenous narratives and rich cultural histories to engage with and learn from as we travel.

Margaret River. Along the rugged coast of the south-west corner of Western Australia. Wardandi and Bibulman language group

Loving Country is a new kind of travel guide, as beautiful as it is important. Co-authored by Bruce Pascoe and Vicky Shukuroglou, the book guides us through a handful of culturally significant sites of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples around the country, with all writing and photography created in consultation with communities.

Loving Country is a new kind of travel guide, as beautiful as it is important.

Wiluna and Meekatharra Region. In the central west of Australia, at the edge of the Western desert and towards the rangelands. Martu, Wajarri Yamatji Language groups.

Through artful photography, the sharing of Dreaming stories, detailed histories and traditional cultural practices, Loving Country explores the Brewarrina Fish Traps, tributaries of the Great Barrier Reef, Wiluna, Margaret River and many more sites. As it encourages us to seek out some of the many wonders of this country and to engage in Indigenous tourism experiences with deep curiosity and respect, Loving Country is an essential companion for traversing Australia.

Albany. On the south coast of Western Australia, just under five hours’ drive from Perth. Minang Noongar language group.

Loving Country is published by Hardie Grant, you can pick up a copy of Loving Country from your local bookstore.