Bush poetry

Bush poets were Australian poets who wrote about Australian rural life during colonial times and about the Australian bush. Many colonial bush poets were illiterate and performed their poems from memory instead of writing them. Bush poetry evolved from the jokes and stories shared by early settlers. To help with memorising these, rhyme and verse were introduced.

Bush poetry reflects communal attitudes and traditional Australian culture. Its language is characteristically colloquial and colourful, and its underlying thematic concern is the emergence and development of the Australian identity.

Famous bush poets
Examples of the language used within bush poetry can be found in many poems by famous bush poets including Henry Lawson (1867–1922), Banjo Paterson  (1864–1941) and Dorothea Mackellar  (1885–1968).

Some of their popular poems include:


 * Henry Lawson – "Freedom on the Wallaby", "The City Bushman", and "Up the Country";


 * Banjo Paterson – "The Man From Snowy River", "Waltzing Matilda" and "Clancy of the Overflow";


 * Dorothea Mackellar – "My Country".

Banjo Paterson is currently featured on the Australian ten dollar bank note amongst scenes of the Australian outback.

The Australian Bush Poet's Association
In 1994 an association was formed in Tamworth named the Australian Bush Poets Association. The association defines Bush Poetry as follows:"Australian Bush Poetry is metered and rhymed poetry about Australia, Australians and/or the Australian way of life."

Composed of writers, performers and those interested in either traditional or modern bush poetry, the association aims to encourage the development, interest and growth of Bush Poetry in Australia.

The Association publishes a bi-monthly magazine of news, events, and contemporary bush poetry, and maintains a calendar of bush poetry events. Bush Poets' Breakfasts are a popular part of many festivals today and each year at Tamworth many bush poetry events are held including The Australian Bush Laureate Awards.