Map of the Aboriginal tribes of Australia

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Aboriginal Australians comprise many distinctive peoples who developed across Australia for more than 65 thousand years. These peoples have a largely shared, though complex, genetic history, but only in the last two hundred years have been determined and begun to self-identify as a single group. Aboriginal identity has transformed over time and place, with family heritage, self-identification, and social acceptance all of differing importance.

Each ethnical group of Aboriginal peoples settled on and maintained their own “country” and created sophisticated trade networks, intercultural relationships, laws, and religions.

At the time of the European colonisation of Australia, they consisted of complex cultural communities with hundreds of languages and varying levels of technology and settlements.

This map indicates only the general location of larger groupings of people, which may include smaller groups, such as clans, dialects, or individual languages in a group. Boundaries are not intended to be exact. The views expressed in this publication are those of the author and not those of the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies. For more detailed information about the groups of people in a particular region, contact the relevant land councils.

Here are some of the largest and most well-known Aboriginal tribes in Australia:

• Yolŋu (Yolngu):
  • Region: Northern Territory, Arnhem Land
  • Language: Yolŋu Matha
  • The Yolŋu people are indigenous to the northeastern Arnhem Land region. They have a rich cultural heritage and are known for their intricate art, storytelling, and connection to the land.
• Pitjantjatjara:
  • Region: Central Australia
  • Language: Pitjantjatjara
  • The Pitjantjatjara people inhabit the central desert region of Australia. They are renowned for their traditional art, especially dot painting, which often depicts stories related to the Dreamtime.
• Arrernte:
  • Region: Central Australia (Alice Springs region)
  • Language: Arrernte
  • The Arrernte people are the traditional owners of the Alice Springs area. They have a rich cultural tradition, with a strong emphasis on Dreamtime stories and ceremonies.
• Noongar:
  • Region: Southwest Western Australia
  • Language: Noongar
  • The Noongar people are the traditional owners of the southwestern corner of Western Australia. They have a deep connection to the land and are known for their vibrant cultural practices.
• Yuin:
  • Region: South Coast of New South Wales
  • Language: Dhurga
  • The Yuin people are from the South Coast of New South Wales, known for their rich cultural heritage and connection to the coastal environment.
• Koori (Koorie):
  • Region: Victoria
  • Language: Various languages
  • The term “Koori” is used as a collective name for the Aboriginal people of Victoria. Each community within Victoria has its own distinct language and cultural practices.
• Yorta Yorta:
  • Region: Victoria and New South Wales
  • Language: Yorta Yorta
  • The Yorta Yorta people have a strong presence in both Victoria and New South Wales. They are known for their cultural resilience and ongoing efforts to protect their heritage.
• Gamilaraay (Gomeroi):
  • Region: New South Wales and Queensland
  • Language: Gamilaraay
  • The Gamilaraay people traditionally inhabit areas in New South Wales and Queensland. They have a rich cultural heritage, including distinctive art and Dreamtime stories.
• Kaurna:
  • Region: Adelaide and surrounding areas (South Australia)
  • Language: Kaurna
  • The Kaurna people are the traditional owners of the Adelaide Plains and surrounding areas. They have a strong cultural identity and ongoing efforts to preserve their language and heritage.
• Nunga:
  • Region: South Australia
  • Language: Various languages
  • “Nunga” is a term used to collectively refer to aboriginal people in South Australia. Each community within the state has its own distinct language and cultural practices.