Aboriginal guides of the Hunter Region 1800-1850: a case study in Indigenous labour history

This article provides a brief history of the important contribution made by Aboriginal men in the Hunter region of central eastern New South Wales to colonial development from 1800 to 1850. In the Hunter, as in many parts of Australia, Aboriginal men gave critical aid to colonists exploring the vast, difficult terrains and waterways of the country. Aboriginal guides helped colonists in a number of ways, ranging from locating essential human needs such as water and food to discovering rich natural resources like coal and grasslands suitable for pastoral and agricultural industry. In particular instances, for example when individuals joined in major exploring expeditions, their assistance extended far beyond the boundaries of the Hunter region. Their invaluable contributions deserve a meritorious place in Australian exploration history.