Discover Australia’s ancient songlines with the Hema Maps’ Australia Indigenous Journeys Map

Hema Maps is championing First Nations history through cartography with the release of the Australia Indigenous Journeys Map.

Recognising that this land has been walked for millennia by its Traditional Owners, trusted Australian brand Hema Maps has taken a significant step forward with the release of the Australia Indigenous Journeys Map.

The map aims to educate, inspire and empower travellers by honouring the deep, enduring connection between Australia’s First Peoples and Country. By championing First Nations history through cartography, Hema Maps provides a tool for physical navigation and also a medium for cultural exploration and understanding.

For more than 40 years, Hema Maps has offered detailed and reliable maps to navigate the diverse landscapes of Australia. From remote deserts to intricate regional tracks, Hema has built its reputation on fieldwork, innovation and a deep love for the land. It represents more than just geographical navigation; it embodies a cultural responsibility to respect and reflect on the rich history of the land we traverse.

Hema Maps Australia Indigenous Journeys Map is available now

Cultural significance

The Australia Indigenous Journeys Map is more than just a map; it is a cultural milestone that brings to life the networks of Songlines, trade routes and cultural pathways that have spanned the continent for more than 65,000 years. This map honours the thousands of kilometres Indigenous Australians travelled for ceremony, trade, storytelling, resource collection and social connection, long before modern state borders or roads existed.

Compiled by explorer and geologist James Allen, the project drew on extensive field research conducted between 2020 and 2024. The map was created with cultural input from Traditional Owners and the cartographic expertise of Hema’s own Craig Molyneux, a Gunditjmara man. This collaborative effort ensures that the map is not just a product of geography but also a representation of memory, culture and legacy, offering a rare visualisation of Australia’s landscape before European colonisation.

The making of the Australia Indigenous Journeys Map

Creating the Australia Indigenous Journeys Map was a complex and sensitive project, requiring deep respect for cultural sensitivities and the protection of First Australians’ Cultural and Intellectual Property. Hema Maps acknowledges that only Traditional Owners have the legitimacy to speak for Country and tell the stories of Songlines. This respect was paramount throughout the map’s development. The project was guided by multiple interest groups and cultural perspectives, making it a challenging endeavour.

Sam Hayward, Hema Maps Chairman, played a crucial role in navigating these complexities with his passionate leadership. His unwavering support was instrumental in ensuring the project’s success, making the Australia Indigenous Journeys Map not just a publishing milestone but a significant cultural contribution to all Australians.

Learn more about ancient Songlines with Australia Indigenous Journeys Map

Unveiling ‘Australia’s first map’

The Australia Indigenous Journeys Map can be seen as ‘Australia’s first map’, bringing to life the ancient networks of Songlines, trade routes and cultural pathways that have existed for tens of thousands of years. These Songlines are more than just routes; they are stories, songs and dances that describe the creation of the land, the laws and the customs passed down through generations.

The map includes more than 250 Indigenous language group names — sourced from the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS) — and references key trade items and modern cultural experiences. This comprehensive visualisation offers travellers a unique perspective on Australia’s history and geography, highlighting the profound connection between the land and its Traditional Owners.

Using the Australia Indigenous Journeys Map

For caravanners and travellers, this map is an invaluable tool for enhancing your adventures. By using this map, you can explore with greater awareness and respect for the land’s ancient history and the cultures that have shaped it. The map provides insights into the traditional routes and significant cultural sites that you may encounter on your journey. Whether you are planning a trip through the outback, exploring coastal regions or navigating regional tracks, this map invites you to travel with a deeper understanding of the land. It encourages you to not only look at where you go but also consider how you travel and appreciate the stories and wisdom of those who walked the land before us.

Connecting with Country

The Australia Indigenous Journeys Map is a call to connect more deeply with the land we all call home. It invites travellers to embrace the stories, wisdom and cultural heritage of Australia’s First Nations peoples. By doing so, we can foster a greater appreciation for the land and its history, enhancing our travels with a sense of respect and understanding. This map serves as a reminder that every journey is an opportunity to learn from ancient wisdom and to connect with the land in meaningful ways.

As you embark on your next caravanning adventure, carry with you the stories of the Songlines and the rich cultural tapestry that has been woven by Australia’s First Peoples for thousands of years.

Enrich your caravanning adventures with the Hema Maps Australia Indigenous Journeys Map

Grab your copy today

The Australia Indigenous Journeys Map is now available for purchase on the Hema Maps website or from leading outdoor retailers. At just $15.95, it is a valuable addition to any traveller’s toolkit, offering not only navigation but also a deeper connection to the land and its history.

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