Aboriginal culture in Australia is generally considered at least 65,000 years old , with some archaeological and genetic evidence supporting that figure or an even earlier human presence on the continent.

What that means

  • The National Museum of Australia says Aboriginal people have occupied mainland Australia for at least 65,000 years.
  • Britannica notes the commonly accepted range is at least 45,000–50,000 years, while some research suggests up to 65,000–80,000 years.
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander traditions also hold that people have been in Australia since creation, so the answer depends on whether you mean scientific dating or cultural tradition.

Simple answer

If you want a short version: Aboriginal culture is one of the world’s oldest continuous cultures, and it is commonly dated to at least 65,000 years ago.

Quick note

Different sources give slightly different dates because new discoveries keep refining the timeline.