When exploring some of the top Australian authors of all time, one can’t help but marvel at the sheer talent that has emerged from this vast, sunburned land. Australian literature is shaped by an eclectic mix of voices, from Indigenous storytellers to contemporary novelists, offering everything from gritty realism to poetic explorations of the human spirit.
The challenge, however, lies in which story to start with! Narrowing down this wealth of literary brilliance, here is a curated collection of what we believe are 20 must-read authors whose work has defined—and continues to shape—Australian literature, with many editions in this list available as second hand books. If you're looking to dive into the best of Australian literature, whether it is used books or new, to buy and read—here’s where to start.
