The 21 Best Australian Novels

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Australia has produced some of the greatest literary works in the world. From historical fiction to crime thrillers, Australia’s rich cultural history and diverse landscape have inspired countless authors.

Australian literature is a rich and diverse field, with a long history of producing some of the world’s most compelling and engaging novels. From classic works of literature to contemporary bestsellers, Australian novels offer a unique insight into the country’s culture and identity. Australian novels have been celebrated for their distinctive style, vivid imagery, and exploration of themes that are universal and timeless.

One of the most well-known Australian novels is “Picnic at Hanging Rock” by Joan Lindsay, a haunting tale of the disappearance of three schoolgirls and their teacher on a school trip. Other classic Australian novels include “My Brilliant Career” by Miles Franklin, which explores the struggles of a young woman in rural Australia, and “The Harp in the South” by Ruth Park, a poignant story of poverty and hardship in inner-city Sydney.

In recent years, Australian literature has seen a surge in popularity, with a new generation of writers emerging onto the scene. Some of the most notable contemporary Australian novels include “The Dry” by Jane Harper, a gripping crime thriller set in a small Australian town, and “The Natural Way of Things” by Charlotte Wood, a powerful exploration of misogyny and power dynamics in modern society. Other popular Australian novelists include Tim Winton, Richard Flanagan, and Markus Zusak.

Whether you’re looking for a classic work of literature or a thrilling page-turner, Australian novels offer something for every reader. With a rich and diverse literary tradition, Australian literature is sure to captivate and inspire readers for generations to come.

Here are the 50 best Australian novels that you have to read:

Cloudstreet by Tim Winton

This modern Australian classic tells the story of two working-class families living in Perth during the 1940s.

The Secret River by Kate Grenville

Set in colonial Australia, this novel explores the conflict between European settlers and the Indigenous people.

The Slap by Christos Tsiolkas

This controversial novel follows the aftermath of a man slapping a child at a suburban barbecue and the impact it has on the lives of those involved.

Picnic at Hanging Rock by Joan Lindsay

This haunting novel tells the story of a group of schoolgirls who go missing while on a picnic at a mysterious rock formation.

The Power of One by Bryce Courtenay

This coming-of-age story is set in South Africa during apartheid and follows the life of a young boy who dreams of becoming a boxing champion.

The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough

This sweeping family saga is set in the Australian Outback and follows the lives of the Cleary family.

Jasper Jones by Craig Silvey

This coming-of-age story is set in a small town in Western Australia and follows the friendship between two teenage boys who investigate a murder.

The Narrow Road to the Deep North by Richard Flanagan

This Booker Prize-winning novel tells the story of Australian prisoners of war forced to work on the Thai-Burma Railway during World War II.

Dirt Music by Tim Winton

This novel tells the story of a woman who falls in love with a musician and the impact it has on her life.

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

Set in Nazi Germany, this novel tells the story of a young girl who steals books and shares them with her neighbors during World War II.

Breath by Tim Winton

This novel explores the thrill and danger of surfing in Western Australia in the 1970s.

The Dry by Jane Harper

This crime thriller is set in a small town in rural Australia and follows a federal agent investigating a murder-suicide.

Eucalyptus by Murray Bail

This modern fairy tale tells the story of a man who offers his daughter’s hand in marriage to anyone who can name all the eucalyptus trees on his property.

My Brilliant Career by Miles Franklin

This semi-autobiographical novel tells the story of a young woman living in rural Australia and her struggles to pursue a career as a writer.

The Broken Shore by Peter Temple

This crime novel follows a detective investigating the murder of a young girl in a small coastal town.

The Harp in the South by Ruth Park

This novel tells the story of an Irish-Australian family living in the slums of Sydney in the 1940s.

Gould’s Book of Fish by Richard Flanagan

This novel tells the story of a convict artist who paints the fish he sees in the prison’s fish ponds.

Monkey Grip by Helen Garner

This novel explores the bohemian lifestyle of a group of friends living in Melbourne in the 1970s.

A Town Like Alice by Nevil Shute

This classic novel tells the story of a woman who falls in love with a British soldier while in captivity during World War II.

The Timeless Land by Eleanor Dark

This historical novel tells the story of the first European settlers in Australia.

The Fatal Shore by Robert Hughes

This non-fiction book tells the history of the British penal colony in Australia.