Playing in the Bush

For over 100 years, people have been drawn to national parks by the promise of getting 'back to nature'. Australia has some of the oldest national parks in the world (the first park was created in 1879 just south of Sydney) and has more than any other country. They were distinctive for their emphasis on recreational use more than the protection of natural wonder. This focus on leisure activities has shaped the way in which Australians view their relationship to the parks since and posed a variety of challenges for park managers, concerned with the conservation of 'natural' landscapes.

How have people used national parks in the past?
What feelings of attachment have they inspired?
What impact have visitors had and how has popular enjoyment been negotiated with park authorities?

Playing in the Bush is an engaging account of the ways the national parks of New South Wales have been used over the past 130 years. Researched and written by seven young historians from the University of Sydney, the book weaves together stories of diverse experiences in our national parks. Established 'for the use of the public forever', they have had a long history of popular use and created deep emotional attachments among people from all walks of life.

From the romantic getaways of the late nineteenth century to the extreme sports of a century later, picnicking and partying, flower picking, nature study, camp fires, to getting up to no good, Playing in the Bush explores the place of national parks in Australia's cultures of recreation.

“' ... its evocative subject matter sent me off into reveries about my own experiences of campfires, romantic moments in sylvan glens and challenging canoe excursions, and then to the internet to investigate possibilities for future park visits. It will capture the imagination of the broad audience for which it is intended.' -- Nancy Cushing -- Journal of Australian Studies”

' ... its evocative subject matter sent me off into reveries about my own experiences of campfires, romantic moments in sylvan glens and challenging canoe excursions, and then to the internet to investigate possibilities for future park visits. It will capture the imagination of the broad audience for which it is intended.' -- Nancy Cushing Journal of Australian Studies
'appealing series of essays considers ways in which national parks in New South Wales (NSW) have been managed and used for recreational leisure for 130 years ... a notable achievement by a group of young scholars.' -- Melanie Hall Journal of Tourism History
'One of the most satisfying aspects of the book, and one of its key contributions, is the way it so successfully illustrates the value of a historical perspective for deepening understanding of many current debates about the appropriate uses of national parks, and the range of management challenges that result.' -- Lee Davidson Australian Historical Studies
' ... very relevant for people who are interested in park management but it also has broader appeal because of the diversity of its subject matter.' -- Rachel Fitzhardinge Nature New South Wales

Richard White is an honorary associate professor of history at the University of Sydney. He retired in 2013.
Caroline Ford is a cultural heritage researcher with the Office of Environment and Heritage (New South Wales).

'The studies range from the 19th century romantic getaways of picking flowers and picnicking to 21st century extreme sports such as canyoning and abseiling. Indigenous perspectives are included ... Helpfully many of the references are to unpublished reports such as plans of management which are often difficult to access without the details provided.'

This item is eligible for free returns within 30 days of delivery. See our returns policy for further details.