This list includes some of the best poetry produced by Australian writers. Whilst choosing the best of Australian poetry is a subjective matter, it is believed that these poems represent some of the best, or most enjoyable, poetic works that our nation has to offer. This is not a definitive compilation; it is intended that more will be added to the list. Those interested in poetry may also want to look at the Poetry and songs section.
(Arranged by surname of writer.)
Barcroft Boake
Where the Dead Men Lie
C. J. Dennis
The Austra——laise
The Joy Ride
The Little Homes
The Play [from The Songs of a Sentimental Bloke]
Son of a Fool
Mary Hannay Foott
The Future of Australia
Where the Pelican Builds
Mary Gilmore
Nationality
No Foe Shall Gather Our Harvest
Grant Hervey
The Joy of Life
Kisses and Sin
“The Man You Might Have Been”
When a Fellow Does His Damnedest
Lucy Everett Homfray
Anzac Crosses
Some of Life’s Joys
Henry Kendall
Bell-Birds
The Maid of Gerringong
Mountains
On a Cattle Track
Henry Lawson
The Fire at Ross’s Farm
Freedom on the Wallaby
The Grog-an’-Grumble Steeplechase
Mary Called Him ‘Mister’
Years After the War in Australia
Dorothea Mackellar
Australia’s Men
Core of My Heart [later renamed as “My Country”]
John Shaw Neilson
All the World’s a Lolly-Shop
Dolly’s Offering
The Eyes of Little Charlotte
Love’s Coming
Old Granny Sullivan
The Quarrel with the Neighbour
John O’Brien
Come, Sing Australian Songs to Me!
Could I Hear the Kookaburras Once Again
Honeymooning from the Country
The Kookaburras
Ownerless
Said Hanrahan
Menie Parkes
Our Darling’s Lover
A. B. (Banjo) Paterson
A Bush Christening
Clancy of The Overflow
The Geebung Polo Club
Lost
The Man from Ironbark
The Man from Snowy River
Marie E. J. Pitt
The Keening
Reveille
Thomas E. Spencer
How M’Dougal Topped the Score
Charles Thatcher [songs]
Buying Land
Chinese Immigration
The Green New Chum
John Chinaman’s Marriage
The Leary Boy
Poems by some lesser-known writers
(Arranged by title.)
Australia For Ever [by F. S. Lewin]
The Last Barrage [by “Pip”]
Where the Light and the Shadows Lie [by “Broad Arrow”]
A number of other worthwhile poems can be found by looking at the good poetry tag.
Updated 23 May 2024
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