Early Australian writers made significant efforts to come to terms with their environment through their literary works. In the colonial era, when Australia was being explored and settled by Europeans, writers sought to understand and depict the unique characteristics of the Australian landscape, its flora and fauna, the challenges of living in a harsh environment, and the interactions between settlers and Indigenous communities. Here are some ways in which early Australian writers endeavored to come to terms with their environment:

1. Depiction of the Australian Landscape: Early Australian writers, such as Watkin Tench, explored the unfamiliar and awe-inspiring Australian landscape in their accounts and writings. They described the vastness, diversity, and beauty of the land, its distinctive flora and fauna, and the challenges posed by the harsh climate. These depictions were attempts to understand and convey the distinctiveness of the Australian environment.

2. Romanticizing the Bush: Writers like Henry Lawson and Banjo Paterson celebrated the bush and rural life in their works. They idealized the Australian bush as a place of freedom, adventure, and resilience. Their stories and poems captured the spirit of the bush and the ruggedness of the Australian outback, depicting characters who were in harmony with nature and capable of overcoming its challenges.

3. Exploration of Indigenous Culture and Relationship with the Land: Some early Australian writers, such as Dorothea Mackellar, sought to understand and appreciate the Indigenous culture and their deep connection to the land. They recognized the spiritual and ancestral significance of the land for Aboriginal people and acknowledged their custodianship. By acknowledging the Indigenous presence and their profound connection to the environment, these writers attempted to reconcile their own relationship with the land.

4. Portrayal of Settler-Indigenous Interactions: Early Australian writers also grappled with the complex dynamics between the European settlers and the Indigenous populations. They portrayed the encounters, conflicts, and negotiations that took place between the two groups. These portrayals aimed to shed light on the challenges of coexistence, the impact of colonization on Indigenous communities, and the need for mutual understanding and respect.

5. Sense of Place and Identity: Early Australian writers, such as Joseph Furphy, explored the notion of place and its influence on identity. They delved into questions of belonging, rootedness, and attachment to the Australian environment. By grappling with their surroundings, these writers sought to define their own identities as Australians and establish a sense of connection to the land.