Larapinta (ATOM Study Guide)

Larapinta, known more commonly by its Western name, the Finke River, is the oldest river in the world, running through the heart of Central Australia.

Stretching over 750 kilometres, Indigenous clans of Central Australia have relied on the river for food, water, comfort and travel for generations upon generations. Larapinta’s past, present and future is a story about culture, environment, art, climate change, totems, songlines and, of course, history.

Series host Talia Liddle, a young Arrernte and Luritja woman, travels through the majestic Central Australian outback along Larapinta, taking viewers on an intimate and engaging journey where she meets with people who call Larapinta home, as well as scientists, rangers, Traditional Owners, artists, historians, archaeologists and palaeontologists – all of whom give her unique insights and stories of this once mighty river.

From the megafauna of millions of years ago to the present day, the story of Larapinta is more than just a story about a river, it is the story of Central Australia. The river holds stories, songlines and is home to some of the most diverse flora and fauna anywhere in the world.

With the introduction of foreign agriculture and species, we see firsthand the impact of colonisation, the loss of species and the power of climate change. Throughout her journey, Talia explores how the river will survive, and how those who know its secrets will continue to fight to keep the river healthy, alive and able to provide for generations to come.

Talia shares with us her own ancestral connections to the river and surrounding country and what role we all need to play to revitalise culture and country and Larapinta.

Curriculum Links:

Larapinta can be linked to the following learning areas within the Australian Curriculum.

• Science (Years 5–9)
• Year 11 Modern History
• Year 10 History
• Civics and Citizenship

Please note, this list is not exhaustive.

Science teachers will almost certainly find other links beyond those listed here. Teachers are encouraged to find other links using the framework of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures Cross-Curriculum Priority.