Islam in Australia

Islam in Australia

The history of Muslims in Australia dates back to the 17th century, well before European contact with the mainland

The Makassan traders from Indonesia had a harmonious relationship with the Indigenous people of Northern Australia

In the 1860's a large number of Afghani-Muslim cameleers arrived in Australia to work the camel trains which opened up the interior of the continent

They accompanied the great explorers of the Outback and were instrumental pioneers in the tough terrain

Due to the Afghans' knowledge and expertise with camels, they were credited with saving the lives of numerous early European explorers and were vital for exploration

Hence the South-North Railway is named "The Ghan" - short for The Afghan