Shack Life tells the story of three small beachside communities in the Royal National Park south of Sydney – Era, Burning Palms and Little Garie – and how their residents fought to save their beloved shacks. 

During the Depression, starving miners and their families made their way ‘down the hill’ to a place by the sea where they could live on fish, rabbits and home-grown vegetables. Hundreds of shacks, only able to be reached on foot, sprung up, and are still standing today. 

Since the 1960s governments have tried to have the shacks pulled down but the communities, with the help of their Protection League, fought back each time and won. In frank interviews with ‘shackies’ and stunning photographs this book explores the fascinating history of these quintessentially Australian shacks. 

‘Shack Life is that rare mix; a compelling read that stitches together the big history of place, the smaller history of culture and the personal narratives of those who have made, and been made by, these extraordinary, irreplaceable dwellings. Thoughtful, touching, beautiful and finely crafted Shack Life is, in a word, brilliant.’ – Elizabeth Farrelly