Australian landscape is presented in the novel through John Marsden’s use of descriptive words to illustrate Australian’s bushland and farmland. Whilst the group is sneaking around Wirrawee, it is mostly described as bush and farmland. John Marsden has portrayed the image of Australian people as laid back and friendly, through the use of flashbacks to show how the people acted and life were before the war. The author John Marsden uses 'slang’ throughout the novel. Words used in the book such as K’s (kilometres), Landie (Landrover), Mate (buddy/friend), Sunroom (back room which allows a lot of sunlight), Dam(A barrier constructed to hold back water over a river/lake) and Jackaroo (Young or inexperienced stockman/farm hand) are examples of slang used every day by Australians in the 1990’s (when the book was written).   Another aspect that shows the book is Australian is that the town was celebrating Commemoration day, which is an Australian holiday.

In the book while Ellie is by herself in the bush she thinks over what is happening and realises that the bush is really important to her." The cool night breeze kissed my face all over, all the time, and the smell of the wattle gave a faint sweetness to the air. This was my country; I felt like I had grown from its soil like the silent trees around me, like the springy, tiny-leafed plants that lined the track.” Ellie depicts that Australian's idealize the bush and that it is a very significant and treasured place. She describes that Australia's unique flora and fauna and native animals help her to love the land even more. Ellie feels she belongs to the bush as she was surrounded by it while she was growing up. It helps her deal with the reality of war, it comforts her and makes her feel safe and protected.