According to the observations of Richard Sadleir, the aborigines have no single color. He stated that “Some are as black as negroes; others copper-coloured like Malays.” He also noted that “When native children are born, they are nearly as white as Europeans.” So, based on this account, their appearance varied greatly.

Trespassing of land by strangers was a capital offence which was enforced without hesitation. However, native laws allowed controlled access to vital, localized resources – like specific foods or materials – or for carefully arranged inter-tribal gatherings.