Kookaburra sits in the old gum tree

Not many would know the history of this song but the catchy tune and the alternate verses are quite well known. Kids have great fun with these words and the song's tune so have a sing along and see what you can add!

What you need:

• computer with internet access

Number of players:

Activity:

Marion Sinclair was the original author of this song and she wrote it for a contest back in 1932. Obviously a hit, it won the contest. Since then, this song has done the rounds and has been played and sung to many kids worldwide.

Kookaburra

Kookaburra sits in the old gum tree,
Merry merry king of the bush is he.
Laugh, Kookaburra, laugh, Kookaburra,
Gay your life must be!

Kookaburra sits in the old gum tree,
Eating all the gum drops he can see.
Stop Kookaburra, stop Kookaburra
Save some there for me!

Kookaburra sits in the old gum tree,
Counting all the monkeys he can see.
Laugh Kookaburra, laugh Kookaburra
That's not a monkey, that's me!

Here are some alternatives that have been created over the years.
See if you can add some more to the collection.

Kookaburra sits on a rusty nail,
He gets a sore in his tail.
Cry, Kookaburra, cry, Kookaburra,
How cruel life can be!

Kookaburra sits on electric wire,
Jumping up and down with his pants on fire.
Ouch, Kookaburra, ouch! Kookaburra,
Hot your tail must be!

Kookaburra sits in the old gum tree,
Eating all the gum drops he can see.
Laugh Kookaburra, laugh Kookaburra
Gay your life must be!

More Australia Day ideas:

• 30 things to do with kids on Australia Day
• Make a map of Australia collage
• Australia puzzle map
• Australia Day colouring pages
• Australiana colouring pages
• Best Aussie jokes for kids
• Aboriginal handprints
• Boomerang art
• Make a cork hat
• Australian flag collage
• Create an Aboriginal dot painting
• Aboriginal stick painting
• Make an Australia Day beach swag

Learning benefits of play, craft and activities:

• Benefits of crafts for kids
• Craft ideas to make for babies
• Why reading is important
• Your child's development milestones
• Why play makes kids smarter
• The importance of outdoor play
• Types of play
• How craft helps unplug kids from screentime