The bush

"The bush" is a term mostly used in the English vernacular of South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand where it is largely synonymous with hinterland or backwoods respectively, referring to a natural undeveloped area. The fauna and flora contained within this area may be mostly indigenous to the region, although exotic species will often also be present.

The expression has been in use in Australia from the earliest years of British settlement. The Sydney Gazette reported in 1804 that: "One of the ringleaders was apprehended and two others escaped into the bush." (Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser, 10 June 1804, page 4). The term is also widely used in Canada to refer to the large, forested portion of the country. The same usage applies in the US state of Alaska.