Boomerangs were, historically, used as hunting weapons, percussive musical instruments, battle clubs, fire-starters, decoys for hunting waterfowl, and as recreational play toys. The smallest boomerang may be less than 10 centimetres (4 in) from tip to tip, and the largest over 180 cm (6 ft) in length. Tribal boomerangs may be inscribed or painted with designs meaningful to their makers. Most boomerangs seen today are of the tourist or competition sort, and are almost invariably of the returning type.

Depictions of boomerangs being thrown at animals, such as kangaroos, appear in some of the oldest rock art in the world, the Indigenous Australian rock art of the Kimberly region, which is potentially up to 50,000 years old

The boomerang is an iconic Australian tool and cultural symbol with a long and fascinating history. While boomerangs exist in other parts of the world, the Australian boomerang has a distinct history. The earliest evidence of boomerangs in Australia dates back at least 20,000 years, making them one of the oldest known hunting and throwing implements in the world. These early boomerangs were likely used for hunting and as general-purpose tools.

Aboriginal Australian tribes developed a deep understanding of the boomerang’s aerodynamics, allowing them to create specialized boomerangs for specific purposes. Some were designed for hunting and could be used to target birds, kangaroos, and other animals. Others were shaped to function as digging sticks or as musical instruments during ceremonies.

One of the most well-known types of boomerangs is the returning boomerang. Unlike straight throwing sticks, returning boomerangs are designed to come back to the thrower if thrown correctly. This unique feature has fascinated people worldwide and is often associated with the Australian boomerang.

Boomerangs held significant cultural importance for Aboriginal Australians. They were not merely tools but held spiritual and ceremonial significance. Some tribes believed that boomerangs possessed mystical powers and played a role in the Dreamtime, the Aboriginal belief system that explains the origins of the world and its spiritual essence.

In Europe, boomerang-like throwing sticks have been found dating back thousands of years. Unlike Australian boomerangs, they were generally non-returning and used for hunting. Modern boomerangs are now popular recreational toys and sports equipment in Europe, often made from lightweight materials for safe and enjoyable throwing.

Despite their differences, both the Australian and European boomerangs have left a lasting impact on their respective cultures, representing a rich history and continuing to be enjoyed by people worldwide.