"The Tyranny of Distance", is an canonical Australian history book by Geoffrey Blainey, which describes how distance and isolation have been central to Australia's history and in shaping its national identity, and will continue to form its future. The themes of isolation and remoteness are reflected in this song.
http://www.panmacmillan.com.au/display_title.asp?ISBN=9780732911171&Author=Blainey,%20Geoffrey