These are some examples of simple symbols used widely in aboriginal art. The symbols are used to give the art meaning and tell a story.
How this differs to non-indigenous Australians
The symbols and Australian indigenous way of storytelling through art differs from the non-indigenous culture because non-indigenous artist don't use symbols to tell stories but tell them with a representation easily interpreted; for example if they where talking about a person they would paint them with proper facial features and structure that we see in everyday life.