AUSTRALIA - TRAVEL GUIDES

“The people are immensely likable— cheerful, extrovert, quick-witted, and unfailingly obliging. Their cities are safe and clean and nearly always built on water. They have a society that is prosperous, well ordered, and instinctively egalitarian. The food is excellent. The beer is cold. The sun nearly always shines. There is coffee on every corner. Life doesn't get much better than this.” 
- Bill Bryson, In a Sunburned Country

TRAVELING TO AUSTRALIA

It is a long flight from most places, but a trip to Australia is worth it.  It is a wild and expansive country with wonderful beaches, unique wildlife, some amazing sights, and fun-loving people.  Most visit Sydney and many make it up to the Great Barrier Reef, but there is a lot more to this continent and culture to be explored. Here is a list of our top recommendations on travel books for Australia.

A5 RECOMMENDATIONS

Lonely Planet: Australia

Our favorite guide book for those traveling to Australia is Lonely Planet.  The company was started in Australia, and so of course their coverage of this large and unique country is fantastic.  Lonely Planet is known both for the breadth of coverage and their focus on local insights to help travelers truly experience the essence of the country.  Lonely Planet used to be more focused on backpackers, but the series now provides recommendations for all budgets.

DK Eyewitness Travel: Sydney

Our recommendation on the best travel guide for someone just traveling to Sydney is the book from DK Eyewitness Travel.  It is easy to use, with clear maps (customized for visitors) and especially good coverage on cultural highlights like the Opera House.  Their books always have trustworthy, well-organized information on what to see and do, including good information on nearby beaches, but what sets DK apart is the quality of their design.  This series is known for its beautiful color photography.

In a Sunburned Country, by Bill Bryson

One of the world's best travel writers explores one of the world's best travel destinations - Australia.  This unique country provides the perfect backdrop for Bryson's observational humor, and he delivers.  His journey takes him across the entire country, including the big cities, small towns, and as many pubs as he can manage.  In typical Bryson fashion, he combines deep research on the country’s history with a wildly funny account of his travels.  In a Sunburned Country is a great book for those who really want to understand Australian culture and their unique way of life.  Click here for our review of In a Sunburned Country.

Australia's Best Trips: 38 Amazing Road Trips

Australia is a huge country, and some of the best scenery and sightseeing comes from leaving the big cities to hit the road.  Lonely Planet publishes a specific travel guidebook series with recommendations on the 38 best itineraries for a drive, like the famous Great Ocean Road along the southeastern coast.  The book has beautiful photography, full-color route maps, and comprehensive travel information to help make the best possible trip.