Books

In a Sunburned Country, by Bill Bryson (Random House 2000)

Travel humorist and National Geographic Traveler contributor Bill Bryson explores the immense continent of Australia while encountering all sorts of mishaps—from toxic caterpillars to a lost prime minister. The New York Times called this book "Vastly entertaining .... If there is one book with which to get oriented before departure or en route to Australia, this is it."

Australia: A Sense of Place, by Nick Rains (Viking Australia 2005)

Australian photographer Nick Rains captures the deep beauty of the continent's landscape in this 132-page book, which is full of images depicting the canyons of Western Australia to coastal panoramics.

Keep Australia on Your Left: A True Story of an Attempt to Circumnavigate Australia by Kayak, by Eric Stiller (Forge 2000).

Professional fitness trainer Eric Stiller and Australian fashion model Tony Brown embark on an exciting, and surprising, adventure kayaking around the continent of Australia. There is never a shortage of surprises, from jellyfish to crocodiles.

Check out our Travel Library for more Australia picks!