Australia

Let's face it...that long haul flight is certainly worth it.

Not only that, any Australian will gladly tell you that there is so much more to see and do than what you just see in the brochure!

That's why it's so important to get your travel plans sorted out properly - whether it's Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, or even the Great Barrier Reef - Australia has it all!

Title : Xenophobe's Guide to Kiwis (Xenophobe's Guide S.)
Author : Christine Cole Catley
Rating : 5 Stars out of 5.
Summary : Brilliant work

Brilliant work which shows great insight into the beliefs and fables of New Zealanders in both a contemporary and historical context, in a humorous way which reflects the Kiwi ability to laugh at themselves I am sure there isn't a New Zealander around who couldn't recognize the traits portrayed in either themselves or people they know. I also have no doubt that in time the guide will be seen as an important historical resource #8211; where else can you find accurate and pertinent data spanning generations of New Zealanders in just 63 pages!

The authors are to be congratulated for truly encapsulating the Kiwi trait of being able to laugh at themselves.

The most hilarious book I have read in ages.

Title : Ashes 2005: The Full Story of the Test Series
Author : Gideon Haigh
Rating : 2 Stars out of 5.
Summary : Very Disappointing Ashes Book

Gideon Haigh the writer of this book tells us that he has English parents but was born and raised in Australia. He claims to support England during the Ashes but by his constant mocking of the England cause one suspects that this claim is more to satisfy his English readers. The articles in this book are those written throughout the Ashes for the Guardian and Cricinfo. They are well written, though somewhat awkward to read at times, and are of a much higher standard than most sports writing. You get the sense that Mr Haigh does not view English cricket with very much respect and indeed at times he obviously finds English cricket laughable.

The fact that on page 51 of this book it claims that Australia won the second test at Edgbaston shows that somebody didn't do their job. This is terribly wrong as millions of people in this country and around the world will testify. How this has gone unnoticed by the publisher is staggering and should surely result in the proof reader facing the sack and reprints being rushed out to sooth the dismay of their shocked customers. On the other hand, given the constant mocking of the England team, maybe Gideon Haigh wanted to stir things up by putting this score, because as a closet Aussie fan this is a result that would have surely warmed his heart.

Though Gideon Haigh claims to support England this really is the grudging Aussie point of view at the end of the day. Don't buy this book if you want beautiful images of the Ashes because there are many other books with far superior images. But if you want to read intelligent articles about the Ashes from a man who knows his stuff then this book is for you. Gideon Haigh may be the most annoying writer on the planet, because of his awkward style, but at least he has something intelligent to tell us.

Title : Getting a Job in Australia: A Step-by-step Guide to Finding Work Down Under
Author : Nick Vandome
Rating : 4 Stars out of 5.
Summary : Basic but comprehensive

I wasn't sure what to expect from this book, I wanted to understand the tax implications and visa types but couln't find any straight information on the internet.

I was pleasently suprised it contains all that and more.

I was much amused by the comments on Australian culture in the workplace the concept or sickies, dobers and mates.

The book is well researched, as to how accurate, I will have to tell you after I have worked out there!

Title : Rough Guide Map Australia (Rough Guide Map S.)
Author : Rough Guides
Rating : 5 Stars out of 5.
Summary : an exceptional read

this book gives all the details anybody would need who is traveling to australia plenty of advice to everywhere worth visiting. the book apeals more to the indpendant traveller rather than families.it has advice on where to stay eat and party it is an essential guide if you are travelling to oz i give this book a big thumbs up.

Title : Down Under
Author : Bill Bryson
Rating : 5 Stars out of 5.
Summary : Bryson's best

This is my favourite of Bill Bryson's travel books as it offers an endearing portrait of Australia and its people. It is full of hilarious observations and moments, such as Bill's attempt to outrun two dogs which are chasing him, and oddball facts like the nuclear bomb that was detonated in the Outback which nobody seemed to notice. Lastly, its very educative, and makes this reader, who has never been to Australia, want to visit the country more than watching Neighbours for 15 years has made me want to! A brilliant read!

Title : Down Under
Author : Bill Bryson
Rating : 5 Stars out of 5.
Summary : Hilarious Portrait of Oz and its People

As an Aussie living overseas, this book was a fabulous read for me. It was my first Bryson read, and I think his best. It really captures a lot of the eccentricities and uniqueness of the country and the Australian character- and provides some great laughs in the process! I enjoyed the way he didn't necessarily always do typically touristy things, but rather set out to experience and capture the local life.

Sometimes the view of an outsider can be the best way to see the uniqueness of your own country and people. Bryson really does this. So many things he mentions that seem amusingly distinct to Australians are things that never would have entered my head because I see them as usual! One example is how he mentions the Aussie habit of finding a name then naming everything after it (eg: MacQuarie- MacQuarie Street, Lake MacQuarie, the town of Port MacQuarie, Lady MacQuarie's Chair, and so on). It's absolutely true!

Perhaps the best part is the people he meets- some real characters! This makes the book really personal, as you get a feel for the personality of the Aussie people. I gave the book to my European boyfriend, whose dream now is to go to Queensland- not because it's so beautiful, but because he thinks they sound like a bunch of crazy people with a great, relaxed outlook on life.

If you're an Aussie living overseas, read this book for a true piece of home. If you're not an Aussie, read this book for a true feel about the country and its people. Bryson hit the nail on the head with this one!

Australia Cost Flight and Australia online resources.