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 : 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!
Title : The Rough Guide to Australia (Rough Guide Travel Guides S.) Author : Margo Daly Rating : 2 Stars out of 5. Summary : A brief outline...
This book gives a brief insight into many areas but, tries to do too much and fails miserably. The content is generally ok but in some cases outdated. You will not find the information that you need to plan your itinerary in this guide
Title : Down Under Author : Bill Bryson Rating : 2 Stars out of 5. Summary : Not his best
Bill Bryson concludes 'Down Under' by emphasising (for about the fiftieth time) that Australia is an interesting country. It is, undoubtedly. However, you wouldn't know it from reading this book.
Remarkably, in a country that is packed with things to do (try scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef, try Croc watching in Darwin, try partying in Sydney, watching Aussie rules in Melbourne) Bryson spends most of his time pottering around on his own - his inability or unwilling to actually talk to people is quite unrivalled in a travel journalist - and peering at exhibits in out of the way museums. Each day on his travels seems to have the same shape: rise with a hangover, drive a long way on his own, look around another museum and arrive at a hotel to drink quietly on his own. Is this interesting? Is this giving us an insight in life 'Down Under'?
There are so many examples of Bryson coming across as a rather introverted ninny it's hard to pick one, but here goes. On the Great Barrier Reef, where he musters the courage to take a pleasure cruise (after about a chapter of fretting at the dangers of sharks, jelly-fish, groupers (!) etc...) After finally taking the plunge, he decides to extract himself from the water without actually seeing anything because he mask continually fills with water and he feels uncomfortable. Perhaps even more unbelievably, he goes to Adelaide and stumbles upon (yes, stumbles upon ... does he do any research?) an Ashes Test Match. Rather than actually go, by begging, borrowing or stealing tickets he decides instead to sit on his own in a bar and ponder what might be happening.
Put this lack of content together with his infuriatingly limited vocabularly which covers the full gamut of adjectives from 'delightful' to enlightening' and back again and you have the makings of a thoroughly dull read. One wonders whether this was a project foisted upon him by his over-eager publishers as it is striking how weak his pool of historical anecdote-cum-factoids are (which is his usual forte). Did we really have to hear about the Aussie Prime-Minister that managed to drown himself in every chapter?
In summary, it might be an exciting read if you like the Daily Mail.
Title : Rough Guide Map Australia (Rough Guide Map S.) Author : Rough Guides Rating : 5 Stars out of 5. Summary : the best travel companion you could wish for!
By far the best guide to australia i have read. As an aid to planning it was faultless. The hotel /hostel listings and descriptions were spot on, as were the things to do sections. Excellent!
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 : The Rough Guide to Australia (Rough Guide Travel Guides S.) Author : Margo Daly Rating : 5 Stars out of 5. Summary : Map review
The rough guide map is great. I am looking to travel in Oz next year and needed a planning map. All the other maps concentrate on each state, or area. This one is perfect, as it covers a large area of the country on each side, yet you feel that it can be used to get about as a normal regional map. Excellent value for money
Title : Sydney (Lonely Planet City Map S.) Author : Rating : 5 Stars out of 5. Summary : Sydney - Lonely Planet City Map
This map is a must if you're trying to negate your way around Sydney. We started of with this map at the beginning, lost it in the middle and were extremely grateful to find it again towards the end of our trip. The maps that you are given in hotels or buy in shops over there are for some reason useless! They only highlight the larger roads which aren't too bad if you're driving around, but on foot is pain when you have to retrace your blunder in the heat. As in any city that is new to you, the one way streets are difficult to tackle. This map illustrates all they one way streets clearly, has the City Rail and ferry map, and is plastic coated and light enough to fold into your bag.
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