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 : Diving Australia: A Guide to the Best Diving Down Under
Author : Neville Coleman
Rating : 5 Stars out of 5.
Summary : great dive guide

For a diver looking to visit Australia there is so much more than the Great BArrier Reef.

This guide details dive sites all over the Australian coast, from reefs to wrecks. It gives information on the best time of year to dive, what you will expect to see, depth, level of difficulty etc.

This is a must for anyone interested in diving in Oz.

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

Writing this as a critical kiwi, I thought it was a fantastic book, was a a real treasure! I had no idea there was so many mannerisms and thoughts I have that are so particular to the kiwi way of life! Felt very nostalgic at times and felt homesick, but laughed just as much! Could not put it down, will make sure my English friends and family read it so they understand me better!

Title : Rough Guide Map Australia (Rough Guide Map S.)
Author : Rough Guides
Rating : 4 Stars out of 5.
Summary : Where would I be without this book?

this book was easy to use, very useful when I was travelling on my gap year and the reason that I managed to make it safely round oz. it guided me to some of the best places to stay and warned me off a few that I tried anyway and then realised the wisdom in their words after I had made my mistake. Buy this book if you are travelling oz, heed its words, take its advice but also don't be afraid to do a little experimenting of your own as I found many a gem of place to stay/ eat and see that were not included in the book - but then you cant expect them to know everything, it is only a rough guide but a very nice one to have by your side when you feel like you are on the other side of the world, it lends a big helping hand in making your travels that bit simpler. Buy.

Title : The Fatal Shore: History of the Transportation of Convicts to Australia, 1787-1868 (Harvill Panther S.)
Author : Robert Hughes
Rating : 5 Stars out of 5.
Summary : Well worth the read.

This book is an excellent read, both accessible and fluid in its writing as well as detailed and well researched.
I'm sure that this book will be an invaluable resource for those studying or interested in the transportation process and Australian history in general.
While the main focus is on the penal colonies, the book opens with fascinating insights into both the Aboriginal group around Sydney harbour at the time and also the Georgian "Working" and "criminal" class. Both of which give depth and range to the subject at hand.
Being a history teacher myself I can recommend this book for teachers who are looking for something new and interesting to spice up the industrial revolution. And for the general reader I would recommend this book as a fascinating and balanced insight into a very different world. One that is both part of and a world away from the Georgian world we so often hear about.

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 : Living and Working in Australia: A City by City Guide
Author : Roberta Duman
Rating : 5 Stars out of 5.
Summary : Can't do without it...

this is really useful and a must have for anyone planning a trip out down under for a substantial length of time - it includes all the small things you would never think about but you should know about - truly indispensable..

Title : Living and Working in Australia: A City by City Guide
Author : Roberta Duman
Rating : 5 Stars out of 5.
Summary : Best Aussie guide around...

This book is a no-nonsense guide that offers really practical information about living and, in particular, working in Australia. I had brought other guides on this subject but found this book stuffed full of truly useful information that I could use ahead of making a decision on leaving the UK. In particular, how to find out if there would be work for me when I arrived in the country and how to find potential employers #8211; invaluable! It also gave up to date information on the cost of living and finances #8211; none of which I had any idea of until I read this book.

I particularly liked the Brit tips and felt reassured that the reader wrote this from recent personal experience. I will be taking it with me as I've booked my trip down under!

Cheap Flight From Dublin To Australia and Australia online resources.