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 : Lonely Planet : Australian Phrasebook
Author : Sue Butler
Rating : 5 Stars out of 5.
Summary : Phrasebook for Australia

Lonely Planet's "Australian Phrasebook" is a great introduction to the Australian way of life and speaking for foreigners. Whether you are a tourist going on a trip to the land of Aussies, or a person studying English as used in Australia, this can be a good guide and reading supplement. Traditionally to Lonely Planet phrasebooks, this one gives you a short and easy-read introduction to the origin of Australian English. Then follow the sections dealing with present-day Australian English, Australian culture and regional languages.

Firstly, you get acquainted with phonetic and grammar features of Australian English, with British, American and Aboriginal influences, regional varieties of English in this huge country and some borrowings. Here you will also find out how to greet people, get around with Aussie English, and catch the most important colloquial phrases. You will even been able to join the Australians singing their national songs. After you've enriched your general vocabulary it is possible to get to know more about Australian culture and institutions: food and drink, party-culture, sports, urban and rural talk. Whether you'd like to find your way in coffee types or the art of argument "Australian Phrasebook" is helpful enough. It even gives you the recipes of the most popular dishes, so that next time you can throw an Australian party yourself, or just feel sure when ordering damper, pavlova and hedgehog.

The regional section gives you a thorough cultural and linguistic insight into numerous aboriginal languages. Here you will read a lot about the culture of indigenous people, as well as find rather short lists of major words you may encounter during your visit to the inner parts of the country. But, unlike the same sections in "British" or "USA" phrasebooks, the "Australian" one does not let you more or less exchange basic phrases with the Aborigines.

The strong feature of "Australian Phrasebook" is a great number of examples, comprehensive lists of words and expressions, extensive coverage of spoken language. Written in a simple language and entertaining manner, while being very informative "Australian Phrasebook" is a must-have on your next trip to the land Down Under and will certainly be your good companion, which will easily fit in a pocket.

Title : The Fatal Shore: History of the Transportation of Convicts to Australia, 1787-1868 (Harvill Panther S.)
Author : Robert Hughes
Rating : 3 Stars out of 5.
Summary : Emancipists and Currency

The Fatal Shore is a thorough investigation into the convict system between Great Britain and Australia with a strong slant from the perspective of the convicts themselves through letters written home as well as the use of documentary evidence.
Robert Hughes has clearly researched the subject matter in intricate detail and the end product is a fascinating insight into the few positives of the convict system and the many negatives (made up primarily of the story of Van Diemans land and Norfolk Island's arbitary punishment system, ie. floggings and other sadistic 'routine' punishments).
A word of warning. This book is extremely detailed in its views and portraits of all the main characters involved in the system and for the amateur it can become confusing mixing the various phases of the convict system and the variety of governor genarals of the colony. However this small detail aside, it did not detract from the enjoyment and interest level of the subject matter and everyone who reads this book is guaranteed to learn some incredible details about the lives of the convicts that they were unaware of before picking the book up.
A well worth the read book but be prepared for a marathon of information!

Title : The Rough Guide to Australia (Rough Guide Travel Guides S.)
Author : Margo Daly
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 : 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 : 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 : 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 : 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

Holiday Rental Western Australia and Australia online resources.