Recommendations for Australia?

Hi all,

I'm heading to Australia in the next few weeks, which means a very long plane ride (and a succession of plane rides for internal flights). I realized I don't really know much about Australia and would like to read something relevant while travelling about. Does anybody have any recommendations?

I have Blue Latitudes, which has relevant bits (and looks like a fun read), but otherwise am a bit up in the air...

Looks like you are going to have a great trip - you could start with The Fatal Shore: The Epic of Australia's Founding by Robert Hughes for some factual history move to the more imaginative The Songlines, Bruce Chatwin. And as you seem to have a sense of humour (and Blue Latitudes is witty) try One for the Road by Tony Horwitz. Bill Bryson offers In a Sunburned Country and if you intend to spend time inSydney Jan Morris is excellent.

Do take all your humour with you and you'll enjoy the Aussies too. You might consider Lets Talk Strine for the language!

Thanks for the suggestions John!

Try Campervan Kama Sutra by (John Perrier). Disclaimer: that's me! But hopefully you'll find it very easy to relate to after your trip.