Australia's Travel Destination Guides and Books For Planning Your Holiday

Travel destination guides or books are essential when you plan and travel Australia. The range of guides, maps and atlases are amazing, the authors and publishers have been working overtime to create such a variety. You have many to choose from to suit your road trip or vacation.

Travel destination guides come in all shapes, sizes with different purposes and features such as showing all of Australia, each state or territory, sections like the east coast, west coast or the outback.

Also specialised guides have been created for regions, 4 wheel drivers, backpackers, campers, camp cooking, family activities, experiences and recreational activities like cycling, fishing, walking and hiking trails.

I find travel destination guides and books fascinating with their stunning photos of magical places that make you wish you could be transported there immediately!

They also have in depth information and knowledge of specific experiences that will help you decide where you are going to travel and things to do.

Travel Destinations Guides and Books

To really discover and appreciate what particular travel destination guides are like you need to be able to hold it, see it and read it. Sometimes the publishers description can be a bit vague and you may still be wondering what is in the book.

So I have purchased each one of the travel guides and books below. So I can give you a description of what is actually in the book that the publisher may not include in their description. So you can make an easier decision of what travel destinations guides or books are right for your situation and holiday.

If you are from overseas or a local travelling a small part of Australia or driving all the way around, travel destination guides are priceless for helping you discover more about Australia and it's hidden secrets.

I have chosen my Top 10 Australia travel books that have all been published in 2011. So the information included is very 'up to date' and includes about Australia information, maps, camping, camp cooking, accommodation, travelling distances, activities, tours and experiences and much more.

The travel books summaries are written from the experience of actually viewing each of travel destination guides and books, then describing the most important and useful aspects of the book. Each weblink below the description shows more information like the publishers description and details about the book like the size, numbers of pages, the price etc.

Online Book Stores

There are many online book stores but there is only a few I would recommend for Australia travel destination guides and books based on good service, price and the variety of Australian travel books they have in stock.

Please note that 'Amazon' only stock the Lonely Planet books from the list below. So I have selected these 'Online Books Stores' - Fishpond, Travel Universe and the Book Depository, they sell most or all of these travel destination guide books.

The prices do vary a lot, there is not one online store that has consistently low prices for all books, the vary from selling them at the Retail recommended prices, 10% to about 50% discount.

'Travel Universe' (based in Melbourne, Australia) is my first choice, they have a huge range of books as they do specialise in travel books for Australia and the world. The prices are always discounted from the Recommended Retail price.

Virtually all books are stored in Melbourne, so you will receive your parcel within days rather than weeks. They only deliver to Australia and New Zealand, shipping in Australia costs $4.50 per order or spend over $50 and shipping is free to anywhere in Australia. There is a fee for shipping to NZ, check the website for more details.

'Fishpond' is a huge online store that sells much more than just books, but is does have over eight million books to choose from. Postage within Australia is FREE and there is a fee for postage to other countries.

The 'Book Depository' (based in the United states) also has competitive pricing for the travel destination guides and books, excellent fast service and free shipping to anywhere in the world so it is great for international and Australian customers.

I have used all of the above services and I have been very impressed, the parcels are usually dispactched within a few days to a week and all arrived within a week to several weeks, this may vary slightly depending on where the parcel is being delivered to. Each website varies so check the postal guidelines for your location.

Explore Australia 2012

The Explore Australia 2012 book starts with a brief overview of 'about Australia' and the history of Australia.

Then the book is divided in the states and territories, followed by information about the capital city, regions, then each main town is described. Which includes attractions, accommodation, the local tourism information visitor centre contact details.

The states and territory section and road map atlas is colour coded for easy reference. Stunning images are included throughout which make it a pleasure to browse through the pages.

This 'Explore Australia 2012' book is an excellent example of how travel destination guides are showcasing travelling Australia.
Recommended Retail Price $59.95
More Information at Fishpond - Travel Universe - Book Depository

Lonely Planet Australia

Lonely Planet Australia travel guide is a 'novel size' book loaded with very useful information about every aspect of travelling Australia.

The book is mostly black and white with blue highlights and coloured images on about 20 pages. The book has four sections 'Plan Yor Trip', 'On the Road' which is the main chapter of over 900 pages, then 'Understand Australia' and 'Survival Guide'.

The 'On The Road' section covers all states and territories with detailed information about accommodation, attractions, where to eat, how to get around, maps, tourist information and contact details and much more.

The 'Survival Guide' section is excellent for international visitors. The rest of the book is for all travellers who need local infomation of the area they are travelling. This book is written by Australians who live in various parts of Australia and they are well travelled and experienced with what travellers need to know.
Recommended Retail Price $49.99
More Information at Fishpond - Travel Universe - Book Depository

Explore Australia

Explore Australia by Caravan and Motorhome book is quite unique and exciting, every main highway is described in sections and in excellent detail. Each section of the highway is laid out on a double page.

The first chapter is about Highway One (Around Australia)which is in 60 sections, the 2nd chapter covers highways that go north-south like the Nullabor.

The 3rd chapter covers highways that travel north-south like the Stuart Highway, the 4th chapter is all about Tasmania highways and the 5th chapter is about organising your road trips.

Also included is a directory for free and low cost campsites and dog friendly campsites.
Recommended Retail Price $49.95
More Information at Fishpond - Travel Universe

Budget Camps

Budget Camps and Stops Australia book shows you all the rest areas, park areas and camping areas that are free or cheap. Images, ratings and descriptions are included for every listing.

There is a section for each State and the Northern Territory, each main highway is listed and every rest area etc is displayed with an image, symbols and description.

Travellers tips are included, each rest area, parking area and camping areas are rated from basic to excellent to help you decide where to stop for a short time or over night.
Recommended Retail Price $34.95
More Information at Fishpond - Travel Universe

Road Atlas Australia and 4WD

A Road Atlas along with travel destination guides are your most valuable and useful and 'must have' book when you are travelling. They help you plan your holiday and road trip, then they show you the way every day on the road.

As usual Hema have created another excellent quality road atlas which also include four wheel drive maps.

The front cover opens up to be a map of Australia showing all the sections of the maps included. All the National Parks are listed with easy reference symbols.

The maps are very clear, easy to read and cover everywhere in Australia, the 4 wheel drive maps cover 8 areas like the Top End, Central Australia, Flinders Ranges and more.
Recommended Retail Price $34.95
More Information at Fishpond - Travel Universe - Book Depository

1000 Great Places Travel with Kids in Australia

Finding attractions and experiences that your kids will enjoy, have fun and maybe learn something new are not always easy to find especially when travelling in new regions, cities or towns.

The book is 'novel' size in black and white with images and drawings for kids throughout all the pages. It has been created for kids as well so they can be involved. There is a 'Kids Quest' in each section, these are questions to find an answer for or do a small task.

For example the 'Central Coast' section is divided into 2 parts for the Coast and the Hinterland. Each has a list of highlights, insider tips, don't miss..., fabulous facts, kids quests, and all the attractions are described, with contact details, they are cost rated Free, Budget etc. Recommended accommodation and places to eat are also included.
Recommended Retail Price $34.95
More Information at Fishpond - Travel Universe - Book Depository

Camps Australia Wide

Camps Australia Wide books are the ultimate guide for anyone looking for free or cheap accommodation sites. Excellent for all campers whether you are tenting, have a motorhome or caravan etc.

Each state or territory section has maps followed by the lists of rest areas, holiday, caravan or tourist parks, hotels, roadhouses, picnic areas and anywhere else that is suitable for a short or overnight stop.

Each section is colour coded and a comprehensive index is included for easy reference to the page you need. Camps Australia Wide books are one of the many travel destination guides available that are of exceptional quality.
Recommended Retail Price $55.95
More Information at Fishpond - Travel Universe - Book Depository

Complete Caravan Chef

After a long day on the road cooking meals can become a chore and being creative can be even harder to do.

These quick and easy recipes in 'Complete Caravan Chef Book' are easy to create, interesting and nutritious and they only use everyday easy to cook and prepare ingredients.

The receipes are very well presented with an image on the left and the recipe on the right page. The book is spiral bound so that it lays flat and it is a compact size so it is easy to store away when not being used.
Recommended Retail Price $29.95
More Information at Fishpond - Travel Universe

Bush Camping With Dogs

Finding places where you can take your dog camping with you can be difficult. 'Bush Camping With Dogs' book helps you find the 'dog friendly' campsites in Australia and gives you all the other important details about each campsite.

The book is in black and white with brown highlights, there are images and maps on most pages. It starts with a 'how to use' guide, be a responsible dog owner and a bush camping guide.

There is a section for each state and the Northern Territory and a index. For example the Victoria section starts with a map showing all 220 parks and reserves that have dog friendly campsites. Each section of Victoria is listed with details of each campsite with easy reference symbols.
Recommended Retail Price $34.95
More Information at Travel Universe

Back Roads Australia - Travel Destination Guides

Enjoy many Australian scenic drives with these twenty two short tours of Australia's best countryside. The 'Back Roads' book is a compact size slightly larger than a novel packed full of self drive tours. It is full of colour images on high quality glossy paper.

Each trip is described with a map and directions that of course takes you the backway through all the interesting places and attractions.

A few examples are crossing the Nullabor, Melbourne to Castlemaine, Hobart to Port Arthur, Mission Beach to the Daintree. Each section shows you the local attractions and all the other essential details so you can really embrace and enjoy these country towns, roads and scenic views.
Recommended Retail Price $34.95
More Information at Fishpond - Travel Universe - Book Depository




NEW Travel Destination Guides Released in 2012

Discover Australia from Lonely Planet

'Discover Australia' is exactly what this book gives you with every page you turn. This 'novel size' book is full of colour in the images and layout.

Every page is aimed at giving you the best of Australia's highlights, travel tips, about Australia info and culture, attractions, events, maps, experiences and things to see and do with suggestions for accommodation, shopping and eating places.

Each section is colour coded for easy reference, high quality paper has been used and a fold out map of Australia is inside the back cover and an index is included.
Recommended Retail Price $48.99
More Information at Travel Universe - Book Depository

Highway One - Travel Companion

If you drove all the way around Australia on Highway One you would travel about 15,000 kilometres and you would have missed hundreds or thousands of opportunities of seeing many beautiful interesting and historic country towns, attractions and experiences because you did not know they were there.

David Taylor has recently released the first volume of a series of 5 books which is about travelling from Melbourne in Victoria to Tweed Heads in New South Wales.

This very detailed guide lets you discover and explore all the bypassed towns and attractions, the book has excellent maps for each section and is very descriptive with hand drawn illustrations to enhance your journey.
Recommended Retail Price $29.95 - Includes postage in Australia
More Information at Highway One


All the above travel destination guides are excellent resources for organising your holiday and road trip anywhere in Australia.

Related Pages - Preparing for your Holiday

Road Trip Planning Guide Ebook

Australia School Holidays Dates

Best Camping Ideas and Camp Tips

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