The Road to Batemans Bay is the story of competing ventures to create ‘the Great Southern Township’ on the South Coast of New South Wales in the early 1840s. The idea of developing the furthest reaches of settlement was linked to the hopes of southern woolgrowers for a road from their properties to the coast, over the Great Dividing Range. The township proponents dreamed that having a quicker and cheaper connection to Sydney would allow them to open a port second only to Port Jackson. The scene begins with the proposed coastal township of St Vincent, in an age of optimism: settlement is expanding, exports are growing and land prices are soaring, generating Australia’s first land boom. Before long, however, the colony experiences a catastrophic economic depression whose ‘pestilential breath’ infects those with a stake in the coastal townships. Alastair Greig follows the fate of these individuals, while also speculating on the broader fate of South Coast development during the mid-nineteenth century. Greig gives a unique insight into many aspects of colonial life—including the worlds of Sydney’s merchants, auctioneers, land speculators, surveyors, map-makers and lawyers—as well as its maritime challenges. The Road to Batemans Bay is a chronicle of how Australia first developed its land-gambling habit and how land speculation led to the road to ruin.

No Worries, Mate is the journal of a modern-day swagman on a manly adventure in the land down under. Follow his manful exploits as he closes the pubs of Sydney, tramps about the Blue Mountains of New South Wales, cruises Victoria's Great Ocean Road, searches for the elusive Tasmanian devil, surfs the shores of Queensland, dives along the Great Barrier Reef, explores Kakadu National Park in the Northern Territory, and as he manfully climbs Ayers Rock. Follow him also as he hones his manly virtues on the beach, around the barbie, at the track and in the Australian Outback. Needless to say, his are feats seldom seen in these, less than manful times.

World-renowned 'tell it like it is' guidebook Discover Australia with this comprehensive, entertaining, 'tell it like it is' Rough Guide, packed with comprehensive practical information and our experts' honest and independent recommendations. Whether you plan to swim with whale sharks, explore the Atherton Tablelands or sail in the Whitsunday Islands, The Rough Guide to Australia will help you discover the best places to explore, sleep, eat, drink and shop along the way. Features of The Rough Guide to Australia: - Detailed regional coverage: provides in-depth practical information for each step of all kinds of trip, from intrepid off-the-beaten-track adventures, to chilled-out breaks in popular tourist areas. Regions covered include: Sydney and around, New South Wales and the ACT, Coastal Queensland, Outback Queensland, Northern Territory, Western Australia, South Australia, Melbourne and around, Victoria, and Tasmania. - Honest independent reviews: written with Rough Guides' trademark blend of humour, honesty and expertise, and recommendations you can truly trust, our writers will help you get the most from your trip to Australia. - Meticulous mapping: always full-colour, with clearly numbered, colour-coded keys. Find your way around Sydney, Melbourne and many more locations without needing to get online. - Fabulous full-colour photography: features a richness of inspirational colour photography, including the captivating, rugged peaks of the Flinders Ranges and the stunning blue waters (and whale sharks!) of Ningaloo Marine Park. - Things not to miss: Rough Guides' rundown of Sydney, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide's best sights and top experiences. - Itineraries: carefully planned routes will help you organise your trip, and inspire and inform your on-the-road experiences. - Basics section: packed with essential pre-departure information including getting there, getting around, accommodation, food and drink, health, the media, festivals, sports and outdoor activities, culture and etiquette, shopping and more. - Background information: comprehensive Contexts chapter provides fascinating insights into Australia, with coverage of history, religion, ethnic groups, environment, wildlife and books, plus a handy language section and glossary. - Covers: Sydney and around, New South Wales and the ACT, Coastal Queensland, Outback Queensland, Northern Territory, Western Australia, South Australia, Melbourne and around, Victoria, and Tasmania. About Rough Guides: Rough Guides have been inspiring travellers for over 35 years, with over 30 million copies sold globally. Synonymous with practical travel tips, quality writing and a trustworthy 'tell it like it is' ethos, the Rough Guides list includes more than 260 travel guides to 120+ destinations, gift-books and phrasebooks.

With fresh journalistic writing and reams of information on what to see and do, this guide takes readers from the big cities to the countryside. Includes candid reviews on restaurants and accommodations for all budgets. 83 maps. Full-color insert. Two-color throughout.

Budget travel is what BUG guides are all about - no flash hotels and fancy banquets - just the most comprehensive information on backpackers' hostels and living it up without blowing the budget.

This in-depth coverage of Australia's local attractions, history, and sites takes you to the most rewarding spots-from the wild Outback to the Sydney Opera House-and stunning color photography brings the land to life on the pages. Discover Australia's highlights, with expert advice on exploring the best sites, participating in festivals, and exploring local landmarks through extensive coverage of this fascinating island continent. Easy-to-use maps; reliable advice on how to get around; and insider reviews of the best hotels, restaurants, bars, clubs, and shops for all budgets ensure that you won't miss a thing. Make the most of your time with The Rough Guide to Australia.