Road Scholar : Home
Southern Australia Sojourn: Five Capital Cities Down Under

Program Number: 20803RJ
Start and End Dates:
1/2/2013 - 1/17/2013;
Duration: 15 nights
Location: Australia
Price starting at: $5,805.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Adventure Afloat Study Cruise; Ocean Cruises
Meals: 37; 13 Breakfasts, 11 Lunches, 13 Dinners    
Meal Options: Vegetarian    

Australia’s cities blend laid-back Down Under attitude with urban energy, vibrant architecture and intriguing history. Spend two days each in Melbourne, Adelaide, Hobart, Sydney and Brisbane, allowing time for in-depth exploration and the chance to experience each state capital at night as well as in the sunshine.




Activity Particulars

Must be able to handle your own luggage, get on and off a motorcoach, walk a few blocks and climb a few stairs.



Programs with Crystal Cruises are designed for the independent traveler. These programs offer a lower activity level and the ability to choose your own shore excursion based on your preferences and physical ability. Road Scholar will provide one exclusive shore excursion and private onboard lectures with our own Group Leader and lecturer.



Itinerary At-a-Glance

Melbourne (Australia), 1 night;aboard Crystal Symphony, 12 nights.



Days 1-2: Overnight flight from the U.S.A. / cross International Date Line


Days 3-4: Arrival Melbourne (Australia) / embark Crystal Symphony:

Begin in Melbourne, a boomtown during the gold rush that tripled Australia’s population. Today Victorian buildings mix pleasantly with sophisticated modern architecture. Lodging: Comfortable hotel in Central Business District.



Days 5-7: At Sea / Adelaide:

Explore the capital of South Australia, located between the Mount Lofty Ranges and Gulf St. Vincent’s blue waters. Adelaide is designed according to “Light’s Vision,” an urban plan that includes wide boulevards and a green belt of parks.



Days 8-10: At Sea / Hobart:

Sail through the Bass Strait to the island state of Tasmania. Founded as a penal colony, Hobart grew into a bustling port city and center of the whaling trade. Don’t miss the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens while you’re here.



Days 11-13: At Sea / Sydney:

Voyage through the Tasman Sea and into Sydney Harbor, where the iconic Opera House and Harbour Bridge greet you. Discover this metropolis built on the site where Captain Cook first made contact with Australian Aborigines.



Days 14-16: At Sea / Brisbane / disembark / departure:

Venture through South Pacific waters to Brisbane. Learn about the important role the city played in World War II in ANZAC Square and stroll the beautiful banks of the Brisbane River.



Crystal Symphony

This sleek 781-foot ocean liner is one of the most spacious at sea. It accommodates 940 passengers for whom it provides a spa, fitness facility, two pools, Jacuzzis and inspired dining options, including a restaurant, café and outdoor grill. Complimentary fine wines and premium spirits are available to you throughout the voyage.


Australia

From expansive desert to the 1,616 mile Great Barrier Reef, the planet’s smallest continent is also one of the most diverse. Native Aboriginal culture dates back nearly 30,000 years, and with the arrival of Europeans colonists followed by a Gold Rush, Australia evolved into a true amalgam of ethnicities and cultures. Its cities, outbacks and beaches harbor tales of pirates and penal colonies, marine wonderlands and a modern, multi-national citizenry.
Meals and Lodgings
   Swanston Hotel, Grand Mercure
  Melbourne, Australia 1 night
   Crystal Symphony
  Aboard the Crystal Symphony, At Sea 12 nights
 Swanston Hotel, Grand Mercure
Type: Hotel
  Description: Melbourne’s best located hotel, situated in the very heart of Melbourne city, with vibrant Bourke St Mall right on our doorstep. Just steps from the front door you’ll find world class shopping, fabulous restaurants and bars, theatres, galleries and trams to whisk you to the city’s best sporting venues. Other attractions like Federation Square, Melbourne Museum, Southbank, Crown Casino, Melbourne Central Shopping Complex and Queen Victoria Markets are all just a short stroll away. In addition, a quick tram ride will take you to the city’s cosmopolitan shopping and entertainment hotspots such as St Kilda, Chapel St, Bridge Rd and Brunswick St.
  Ship Information: NA
  Contact info: 195 Swanston Street
Melbourne, Victoria,  3000 Australia
phone: +61 (0)3 9663 4711
web: www.theswanstonhotel.com.au/
  Room amenities: Individual climate control, Opening windows for fresh air, Large flat-screen LCD TV, DVD player, movie & cable channels, iPod Docks, Alarm clock and radio, Work desk & broadband internet, Hairdryer, Iron & ironing board, Fully-stocked mini-bar, Microwave and toaster, Tea/coffee-making facilities, Personal safe.
  Facility amenities: Hotel Features: Spacious, contemporary hotel rooms, Opening windows for fresh air, Large screen TVs, Pay movies & Foxtel channels, DVD players & complimentary DVD library, iPod Docks, Fully-stocked mini-bars, microwaves and toasters, Personal safe and broadband internet, Heated indoor relaxation pool and modern hotel gym, Convenient, secure valet or self parking off-site, 24-hour front desk and hotel room service, Business centre and conference / meeting facilities, Laundry and dry-cleaning service, Complimentary luggage storage, dining in The Louden Kitchen & Grill, Soul Cafe for great café-style fare Chic and cosy Cocoon Bar, Concierge Service,
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior: TBA Please contact RS Travel Services to book additional nights.

 Crystal Symphony
Type: Cruise Ship
  Description: With her sleek silhouette and shimmering elegance, the legendary Crystal Symphony finds a natural home in the world's most glamorous harbors and idyllic ports of call. Generous per-passenger space ratios have become a Crystal trademark, along with forward-facing observation decks, a Palm Court lounge, and a wide teak promenade encircling the ship. A makeover in 2006 refreshed the Bistro Café and shops, reconstructed the casino and Starlite Lounge, and added a new nightclub called Luxe. An even more extensive refurbishment in 2009 transformed the Crystal Penthouses, Lido Café, and Prego Italian restaurant. Accented by a lovely waterfall, the focal point of the central two-deck atrium is a sculpture of two ballet dancers created especially for the space. Crystal Cove, the lobby lounge, is the spot to meet for cocktails as you make your way to the nearby dining room. Throughout the ship, public rooms shine with low-key contemporary style and flow easily from one to the next.
  Ship Information: Ship's Registry: The Bahamas 781 feet long x 99 feet wide 51,044 gross registered tons 20 knots cruising speed 21 knots maximum speed 922 passengers capacity An international crew of 545 with 40 countries represented European-trained hotel and dining staff
  Contact info: 2049 Century Park East, Suite 1400
Los Angeles, CA 1400 USA
phone: 310-785-9300
web: www.crystalcruises.com
  Room amenities: Cabins: There are no inside cabins on Crystal Symphony. Still, relatively small stateroom sizes are cozy and chic with boutique-hotel-style decor. All cabins have ample closet and drawer/shelf storage, as well as bathroom shelves. Many have private balconies furnished with chairs and tables. Most suites and penthouses have a walk-in closet. Crystal Penthouse suites have guest powder rooms. Amenities: Rich wood cabinetry, 100% Eygyptian cotton sheets, feather beds and plush duvets, wood and padded hangers, a small refrigerator filled with complimentary bottled water and soft drinks, a personal safe, two hair dryers, a flat-screen TV with a DVD player, and a sitting area with sofa, chair, and table are typical standard features in all cabins. Suite and penthouse extras vary, but all have a DVD/CD player, butler service, personalized stationery, and stocked minibars with wine, beer, and choice of liquor. Bathrooms: Every bathroom has oval glass sinks, granite counters, a full-size tub, Aveda toiletries, plush towels, and bathrobes for use during the cruise. Many suites and penthouses have a whirlpool tub and separate shower.
  Facility amenities: Public spaces have a sophisticated and contemporary feel with fine Italian and French fabrics, Axminster wool carpets, oriental rugs, teak deck furniture and English mohair lap blankets. 8 passenger decks, 2 specialty restaurants, dining room, buffet, ice cream parlor, Wi-Fi, safe, refrigerator, minibar (some), DVD, 1 pool, Fitness classes, gym, hair salon, 1 hot tub, sauna, spa, steam room, 5 bars, casino, cinema, dance club, library, dry-cleaning, laundry facilities, laundry service, Internet terminal, library
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
Program starts in the late evening of Day 3 with your program orientation at the hotel. You will be staying at Swanston Hotel, Grand Mercure that night.
  End of Program:
The program ends on Day 16 after breakfast on board the ship. You will be staying at Crystal Symphony the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. **IMPORTANT INFORMATION** All participants MUST register online with Crystal Cruises. To register go to checkin.crystalcruises.com to access the Priority Check-in and Planning Center. To log in, you need type in your first/last names as they appear on your passport and your booking number (which appears on your cruise confirmation or can be obtained from Road Scholar). You will need to enter your contact and passport information in order to register. Once registered you will be able to book excursions and on-board activities (such as specialty dining, spa appointments, etc). If you did not recieve a booking number, please call us at 1.866.359.5966. For more information on using the Priority Check-in & Planning Center please see the attachment at the end of this booklet. Proof of citizenship is required for ALL guests.
  Parking availability:
N/A
Transportation (For Independent Travelers)
To Start of Program
  Location:  Melbourne
  Transportation to site: Taxis are available from the hotel to the airport for independent transfers. Program only participants can make arrangments with the travel provider prior to their departure for their program or when on the program.
  From End of Program
  Location:  Aboard the Crystal Symphony
  Transportation from site: Taxis are available from the hotel to the airport for independent transfers. Program only participants can make arrangments with the travel provider prior to their departure for their program or when on the program.
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Depart for Australia
(Wednesday, January 2)

Note: For those prone to Jetlag, please consider departing home a day early so that you have an extra night in Australia before the program start.
   
 Depart From: Depart from home for overnight flight to Australia.

Day 2: En route
(Thursday, January 3)
   
 In Transit Overnight: En route to Australia.

Day 3: Arrival Melbourne / Program Orientation
(Friday, January 4)
   
 Arrive To: Group flight arrives to Melbourne in the late morning. Transfer to your hotel and settle in before your program Orientation.
 Afternoon: In the late afternoon, convene with your group leader and other RS participants for your program orientation.
 Dinner: Welcome dinner at the program hotel.
   
Accommodations: Swanston Hotel, Grand Mercure
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 4: Free Morning / Transfer to board ship
(Saturday, January 5)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: Free morning to explore Melbourne on your own.
 Lunch: Lunch on your own.
 Afternoon: Transfer to board the ship in Melbourne. Time to settle into your cabin. Ship safety drill.
 Dinner: Group dinner in the Crystal Dining Room and review of tomorrow's itinerary and options.
   
Accommodations: Crystal Symphony
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5: Ship departs at 6AM / Presentation / Ship board activities
(Sunday, January 6)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship; you may individually choose from among Crystal's dining options.
 Morning: Join in a presentation by your Road Scholar study leader. Topic TBA.
 Lunch: Lunch on board the ship.
 Afternoon: Enjoy a relaxing afternoon aboard the Crystal Symphony. Pamper yourself at the Feng Shui-inspired Crystal Spa, work-out at the fitness center or Walk-on-Water along the 360 degree Promenade Deck; teach yourself something new with complimentary language lessons by Berlitz or piano instruction with Yamaha; enhance your computer skills at the Computer University@Sea or learn about art, history and worldly destinations with Crystal's engaging lecture series.
 Dinner: Group dinner in the Crystal Dining Room and review of tomorrow's itinerary and options.
   
Accommodations: Crystal Symphony
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Independent exploration of Adelaide
(Monday, January 7)

Note: Choose your own field trip from a variety of excursions offered by Crystal Cruises. To book shore excursions please use the Priority Check-In and Planning Center at www.crystalcruises.com (see the back of this booklet for more information)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship; you may individually choose from among Crystal's dining options.
 Morning: INDPENDENT FIELD TRIP: Choose from a number of shore excursion offered by the ship and independently explore Adelaide on your own. The gracious city of Adelaide is the capital of South Australia. It lies on a narrow plain between the Mt. Lofty Ranges and the Gulf St. Vincent's blue waters. Much of the city's appeal can be attributed to the planning of Colonel Light, who, as Surveyor-General in 1834, showed excellent foresight in providing a profusion of gardens and open space. The city center is completely surrounded by playgrounds, sports fields and colorful flower beds. Laid out on either side of the Torrens River and set against the rolling hills of the Mount Lofty Ranges, the city is blessed with ample water to maintain its green belt of parks and gardens. Adelaide is affectionately known as the "City of Churches." The combination of verdant parklands and stately buildings imbue this prosperous center with enduring grace and character.
 Lunch: Lunch on board.
 Afternoon: Continue your exploration of Adelaide.
 Dinner: Group dinner in the Crystal Dining Room and review of tomorrow's itinerary and options.
   
Accommodations: Crystal Symphony
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Adelaide / RS Group Field Trip
(Tuesday, January 8)

Note: Today's field trip will be exlusive to Road Scholar participants, and is included with your program cost. Please do NOT book a Crystal shore excursion today.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship; you may individually choose from among Crystal's dining options.
 Morning: EXCLUSIVE ROAD SCHOLAR FIELD TRIP: Join your Study Leader for an artefacts and cultural history discovery of Adelaide. Explore the Adelaide Markets, Migration Museum, Aboriginal section of the State Museum and the Mortlock Library.
 Lunch: Enjoy lunch at the Botanic Gardens.
 Afternoon: Explore the Gardens as they give a fine example of how the successive waves of immigration adapted their environment.
 Dinner: Group dinner in the Crystal Dining Room and review of tomorrow's itinerary and options.
   
Accommodations: Crystal Symphony
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Cruising the Tasman Sea / Presentation
(Wednesday, January 9)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship; you may individually choose from among Crystal's dining options.
 Morning: Participate in a presentation by your Road Scholar Study Lleader. Topic TBA.
 Lunch: Lunch on board.
 Afternoon: Enjoy a relaxing afternoon aboard the Crystal Symphony. Pamper yourself at the Feng Shui-inspired Crystal Spa, work-out at the fitness center or Walk-on-Water along the 360 degree Promenade Deck; teach yourself something new with complimentary language lessons by Berlitz or piano instruction with Yamaha; enhance your computer skills at the Computer University@Sea or learn about art, history and worldly destinations with Crystal's engaging lecture series.
 Dinner: Group dinner in the Crystal Dining Room and review of tomorrow's itinerary and options.
   
Accommodations: Crystal Symphony
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Arrive Hobart in the afternoon / Independent exploration of Hobart
(Thursday, January 10)

Note: Choose your own field trip from a variety of excursions offered by Crystal Cruises. To book shore excursions please use the Priority Check-In and Planning Center at www.crystalcruises.com (see the back of this booklet for more information)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship; you may individually choose from among Crystal's dining options.
 Morning: Participate in a presentation by your Road Scholar Study Lleader. Topic TBA.
 Lunch: Lunch on board.
 Afternoon: INDEPENDENT FIELD TRIP: While in Hobart take the time to independently travel around the premier city of the island-state of Tasmania, which is situated between Mount Wellington and the Derwent River. As Australia's second-oldest capital, it savors the present while revering its past. History adds picturesque charm to this charismatic city, for there are no less than 90 buildings with National Trust classification. At Salamanca Place and Battery Point, relics of the whaling days of the last century can still be seen. Tasmania maintains abiding links with a wealth of Australian heritage. The convict settlement of Port Arthur provides vivid reminders of bygone days. With a busy port and thriving commercial center, Hobart is justifiably recognized as one of the world's most beautiful harbor cities.
 Dinner: Group dinner in the Crystal Dining Room and review of tomorrow's itinerary and options.
   
Accommodations: Crystal Symphony
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Independent Exploration of Hobart
(Friday, January 11)

Note: Choose your own field trip from a variety of excursions offered by Crystal Cruises. To book shore excursions please use the Priority Check-In and Planning Center at www.crystalcruises.com (see the back of this booklet for more information)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship; you may individually choose from among Crystal's dining options.
 Morning: INDEPENDENT FIELD TRIP: Today choose from a variety or shore options offered by the Crystal Symphony and explore Hobart on your own.
 Lunch: Lunch on board.
 Afternoon: Continue your independent exploration of Hobart.
 Dinner: Group dinner in the Crystal Dining Room and review of tomorrow's itinerary and options.
   
Accommodations: Crystal Symphony
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11: Cruising the Bass Strait / Presentation
(Saturday, January 12)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship; you may individually choose from among Crystal's dining options.
 Morning: Participate in a presentation by your Road Scholar Study Leader. Topic TBA.
 Lunch: Lunch on board.
 Afternoon: Enjoy the ships amenities. Later in the afternoon, participate in a presentation by your Road Scholar Study Leader. Topic TBA.
 Dinner: Group dinner in the Crystal Dining Room and review of tomorrow's itinerary and options.
   
Accommodations: Crystal Symphony
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12: Arrival Sydney / Independent Exploration of Sydney
(Sunday, January 13)

Note: Choose your own field trip from a variety of excursions offered by Crystal Cruises. To book shore excursions please use the Priority Check-In and Planning Center at www.crystalcruises.com (see the back of this booklet for more information)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship; you may individually choose from among Crystal's dining options.
 Morning: INDEPENDENT FIELD TRIP: Sydney, Australia offers a great opportunity for independent exploration. The billowing profile of the Opera House greets us on her return to Sydney's glorious, world-class harbor. Ahead lies the arch of the Harbour Bridge. These twin symbols, more than any other, identify one of the Southern Hemisphere's premier cities. Sydney is an energetic and exciting metropolis whose nightlife, shopping and fine restaurants compare favorably with the finest the world has to offer. Despite its modern advances, Sydney has lovingly cherished its heritage, for this was the birthplace of the Australian nation.Combine Sydney's boundless attractions with its superb harborside location, and you have that certain magic that few other cities can rival.
 Lunch: Lunch on board.
 Afternoon: Continue your independent exploration of Sydney.
 Dinner: Group dinner in the Crystal Dining Room and review of tomorrow's itinerary and options.
   
Accommodations: Crystal Symphony
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13: Independent Exploration of Sydney
(Monday, January 14)

Note: Choose your own field trip from a variety of excursions offered by Crystal Cruises. To book shore excursions please use the Priority Check-In and Planning Center at www.crystalcruises.com (see the back of this booklet for more information)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship; you may individually choose from among Crystal's dining options.
 Morning: INDEPENDENT EXPLORATION: Choose from a variety of Crystal shore excursions and explore Sydney on your own.
 Lunch: Lunch on board.
 Afternoon: Continue your independent exploration of Sydney.
 Dinner: Group dinner in the Crystal Dining Room and review of tomorrow's itinerary and options.
   
Accommodations: Crystal Symphony
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14: Cruising the South Pacific Ocean / Presentation
(Tuesday, January 15)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship; you may individually choose from among Crystal's dining options.
 Morning: Participate in a presentation by your Road Scholar Study Lleader. Topic TBA.
 Lunch: Lunch on board.
 Afternoon: Enjoy a relaxing afternoon aboard the Crystal Symphony. Pamper yourself at the Feng Shui-inspired Crystal Spa, work-out at the fitness center or Walk-on-Water along the 360 degree Promenade Deck; teach yourself something new with complimentary language lessons by Berlitz or piano instruction with Yamaha; enhance your computer skills at the Computer University@Sea or learn about art, history and worldly destinations with Crystal's engaging lecture series. Then join your study leader for a program wrap-up.
 Dinner: Group dinner in the Crystal Dining Room and review of tomorrow's itinerary and options.
   
Accommodations: Crystal Symphony
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 15: Arrival Brisbane / Independent Exploration of Brisbane
(Wednesday, January 16)

Note: Choose your own field trip from a variety of excursions offered by Crystal Cruises. To book shore excursions please use the Priority Check-In and Planning Center at www.crystalcruises.com (see the back of this booklet for more information)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship; you may individually choose from among Crystal's dining options.
 Morning: INDEPENDENT FIELD TRIP: Brisbane diverse geographical location offers a great opportunity for independent exploration. Nestled between the Gold Coast to the south and the Sunshine Coast to the north, laid-back Brisbane makes the most of its magnificent beaches, offering an ideal blend of Aussie ease and urban energy. Wander in the lush Botanical Gardens, shop in the Queen Street Mall, or enjoy the countless cafés and restaurants along the banks of the Brisbane River.
 Lunch: Lunch on board.
 Afternoon: Continue your independent exploration of Brisbane.
 Dinner: Group dinner in the Crystal Dining Room and review of tomorrow's itinerary and options.
 Evening: Reminder to pack for tomorrows flight home.
   
Accommodations: Crystal Symphony
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 16: Disembark ship / Transfer to airport for return flight home
(Thursday, January 17)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship; you may individually choose from among Crystal's dining options.
 Morning: Disembark the ship and transfer to the airport for your flight home.
   
Meals Included: Breakfast
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Suggested Reading List


Aboriginal Australians


Author: Stephen Muecke


Description: A lively shirt-pocket encyclopedia, illustrating the culture, history and art of the Aborigines.



Australia Map


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Description: A handy, folded map at a scale of 1:3,500,000.



Australia, A Traveler's Literary Companion


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Description: Arranged geographically, this collection of works by mostly local writers, including Patrick White, Peter Carey and other luminaries introduces the cultures, geography and mindset of Australia.



Australia: The East, Travellers' Wildlife Guides


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Description: Featuring 650 full-color illustrations of common fish, reptiles, amphibians, mammals and birds of Australia and an overview of parks and preserves including the Great Barrier Reef.



Australian Birds


Author: Pocket Naturalist


Description: A laminated card featuring commonly encountered Australian birds.



Australian Wildlife


Author: Raymond Leung (Illustrator), James Kavanaugh


Description: This handy fold-out guide features illustrations of almost 150 species of Australian animals. Laminated and pocket-sized, it easily slips into your daypack.



Bradt Australian Wildlife


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Description: A guide not just to kangaroo and koala, this compact, illustrated survey, featuring 250 color photographs, takes in habitats, parks and conservation, marsupials, birds and bats.



Chasing Kangaroo


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Cronin's Key Guide to Australian Mammals


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Description: This third book in the Key Guide series covers the behavior, development, food, and habitat of Australia's remarkable mammals.



Culture Smart! Australia


Author: Barry Penney


Description: A concise, no-nonsense guide to local customs, etiquette and culture with a short overview of the land and people along with practical travel advice.



Eyewitness Guide Australia


Author: Eyewitness Guides


Description: Featuring hundreds of innovative maps, color photographs and choice recommendations for excursions and sightseeing.



Field Guide to the Birds of Australia


Author: Ken Simpson, Nicholas Day


Description: A handbook and field guide to Australia's birds with 2,000 vivid color illustrations, each accompanied by a brief description and revised range map.



Fishwatcher's Field Guide, Great Barrier Reef


Author: I Greenberg


Description: A double-sided, laminated card.



In a Sunburned Country


Author: Bill Bryson


Description: The intrepid, ever-resourceful Bryson revels in Australia's eccentric characters, dangerous flora and fauna, and other oddities in this wildly funny, effortlessly informative travelogue.



Moonlight Downs


Author: Adrian Hyland


Description: The Ned Kelly Award-winning first Emily Tempest investigation set in the Australia. Emily, a half-white, half-Aboriginal woman returns to her hometown in the Outback only to find that the tribe’s elderly leader has been murdered.



My Place


Author: Sally Morgan


Description: A deeply moving autobiography of three generations in Australia, which artfully evokes aboriginal culture. Morgan, who spent her childhood in Perth, didn't discover her Aboriginal background until she was in her teens.



The Fatal Shore


Author: Robert Hughes


Description: In this celebrated social history, both scholarly and entertaining, Hughes traces the fate of those who were transported to the penal colonies of Australia between 1787 and 1868. It's an engaging popular account, drawn from the experiences of the colonists themselves.



The Road from Coorain


Author: Jill Ker Conway


Description: An absorbing account of a young rural girl's coming of age in post-war Sydney. Conway paints a vivid picture of isolation and beauty -- and of the challenges of a bright, ambitious woman growing up Australian.



The Songlines


Author: Bruce Chatwin


Description: Rory Stewart provides the introduction to this 25th anniversary edition of Bruce Chatwin's celebrated travelogue, which is as much about its gifted author -- and the meaning of travel -- as about the Aboriginal people and their ways of life. Chatwin transforms a journey through the Outback into an exhilarating, semi-fictional meditation on our place in the world.



True History of the Kelly Gang


Author: Peter Carey


Description: Carey's powerful, daring novel, steeped in the colonial history of late 19th-century Australia, won him a second Booker (the first was for Oscar & Lucinda). Outlaw, folk hero, thief and patriot, the Irish immigrant Ned Kelly and his clan figure large in the Australian mindset.





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