Customer Reviews

Watching Wildlife: Australia

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

As a wildlife photographer I was very keen to find out where were the easiest places in Australia to see wildlife. This was the only book I have been able to find of this kind. The guide lists the best locations to see wildlife by state, often with very specific details. It also provides a brief description of some of Australia's most popular wildlife and what are the hotspots for viewing that particular species. This guide is not designed to give detailed information on wildlife behavior or physical makeup, it is designed to tell you where you can see wildlife and it does that brilliantly!!

This book is the only one available that describes Australia's national parks from a wildlife-watching point of view - other guides available in Australia concentrate on scenic spots and facilities for holidaymakers.
As such, I found it invaluable in pointing out which parks to visit to see a good cross-section of the continent's unique wildlife, and where to try and spot any particular species.
It describes both parks and selected species of Australian wildlife very attractively, with colour illustrations and inspiring text.

Now for the shortcomings:
The information given often turned out to be wishful thinking, making local park rangers laugh.
Just to give two examples: this book claims common wombats are "abundant" in Giraween National Park of Queensland while rangers there said they were so rare they have only seen one in 10 years; it also claims koalas are "common" in Royal NP near Sydney when in fact they are extinct there. And these are two very popular, frequently visited parks!
In general, the book tends to make seeing much of Australia's unique wildlife sound much easier than it actually is.
My other complaint would be that there is almost no practical information of the sort generally provided by other Lonely Planet guides in this book: no information on public transport [hasn't everyone got a car? ;-)], and none on the costs of accomodation or tours.

Then again, since as I said it is the only guide of its kind to watching wildlife in Australia, anyone interested in the topic is well advised to buy a copy. Just don't put too much trust into its accuracy - something that will hopefully improve in a next edition...

I am surprised how few books there seem to be on Australian wildlife, and where to see various animals. This one is the best I've found. It has sections on habitats, parks and places (what you'll see in different places), and then a guide to the individual animals. It's small enough to take on a trip.

This is by far the most interesting and valuable travel guide I've ever come across. It's an incredibly rich source of information for anyone wishing to experience the natural world in Australia.

The book has two basic sections: First, a state-by-state guide to specific places, such as national parks and other outstanding areas to see wildlife. And second, a fairly comprehensive overview of Australia's birds, mammals, and other wild animals. Both sections are packed with useful and fascinating information, augmented with excellent maps and photos.

As a committed nature geek who makes frequent and extended trips to Australia, I can't imagine traveling Down Under without this indispensible book. Thanks so much to the authors for doing a great job, and to Lonely Planet for publishing such a fine book. Very strongly recommended!

This is a great little book. Compact and with great tips of where to see wildlife. Wish I had written it!
Damon Ramsey, BSc. author of "Rainforest of tropical Australia"

This is a great book for someone touring Australia. I would have given five stars had the been more parks listed.