It is the driest, flattest, hottest, most desiccated, infertile and climatically aggressive of all the inhabited continents and still Australia teems with life – a large portion of it quite deadly. In fact, Australia has more things that can kill you in a very nasty way than anywhere else.

Ignoring such dangers – and yet curiously obsessed by them – Bill Bryson journeyed to Australia and promptly fell in love with the country. And who can blame him? The people are cheerful, extrovert, quick-witted and unfailingly obliging: their cities are safe and clean and nearly always built on water; the food is excellent; the beer is cold and the sun nearly always shines. Life doesn’t get much better than this…

Length: 436 pages	Word Wise: Enabled	Enhanced Typesetting: Enabled
Page Flip: Enabled	Audible Narration: Audible Narration Switch back and forth between reading the Kindle book and listening to the Audible narration. Add narration for a reduced price of $3.99 after you buy the Kindle book. Ready	Language: English

Similar books to Down Under: Travels in a Sunburned Country (Bryson)

Customers who bought this item also bought

Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1

This shopping feature will continue to load items when the Enter key is pressed. In order to navigate out of this carousel please use your heading shortcut key to navigate to the next or previous heading.

Bill Bryson

876

Kindle Edition
A$14.99
Bill Bryson

1,294

Kindle Edition
A$14.99
Bill Bryson

3,554

Kindle Edition
A$12.99
Bill Bryson

451

Kindle Edition
A$12.99
Bill Bryson

3,401

Kindle Edition
A$14.99
Bill Bryson

224

Kindle Edition
A$14.99

Product description

Review

"What the indefatigable, keenly observant Bryson did a few years back for the Applachian Trail with A Walk in the Woods... he does now for the generally undiscovered land Down Under."
--Chicago Tribune

"Vastly entertaining... If there is one book with which to get oriented before departure or en route to Australia, this is it."
--New York Times

Book Description

Australia has more things that can kill you than anywhere else. Nevertheless, Bill Bryson journeyed to the country and promptly fell in love with it....

See all Product description

Product details

Format: Kindle Edition
File Size: 2347 KB
Print Length: 436 pages
Publisher: Transworld Digital; 01 edition (20 January 2010)
Sold by: PRH UK
Language: English
ASIN: B00354YA2M
Text-to-Speech: Enabled

X-Ray:

Enabled

Word Wise: Enabled
Screen Reader: Supported

Enhanced Typesetting: Enabled

Customer Reviews:
Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #2,543 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)
- #1 in Australia & Oceania Travel (Kindle Store)
- #5 in Travel Writing
- #5 in Travel Essays & Travelogues (Kindle Store)

What other items do customers buy after viewing this item?

Kindle Edition

Bill Bryson

3,401

A$14.99
Kindle Edition

Bill Bryson

1,520

A$16.99
Kindle Edition

Olivia Telford

55

A$1.49

Customer reviews

5 star		76%
4 star		16%
3 star		5%
2 star		1%
1 star		1%

How does Amazon calculate star ratings?

Review this product

Write a customer review

There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.

Fascinating

Reviewed in Australia on 9 July 2016

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

Long revered as the world's funniest travel writer, Bryson turns his attention to Australia in this book, first published in 2000. In my opinion it's not his funniest, but that's okay. He is so taken with the wonders of the continent that his trademark side-splitting humour takes a back seat, letting his observations on the marvels of the continent ride up front. Seeing our own country through the eyes of an outsider is always fascinating and Bryson delivers interest and insight in spades. That said, you will still find yourself laughing out loud from time to time, especially at the antics of his fellow travellers. And you will probably learn a lot about Australia, whether you live in it or not.

Helpful

Comment

PK Dunn

Not just a travel book for tourists

Reviewed in Australia on 8 February 2015

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

A friend in Florida shamed me into reading this book after telling me heretofore unknown facts about my own country they had gleaned from Down Under. I loved this book, was totally absorbed in Bryson's journey and his narrative and learned much more about Australia than I did in school and beyond. It would be a refreshing addition to any school curriculum reading list. I laughed til I couldn't breathe in parts and the only downside for me was it was written 15 years ago and I would love Bryson to revisit us and travel to places he missed in Down Under and also update his take on our society.

2 people found this helpful

Helpful

Comment

dr c

Australia in truth and humour

Reviewed in Australia on 30 January 2019

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

I had a giggle on every page and couldn’t put the book down. Australia is described from many angles - historical, nature with its unique fauna and flora, the city vs rural outback and its eccentric people. Bryson knocked the proverbial nail on the head.

Helpful

Comment

Roger Barton

Lovely travelogue of life Down Under

Reviewed in Australia on 28 October 2019

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

Ever witty and entertaining Bill Bryson turns his attention to the "Lucky Country" Perceptive and colourful he ranges from Northern Queensland to WA.

Helpful

Comment

Kindle Customer

One of the best descriptions of Australia by a non- Australian you will ever read!

Reviewed in Australia on 29 January 2018

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

This is a book filled with little known facts, debunking sometimes assumed facts about Australia told with an eye for detail, a gift of language and description and a sense of humour. Best description of Canberra and cricket that you will find anywhere. Read it!

Helpful

Comment

Alan Smith

A good read for travellers.

Reviewed in Australia on 5 January 2019

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

The book was to say the least, entertaining, but if you haven't traveled Australia Bryson's tour would not be so enjoyable. His comments on cricket were spot on, and he gives a good description of how so many people react to this fantastic country in a negative way. Why do they bother leaving home.

Helpful

Comment

Sandra

So entertaining

Reviewed in Australia on 30 June 2019

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

I loved the way that this book is written. I giggled a lot, and I learnt a lot about my own country. I loved the author’s cheery disposition and the way he described his appreciation of everyday people and everyday things. A lesson for everyone to find the joy that is around you.

Helpful

Comment

MarieCas

Very Enjoyable

Reviewed in Australia on 20 August 2018

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

I really liked this book. It was such fun to read although it should not be taken too seriously. I also learnt a lot about my newly adopted country: geography, history, politics and especially natural history. Which part of Aus shall I visit next? Definitely one to read again.

Helpful

Comment

Top international reviews

Selamistanbul

Great read

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 24 July 2019

Verified Purchase

I have to admit to being a fan of Bill Bryson's books mainly because they are so enjoyable and easy to read. This book is no different and with plenty of amusing anecdotes it didn't take me long to finish. I certainly learnt a lot about Australia and its history which was an added bonus. Highly recommended.

2 people found this helpful

Sending feedback...

Thank you for your feedback.

Sorry, we failed to record your vote. Please try again

CoRak1

Packed with information and side-splitting situational anecdotes!

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 30 August 2017

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

This blend of deep, detailed knowledge, subjective views and side-splitting situational anecdotes, Bill Bryson's Down Under is a must for anyone who wants to know anything about Australia.
Just read how he describes the sport of cricket or how he was chased by two dogs in the middle of Sydney and if you don't run for an incontinence pad, I will eat my virtual hat!

4 people found this helpful

Sending feedback...

Thank you for your feedback.

Sorry, we failed to record your vote. Please try again

reader

Classic Bill Bryson

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 18 July 2019

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

Bill Bryson travels the length and breadth of Australia. He graphically describes it's incredible size, and how different it is, including flora, fauna and people, plus its extraordinary geography. An absolute must who everyone who loves Bryson's style.

One person found this helpful

Sending feedback...

Thank you for your feedback.

Sorry, we failed to record your vote. Please try again

Barnesy

Laugh a minute

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 4 May 2019

Verified Purchase

Loved Bryson's witty and informative short summary of the great continent of Oz. Mind you, you do have to wonder why a seasoned traveller such as him would drive 600 miles to Ayers Rock without booking a hotel room in advance or walk half way across Perth without a hat and be surprised to get sunburnt. Treeflower has competetion :-)

One person found this helpful

Sending feedback...

Thank you for your feedback.

Sorry, we failed to record your vote. Please try again

annebar

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 29 June 2014

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

Another good read. I am working my way through Bill Bryson's books. He can combine history with humour. Well written, I especially liked the bit where Bill and his photographer were in the outback. He wrote that there were only fourteen deadly snakes in Australia. They thought they saw a red back spider, almost tried to jump into each others arms! A woman picked it up and pronounced it dead and said that the snakes were more dangerous, but to "just stand still and let it slide over your foot". Advice Bill wryly remarked they wouldn't be taking. His descriptive style of writing , humour etc. make his books a joy to read.

Sending feedback...

Thank you for your feedback.

Sorry, we failed to record your vote. Please try again

Amazon Customer

Not as advertised?

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 26 January 2020

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

Very disappointing as this is a history book of Australia and so in my opinion is mis-sold as one of his travel books. However, it's well written and interesting just don't expect to be enthralled by and witty observations during his travels as these are virtually non existent.

Sending feedback...

Thank you for your feedback.

Sorry, we failed to record your vote. Please try again

Michael Galvin

Best personal way to experience Australia

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 9 March 2016

Verified Purchase

Australia is not on my list of places to visit (although unluckily New Zealand is, so I'll probably go to Australia by default) and this brilliant travelogue really spelled out to me why not. It's too big, too depopulated and too full of things that want to kill you. Bryson's travel writing has gone down somewhat in my estimation after his great history-based books, but this is a top choice, even for those of us whose Australia experience is best confined to re-runs of Neighbours.

One person found this helpful

Sending feedback...

Thank you for your feedback.

Sorry, we failed to record your vote. Please try again

Jonathan Nicholas - Author

Essentail reading

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 11 July 2014

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

I've loved Bill Bryson's writing since I read his brilliant book about the UK, 'Notes from a Small Island' several years ago. He's not lost any of his style and wit with this book. He writes using very subtle humour that sneaks up on you and catches you when you least expect it, excellent writing. The details of the history of Australia is very interesting, as are the descriptions of the country's unique flora and fauna. This is a humorous and informative tale of Oz, and has to be essential reading for anyone planning a visit to that wonderful country.
Jonathan Nicholas - Author of 'Oz-A Hitchhiker's Australian Anthology'.

Sending feedback...

Thank you for your feedback.

Sorry, we failed to record your vote. Please try again

Howie 69

Excellent book, bit heavy about snakes and spiders!

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 1 May 2012

Verified Purchase

Having been to Australia, I love this book. It cannot cover the entirety of Australia, which is the largest island in the world. He is very funny, but also quite intelligent in his coverage of the Aborigines.
I agree with another reviewer that he overdid the poisonous creatures lurking in the country, as I never saw anything at all during my long visit. However, this chapter does concentrate the mind!
I like the Australians, and so does Bill; OK, he wasn't impressed with Darwin or Canberra, but that seems to be pretty general. He does give you an idea of the size of this country; on the map, it does not look very far between A and B, but
you are talking days of travel in some cases.
Read it - you will enjoy it!

One person found this helpful

Sending feedback...

Thank you for your feedback.

Sorry, we failed to record your vote. Please try again

x cmfoc x

A good read

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 8 August 2019

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

I read this before, during and after a trip to Australia. Bill does the country justice and made me excited for my trip. It was nice to see the 'real' side to a country and of a travellers life. Would recommend

Sending feedback...

Thank you for your feedback.

Sorry, we failed to record your vote. Please try again

napata

Enjoyable, informative and fun

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 13 November 2018

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

I’ll be visiting Australia for the first time in January and chose to do some background reading. Bryson was a no-brainer. He combines all the important ingredients of history, real life anecdotes, geography and wit. I’ll probably end up appreciating this book even more during my trip and after it.

Sending feedback...

Thank you for your feedback.

Sorry, we failed to record your vote. Please try again

I have enjoyed the third read as much as the first

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 4 January 2017

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

A huge fan of the unbeatable travel writer, Bill Bryson, this is my third reading of Down Under. over a 11 year period. I decided to update to Kindle version and it was worthwhile. I have enjoyed the third read as much as the first. He has a wonderful way of bringing humour into facts and figures. His writing beautifully illustrates where he is reviewing, whether it be Venice, Berlin or the outback of Oz.

Sending feedback...

Thank you for your feedback.

Sorry, we failed to record your vote. Please try again

Tim Warner

Bill Bryson at His Best (again)!

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 29 August 2015

Verified Purchase

This is essentially a reissue of Down Under, portraying Bill Bryson's travels around Australia, but with an extra episode tagged onto the end revealing his exploits at the Sydney Olympics in 2000. This part made up for the disappointment of having purchased a repackaged version of a book I already had; the two dozen or so pages of Bill's adventures at the Games are the best part of the book and absolutely hilarious from beginning to end.
Worth buying just for the last chapter if you already have Down Under. If you didn't buy it then you missed a treat as the entire book is classic Bryson, written in his best slightly sardonic and witty style and a match for any of his other travel guides.
Worth a go!

Sending feedback...

Thank you for your feedback.

Sorry, we failed to record your vote. Please try again

Craig M Roberts

Learnt a lot

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 21 January 2019

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

I bought this book whilst I travelled Australia. I loved this book. It was an easy read an also taught me a lot about Australia. Highly recommend it if you want to know Australias History.

Sending feedback...

Thank you for your feedback.

Sorry, we failed to record your vote. Please try again

Billericay Dickie

Another good read from Bill Bryson.

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 1 October 2017

Verified Purchase

Bill Bryson never disappoints as far as I am concerned and this book hits the spot all the way through. Having spent quite a lot of time in Australia for both work and pleasure, I kept finding my own thoughts and observations regularly reflected in the books text.

One person found this helpful

Sending feedback...

Thank you for your feedback.

Sorry, we failed to record your vote. Please try again

You've read the top international reviews

See all reviews from Australia

Buying Options

Follow the Author

Similar authors to follow

Down Under: Travels in a Sunburned Country (Bryson) Kindle Edition

Customers who bought this item also bought

Product description

Review

Book Description

Product details

What other items do customers buy after viewing this item?

Customer reviews

Review this product

Read reviews that mention

There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.

Top international reviews