I purchased the Lonely Planet guide to Australia ahead of an upcoming backpacking trip to Australia on the recomendation of friends. This is not the first time I'm going so I already I have an idea of what to expect- though this time I am going going to area I have not yet been. Having had time to familiarise myself with the book prior to the trip I can honestly say this is by far the most concise travel guide I have yet read (and I have read a few). It provides solid information for anybody going down under- wether you're a tourist, a student, a backpacker or planning to emmigrate. There is information on just about everything you can think of- not just the places but also travel inside Oz, the culture, visas, safety and lots of other information to help you get by. On top of all that it is also extremely well written- easy to understand, sometimes witty and generally a very good read. I cannot recomend this guide enough.