Now in its tenth edition, this guide has been refined into a really good book. As with many things Aussie, this book has an outdoorsy bent. Coverage of Australia's truly incredible natural sites is thorough. The absolutely amazing Atherton Tablelands get nice treatment, and are a MUST for any trip to Australia.
There's far less history and social content than some other Rough Guides but, that said, this book is typical Rough Guide density with encyclopedic coverage. The best thing about this book is that you're not likely to find a place in this vast country without at least a few words written about it. The chapters about particularly remote sections of the country are well done and fascinating to read. Cultural and historical contexts are well done, not just filler material. A good guide book should make you more anxious to get on with your trip. This one has that effect on me.
I'd like to see a bit more narrative about significant architecture and important institutions, and the book needs a nice new set of maps. There are few really good ones in here.
Keep in mind that Australia is a huge country, and distances can be vast. Cultural and natural attractions are so numerous that no single guidebook will bring them all to you. This one does it better than other books, in my opinion. The editions are frequent enough so that listings are relatively up-to-date, but no guidebook for a place this large and dynamic can be perfect or completely comprehensive. Keep that in mind.
