Platypuses, billabongs, ancient song lines, deserted islands, camel treks, surfing, scuba diving, rock climbing ? all come to life when readers travel from outback to rainforest, from the red center to the great barrier reef, as they learn about outrageous adventures, mystical encounters, and endless vistas from some of the world's finest travel writers. Taking a step off the tourist track, Travelers' Tales Australia collects sometimes dramatic, sometimes humorous, and always compelling true-life tales set in a country that is also an island and a continent. Highlights of the book include Jan Morris reflecting on the joys of world-class Sydney, Jill Ker Conway exploring "shearing time," Pico Iyer taking readers "five thousand miles from anywhere," and Ronald Wright leading a heady tour of the outback to Uluru, Ayers Rock. Travelers' Tales Australia gives readers a vibrant introduction to the country and its people with fascinating stories that encompass the whole Oz experience.