Book excerpt: Insight Guide Australia is a comprehensive full-colour guide to the culture, history and people of this ancient and spectacular land. Our inspirational Best Of Australia section illustrates the country's highlights, from the iconic Sydney Harbour and Melbourne's vibrant music scene to majestic Uluru and beautiful Kakadu National Park - making sure you don't miss anything. Our unrivalled coverage of history, natural environment and culture provides an essential introduction to Australia's heritage and contemporary life, to complement the in-depth coverage of the arts, sporting activities and modern culture. The informative text, written by regional experts, is a pleasure to read and accompanied by stunning photography. The lavish magazine-style features offer a unique insight into Aboriginal art, surf culture, the Great Barrier Reef, and Australia's amazing endemic flora and fauna. All major sights are cross-referenced with the maps, and the travel tips section provides a wealth of practical information on how to plan your trip, as well as carefully selected hotel, bar and restaurant listings that direct you to the most authentic establishments.