Book excerpt: This is the first of a series of books describing exciting birdwatching locations in Australia. The NSW-ACT Guide is arguably the most comprehensive compendium of birding sites in the State available to date. Not only the standard, well-known locations are covered but also some interesting places known only to a few or newly discovered by ourselves. The book series is intended for both Australian and overseas birders. We hope it will become an essential field companion to a birding enthusiast. In today's time-poor society, the ability to maximise your bird finds in an unfamiliar area in a typically short vacation time available, should be a serious help. For each site, at the minimum, the access details, habitat description, site facilities and key avifauna are addressed. Most data is based on personal records, cross-checked and augmented with the verified sightings reported online. The book is divided into regions including greater Sydney, Hawkesbury, Hunter region, Illawarra, Southern Highlands, South-East NSW, Mid North Coast, Northern Rivers, Western Slopes and Tablelands, Riverina region, Central West NSW, Far West NSW and Australian Capital Territory. The book is richly illustrated with photographs of birds and bird habitats. Book 2: Australian Good Birding Guide: Tasmania Book 3: Australian Good Birding Guide: Victoria