American Carl Robinson has made his home in Australia, the world's oldest and perhaps most unique continent. His entertaining and intelligent guidebook gives the traveler a wonderful, and very personalized, introduction to this enigmatic country. Blessed by a near-perfect climate, life in Australia has a distinctive pace and its people are among the most hospitable on earth. There are real secrets to Australia, and this book recommends some favorites, with the emphasis on how to have a good time, covering what to see and how to get there, from the "Wild West" of the Northern Territory and the natural wonders of the Great Barrier Reef to the vibrant cities, such as Sydney and Melbourne. Many excerpts from literature, by and about Australians, are included, along with essays on the idiosyncrasies of "Aussie" life: the irreverent Aussie vocabulary, pubs, wine, sports, cinema and the uneasy status of the native Aborigines.