Travel has always been central to the experience of living in Australia and to giving that life meaning. This book is the first serious anthology of Australian overseas travel writing. The editors have assembled sixty extracts from the works of writers, soldiers, explorers, missionaries, journalists, and public figures. Contributors include Alfred Deakin, Henry Lawson, Ethel Turner, Douglas Mawson, Martin Boyd, Frank Clune, Patrick White, Jill Kerr Conway, Christopher Koch, Alan Moorehead, David Malouf, Clive James, Germaine Greer, Peter Conrad, and Robyn Davidson. There is an extended introduction and there are numerous historical and biographical notes.