Read This Next with Emily Darlow
They say retirement is the perfect time to tick off the travel dreams you’ve put on hold, and there’s no better place to explore than right here in Australia.
Whether you’re imagining a coastal drive with salt on your skin, ticking off the best beaches, planning the ultimate road trip, or finding walks worth putting on your bucket list, these travel books are your friendly guides to getting out there and making memories.
The Coast by Chris Hammer
Buy it here
Chris Hammer, one of Australia’s most engaging writers, turns his attention to something we all love – the coastline. In this beautifully written exploration, Hammer visits towns and beaches from one end of the continent to the other, bringing to life the places, people and experiences that make the Australian coast such a compelling destination. The narrative is full of local stories and evocative descriptions that will make you want to set out with the windows down and the sea breeze flowing. For anyone who has ever wondered what it would be like to follow the shoreline from Queensland to Tasmania, or from Perth to Byron Bay, this book feels like a personal invitation to start planning. If you have ever thought about a coastal adventure, this story will make you want to get in the car and go.
Trip in a Van’s Bucket List Experiences by Bec Lorrimer
Buy it here
If hitting the road in a van, camper or converted bus has ever drifted into your daydreams, this book turns that daydream into a plan. Bec Lorrimer has collected must-see destinations and memorable experiences from every state and territory, all designed to be enjoyed at a relaxed pace with plenty of time to savour each stop. From hidden gems to iconic landmarks, this bucket list format helps you decide where to go next and why it deserves a place on your map. It’s the kind of guide that makes you realise a long weekend can easily become a long adventure, and that the best travel moments often come from the detours you didn’t even know you wanted to take. Reading this might just be the first step towards your next big trip.
Best Beaches Australia by Lonely Planet
Buy it here
Australia is blessed with thousands of beaches, and this book helps you sift through them with expertly curated picks, practical tips and stunning photography. From well-known favourites to secluded stretches of sand that feel like your own private escape, each page invites you to imagine your next day in the sun. There are entries for gentle swimming, scenic strolls and spots where you can sit back and watch the world go by. If you are thinking about coastal escapes or simply want insider knowledge on where to find sandy perfection, this guide belongs on your shelf. It’s the kind of book you’ll find yourself marking up with sticky notes and travel plans.
Australia Road Trip & Adventure Guide by Travelmap
Buy it here
This practical handbook is designed for anyone who wants to turn a holiday into a true road journey – with detailed itineraries, suggested stops, highlights and planning advice. Whether you’re thinking about an easy touring pace or something more ambitious, the guide lays out options that make trip planning easier and more exciting. Filled with maps, trip ideas and local tips, it’s the sort of resource you’ll refer back to again and again as you refine your plans. It feels like having a travel buddy in the passenger seat, ready with suggestions and advice whenever you need it. For those ready to map out their next big adventure, this guide gets you there.
Explore Australia 2026 by Hardie Grant Explore
Buy it here
Think of this as your year-to-year travel companion. Updated for 2026, it covers a wide range of destinations, experiences and practical travel advice tailored to Australian travel today. From scenic drives to national parks, quirky towns to cultural highlights, this book packs big ideas into approachable suggestions. It’s broad in scope but easy to use – perfect if you want to flip through for inspiration or use it as a working guide as you plan your next trip. With fresh entries and current travel information, it’s one of those books you’ll keep within reach when you start plotting your routes and must-see stops.
Australia’s Best 100 Walks by Australian Geographic
Buy it here
This one isn’t new, but it’s a classic worth keeping close when you’re thinking about active travel and bucket list experiences. The book collects 100 of the best walks across the country, ranging from easy boardwalk trails near town to multi-day hikes through iconic landscapes. Each entry includes clear descriptions, distances and what you can expect to see along every section. Whether you’re new to walking for pleasure or you’ve already got a few trails under your belt, this guide helps you plan routes that match your pace and interests. It’s the kind of book that will make you dust off your walking boots, check the weather and decide that today is a great day to get out there.
Australia is a vast and wonderfully varied place, and retirement is the perfect time to see it with your own eyes rather than just in pictures. These books are here to spark your next adventure, whether it’s coastal drives, beach days, inland explorations, bucket list experiences or must-do walks.
So go on, mark-up a few pages, hatch a plan and let the journey begin. There’s no time like now to start exploring.
Proudly Australian owned and operated