There’s something wonderfully practical about audiobooks. They turn everyday moments into reading time. Whether you’re walking along the beach, pottering in the garden, folding laundry or stretching at home, a good story can come with you.
Platforms like Audible have made listening easier than ever, giving readers access to thousands of titles through a pair of headphones. For many people, audiobooks have become the perfect partner for movement. A walk feels shorter when you’re caught up in a story, and household chores suddenly become more enjoyable.
Australian endurance athlete and author Turia Pitt says pairing movement with listening can make exercise feel far less like a task.
“Audiobooks are such a great way to get moving without it feeling like exercise,” Pitt said. “You get caught up in the story and before you know it you’ve walked further or moved longer than you expected.”
If you’re looking for something new to listen to while you move, here are several audiobooks currently available on Audible that are well worth pressing play on.
10 Second Coach
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Sometimes the most powerful advice comes in the simplest form. 10 Second Coach delivers quick, practical bursts of guidance designed to help shift your thinking in everyday situations. The audiobook focuses on mindset, resilience and making small changes that add up over time. Because the lessons are short and accessible, it works particularly well as a walking companion, you can listen to a section, reflect on it and keep moving.
I’m Your Peri Godmother
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Perimenopause can arrive with a long list of unexpected symptoms, and I’m Your Peri Godmother approaches the topic with a refreshing blend of honesty and humour. It breaks down what’s happening in the body while offering practical advice and reassurance for navigating this stage of life. Listening while walking or pottering around the house can feel like having a knowledgeable friend alongside you, helping demystify what many women experience but rarely discuss openly.
Misdirected
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If you enjoy a story that keeps you guessing, Misdirected offers a gripping listening experience. The novel unfolds through unexpected twists, exploring identity, choices and the ripple effects of decisions made in moments of pressure. Thrillers and suspense stories often shine in audiobook form because the tension keeps you hooked. It’s the sort of listen that might have you taking the long way home just to hear what happens next.
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
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Sometimes revisiting a classic in audio form brings a whole new appreciation for the story. Jane Austen’s beloved tale of Elizabeth Bennet and the enigmatic Mr Darcy remains one of the most enduring romances in literature. Hearing the dialogue and wit performed aloud adds a fresh layer to the experience. It’s a wonderful audiobook for gentle walks or relaxed evenings when you want to immerse yourself in one of the great love stories.
Gravity Let Me Go by Trent Dalton
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From the bestselling author of Boy Swallows Universe, Trent Dalton returns with another emotionally rich story. Gravity Let Me Go explores family, love and the complicated forces that shape our lives. Dalton has a gift for blending heart, humour and poignancy, and his storytelling style translates beautifully to audio. It’s the kind of novel that draws you into its world quickly, making it ideal for longer walks when you want to disappear into a story.
Corked with Marc Fennell
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Wine lovers will enjoy this entertaining deep dive into the fascinating world behind the bottle. Hosted by journalist and storyteller Marc Fennell, Corked explores the culture, history and surprising stories that swirl around the global wine industry. The podcast-style format makes it an easy and engaging listen while walking or cooking and it feels more like listening to a lively conversation than a traditional audiobook.
Not Quite White in the Head by Melissa Lucashenko
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This powerful collection of essays from acclaimed Australian writer Melissa Lucashenko brings together two decades of her journalism, speeches and reflections. With sharp wit and honesty, Lucashenko explores identity, culture, politics and the realities of life in modern Australia. Listening to the author narrate her own work adds extra depth to the experience, making it feel almost like sitting down with a storyteller who has plenty to say about the country we live in.
Selfish by Turia Pitt
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Narrated by Turia Pitt herself, Selfish challenges the idea that constantly putting others first is always the right thing to do. Pitt explores how expectations around selflessness can lead people to ignore their own needs and wellbeing, and argues that setting boundaries and prioritising yourself can be essential for a healthy life.
It’s a great listen, especially when paired with movement. A walk with this audiobook can feel like a conversation with someone encouraging you to rethink the rules you’ve been living by. As Turia Pitt points out, the combination of storytelling and movement can be surprisingly powerful. “If you’re listening to something you love, you’re more likely to keep moving,” she said.
So next time you head out for a walk or tackle a few jobs around the house, put on your headphones and press play. A great audiobook might just carry you a little further than you planned.
Visit www.audible.com.au to find your next great listen and turn your daily walk into story time.