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In a Sunburned Country Audible Audiobook – Unabridged

Bill Bryson (Author, Narrator), Random House Audio (Publisher)
4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 11,001 ratings
#1 Best Seller in Australia & Oceania Travel & Tourism
See all formats and editions

Every time Bill Bryson walks out the door memorable travel literature threatens to break out. This time in Australia. His previous excursion up, down, and over the Appalachian Trail resulted in the sublime best seller A Walk in the Woods.

Now he has traveled around the world and all the way Down Under to Australia, the only island that is also a continent and the only continent that is also a country. Australia exists on a vast scale, a shockingly under-discovered country with the friendliest inhabitants, the hottest, driest weather, the most peculiar and lethal wildlife to be found on this planet, and more things that can kill you in extremely malicious ways than anywhere else: sharks, crocodiles, the 10 most deadly poisonous snakes on the planet, fluffy yet toxic caterpillars, seashells that actually attack you, and the unbelievable box jellyfish.

In a Sunburned Country is a delectably funny, fact-filled and adventurous performance by a writer who combines humor, wonder, and unflagging curiosity. Wherever Bryson goes he finds Australians who are cheerful, extroverted, and unfailingly obliging. They are the beaming products of a land with clean, safe cities, cold beer, and constant sunshine. Australia is an immense and fortunate land, and it has found in Bryson its perfect guide.

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  1. Listening Length
    11 hours and 54 minutes
  2. Author
    Bill Bryson
  3. Narrator
    Bill Bryson
  4. Audible release date
    May 30, 2000
  5. Language
    English
  6. Publisher
    Random House Audio
  7. ASIN
    B00005454G
  8. Version
    Unabridged
  9. Program Type
    Audiobook
  10. See all details
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Product details

Listening Length 11 hours and 54 minutes
Author Bill Bryson
Narrator Bill Bryson
Whispersync for Voice Ready
Audible.com Release Date May 30, 2000
Publisher Random House Audio
Program Type Audiobook
Version Unabridged
Language English
ASIN B00005454G
Best Sellers Rank #7,321 in Audible Books & Originals (See Top 100 in Audible Books & Originals)
#1 in Australia & Oceania Travel & Tourism
#5 in General Australia & South Pacific Travel
#9 in Travel Writing & Commentary

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
11,001 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book entertaining and witty. They describe it as an easy read that provides interesting information about Australia. The book provides a glimpse into the country and its wonders. Readers praise the author's storytelling ability and personal adventures that enhance the narrative. The book provides insights into the unique and often deadly flora and fauna of the country.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Select to learn more
HumorReadabilityInformation qualityTravel valueStory qualityInsightWriter qualityBiodiversity
565 customers mention "Humor"554 positive11 negative

Customers enjoy the author's sense of humor and wit. They find the book entertaining, with stories about everyday people, scientific oddities, and mysteries.

"A great primer on Australia; written with a lot of humor; historical facts, and great descriptions...." Read more

"...He is witty, open, and wholeheartedly sold on Australia - the people and the land...." Read more

"...Bryson seamlessly weaves together history, wit, insight, and personal anecdote into a memorable tale that greatly increased my desire to see this..." Read more

"...His ability to mix historical facts, humor, and personal experiences is unrivaled. Thank you Bill. Please keep at it and be safe." Read more

518 customers mention "Readability"509 positive9 negative

Customers find the book easy to read and enjoyable. They appreciate the author's descriptive writing style that draws them into the scenes. The book provides a wonderful introduction to Australia and its people.

"...Still a great read before you travel to Australia, or just looking for a humorous travel monologue" Read more

"...from the populated east coast, to the barren interior, to the beautiful west coast...." Read more

"...His descriptive ability is superb and he draws the reader into the scenes with a comic and conversational style...." Read more

"...It emphasizes everything great about Australia. The history, absurdity, charm, uniqueness, and especially the amazing people...." Read more

395 customers mention "Information quality"391 positive4 negative

Customers find the book informative and entertaining. They appreciate the author's ability to mix historical facts, humor, and personal experiences in an engaging way that gives them a better understanding of the area. The book includes interesting places and information about history.

"A great primer on Australia; written with a lot of humor; historical facts, and great descriptions...." Read more

"...amazed at the vastness, intrigued by the uniqueness, and enthusiastic about the "amenities" (no matter how basic they might be.)..." Read more

"...Bryson seamlessly weaves together history, wit, insight, and personal anecdote into a memorable tale that greatly increased my desire to see this..." Read more

"...His ability to mix historical facts, humor, and personal experiences is unrivaled. Thank you Bill. Please keep at it and be safe." Read more

248 customers mention "Travel value"244 positive4 negative

Customers enjoy the book's travel value. They find it interesting and exciting, providing a glimpse of Australia. The book captures the spirit, history, and uniqueness of the country. Readers appreciate the author's observations on travel and the joy of discovering new places.

"A great primer on Australia; written with a lot of humor; historical facts, and great descriptions...." Read more

"...He is witty, open, and wholeheartedly sold on Australia - the people and the land...." Read more

"...It emphasizes everything great about Australia. The history, absurdity, charm, uniqueness, and especially the amazing people...." Read more

"...He is an honest traveler, which makes his overall joy in Australia all the more genuine." Read more

168 customers mention "Story quality"154 positive14 negative

Customers enjoy the engaging stories in the book. They find the author a skilled storyteller who brings the world to life through his writing and storytelling. The book is described as compelling, captivating, and an excellent travel narrative by a travel writer.

"...seamlessly weaves together history, wit, insight, and personal anecdote into a memorable tale that greatly increased my desire to see this enormous..." Read more

"...I love Bryson's writing style and if you have ever visited Australia, are just about to visit, or are indeed Australian, you will love this..." Read more

"...He writes of an interesting continent, populated with interesting characters and history. Recommended." Read more

"Bill Bryson is sometimes Great in his writing and then not. I enjoyed this book immensely. Some of his others, not so much...." Read more

67 customers mention "Insight"67 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's insights into Australia. They find it interesting and positive, with descriptions of unique flora and fauna, as well as humor and insight into the culture, landscape, and current day issues. The book familiarizes readers with both famous landmarks and obscure towns. Readers also mention that the author provides accurate information about Australian politics and culture.

"...in that area, he is constantly amazed at the vastness, intrigued by the uniqueness, and enthusiastic about the "amenities"..." Read more

"...The history, absurdity, charm, uniqueness, and especially the amazing people...." Read more

"...Both it's history and current day cultural stuff. What a very interesting country and it's definitely on my bucket list!" Read more

"...What he has written is a warm but amazing insight into Aussie culture and landscape. I have been in Australia for over 40 years...." Read more

48 customers mention "Writer quality"48 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the author's writing style and find it entertaining. They appreciate his engaging personality and genuine appreciation for quirky characters. The book provides a realistic portrayal of Australian culture.

"...The history, absurdity, charm, uniqueness, and especially the amazing people...." Read more

"...He writes of an interesting continent, populated with interesting characters and history. Recommended." Read more

"...Home and A Brief History of Almost Everything truly reveal what a gifted writer he really is as I thoroughly enjoyed both books...." Read more

"...Fascinating and sensitive, the characters he meets (I assume they were or are real) are described so beautifully that I feel I can reach out and..." Read more

19 customers mention "Biodiversity"19 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's coverage of biodiversity. They find it a fascinating read about bizarre plant and animal life. The book provides an immersive experience with stories about the unique and exotic living creatures.

"...with a smattering of history, anthropology, geology, botany and biology thrown in, Almost like being there, but without the heat or the beer...." Read more

"...His tale of his travels around this continent is filled with history, biology, geology, geography, sociology, and comedy...." Read more

"...I got to know a great deal more about Australian geography, culture, wildlife and especially history, the relating of which was at times quite..." Read more

"...There are also the unique wildlife, tremendous national parks, and interesting historical facts to learn about...." Read more

An accurate portrayel of Australia and all things Aussie.
5 out of 5 stars
An accurate portrayel of Australia and all things Aussie.
I read this book after having just finished visiting Australia for 12 days. I heard about the book from one of our tour guides and only wish that I had know about it in advance. It is a mixture of history text, travelogue, and the author's personal adventures. All of these are held together by his dry humor which abounds throughout. During the course of his travels he manages to find a variety of out of the way and interesting things which he describes in such a way as to make me wish that I had seen them with him. Obviously, he visited a multitude of locations for which I lacked the time but where our paths "crossed" I can only say that his descriptions and impressions mirrored mine so I can safely assume that the locations which we did not duplicate are equally accurately presented. Whether you have visited Australia, are planning to in the near future, or never expect to make it 'Down Under" this book is an easy read that is, truly, difficult to put down. I've posted a few pictures of my experience. The first is Ayer's Rock (Uhura) in the outback. The second is an Australian sunset. The third is a salt water croc on a river near Durbin.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Old T
    5.0 out of 5 stars insightful, hilarious
    Reviewed in the United States on November 13, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    A great primer on Australia; written with a lot of humor; historical facts, and great descriptions. The only negative is that this was published / updated in 2000, so a bit out of date. Still a great read before you travel to Australia, or just looking for a humorous travel monologue
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  • RSRS
    4.0 out of 5 stars Eat your heart out, Rick Steves.
    Reviewed in the United States on November 30, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    My third Bill Bryson book. After "One Summer," I promoted Bryson to the role of "Whatever this guy writes, I'll read." Although "One Summer" focused on 1927, it was really a broad view of America at that time. "Sunburned" is about Australia, but in a very different way. Bryson tells us about places and experiences he had in a sweeping jaunt through the regions of Australia, from the populated east coast, to the barren interior, to the beautiful west coast. He is witty, open, and wholeheartedly sold on Australia - the people and the land. I noticed that Aussies who've reviewed the book give it very high marks, which is a good sign.

    Bryson has a wonderful sense of humor. In some cases, I think he embellishes the truth, i.e., he takes an experience which deals in facts, but then adds quirks that will make the scene seem even more bizarre, or amusing, or frustrating than it probably was. I know this because I sometimes resort to the same ploy. I never waver from the truth, of course, but just make it sound a little more interesting and funky. One aspect that surprised me was that occasionally Bryson throws in a smutty remark. Nothing wrong with that, except it didn't quite fit in with the general tone.

    Although Bryson is in love with Australia, he doesn't hesitate to criticize when he feels criticism is due. He can't stand Canberra, for example, although that's balanced by his love of Perth. His take on the outback is unexpected. While he faces certain "difficult' situations in that area, he is constantly amazed at the vastness, intrigued by the uniqueness, and enthusiastic about the "amenities" (no matter how basic they might be.)

    This book is not a travel guide. You won't find a list of hotels or restaurants, but you will come away with a real sense of what Australia has to offer. And what it has to offer are experiences you will not find any place else on earth. Eat your heart out, Rick Steves. (4-1/2 stars).
    6 people found this helpful
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  • Mr. K
    5.0 out of 5 stars As near to perfection a travelogue can get
    Reviewed in the United States on September 27, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    It is only recently that I have discovered Bill Bryson, and in short order he has managed to become one of my favorite authors. This work is the epitome of what a travel book should be. Bryson seamlessly weaves together history, wit, insight, and personal anecdote into a memorable tale that greatly increased my desire to see this enormous and remote continent.

    Firstly, it is clear throughout the entire length of the book that Bryson genuinely loves this nation. My appreciation of his affection may be somewhat heightened by the fact that I also listened to the audio book (read by the author), and his tone betrays his endearing lack of subjectivity. His love of the people does not keep him from making some sharp comments about particular subjects however. He observes that Australians tend to engage in the art of argumentation without actually wishing for change, as with the topic of them becoming a full-fledged independent republic. Also, he doesn't pull punches when relating how some of the inhabitants of this great nation were anything but hospitable.

    The historical narrative he weaves into the tale would undoubtedly be more interesting when traveling through the towns and countryside. Brief historical sketches of the small communities he passes through tend to be boring but his more generalized Australian history about the founding is fascinating and well told. The countless failed explorations into the interior were mostly forgettable, but they successfully conveyed the brutality and ruthlessness of the natural Australian environment. Also, the migration of peoples 45,000 years ago onto the continent was right on the nail.

    When discussing the plight of the aboriginals he makes some cutting observations about the Aussies and himself. After mulling over the `problem', and considering ways that the position of the aboriginals in Australian society might be bettered, he finds that he has no genuine answers to the problem. "So without an original or helpful thought... I did what most white Australians do. I read my paper... and didn't see them [the aborigines] anymore."

    His humorous obsession with deadly animals continues in this work as well, as he documents fish, reptiles, mammals, and amphibians that are particularly adept at maiming and killing unsuspecting or careless travelers. Also, he makes note of the introduction of wild rabbits onto the continent by Thomas Austin, a resident of Victoria in 1859. The 24 rabbits originally released for sport soon grew to a population in the millions. Temporarily curtailed by the governments' introduction of a rabbit-killing disease, the hardy survivors eventually began breeding again until the figures reached a staggering 300 million (at time of publication.

    Lastly, the most personally impactful aspect of the book is Bryson's narrative style. As an avid traveler, I log my own journeys and document where I've been, as well as interesting tales, brushes with death, etc. His descriptive ability is superb and he draws the reader into the scenes with a comic and conversational style. His lonely encounters in bars, awkward picture taking with other solo travelers (as they stare at an enormous fabricated lobster) and drunken nights with his traveling companions are hilarious and genuine. I hope to bring his vividness to my next trip, when writing about it later.

    Overall, I recommend this book to anyone who likes travel, has gone to Australia, or wishes to go in the future. He inspired me to do so, and even made me believe that Uluru (Ayers rock) might be worth seeing, and not just the world's most useless geological artifact. Five stars.
    10 people found this helpful
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  • Matt McDonald
    5.0 out of 5 stars Life changing
    Reviewed in the United States on August 14, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    On my way to moving to Australia, many years ago, I read this book. It emphasizes everything great about Australia. The history, absurdity, charm, uniqueness, and especially the amazing people. This book started me on the path for Bill Bryson to become my favorite author. His ability to mix historical facts, humor, and personal experiences is unrivaled. Thank you Bill. Please keep at it and be safe.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • CBW51
    5.0 out of 5 stars Well written, informative & humorous
    Reviewed in the United States on July 11, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I haven't completed the book but half way through it I find it easy reading, very informative about Australia which we are visiting in 2026. The book also has some very humorous descriptions. Bill Bryson keeps it light yet very detailed. Makes me wish our trip was sooner than later. A great read whether you're planning a trip to Down Under, have already been or just want to know about one of the largest countries/continents in the world.
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Alf
    5.0 out of 5 stars Funny Funny Funny
    Reviewed in Canada on November 20, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    One of his best!
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  • Auz1
    5.0 out of 5 stars He is a very funny observer.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 1, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    The swimming paragraphs are great. There are quite a few laugh out loud passages. Well worth a read.
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  • Judy Gould
    5.0 out of 5 stars In a Sunburned Country
    Reviewed in Belgium on August 1, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Love Bill Bryson - I so "get" him.
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  • Larry
    5.0 out of 5 stars Humorvoll und Sehnsucht erweckend
    Reviewed in Germany on July 3, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Dieses Buch gab es bereits als ich 2000 nach Australien zog. Aber ich wusste es nicht. Bei einem Freund viel mir zufällig das Buch in die Hände, und ich las es mit zunehmender Freude, lautem Lachen und Sehnsucht nach Orten, die ich ebenfalls besuchte. Bryson beschreibt seine Eindrücke so humorvoll und treffend, dass es mir eine Freude war und mich immer noch lächeln lässt.
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  • Damian
    5.0 out of 5 stars muy divertido
    Reviewed in Spain on January 23, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Libro para disfrutar
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