A Natural History of Australia

This book is exactly what you need to take to Australia if you don't want to haul 15 field guides. Berra's book describes geographical areas of Oz with short descriptions of climate, physical geography, and population. An entire chapter is devoted to Australia's unique geological history, and the next is devoted to Aborigines. The rest of the book is devoted to describing Australia's unique flora and fauna, including excellent photos and range maps for many species. A chapter is devoted to each of these subjects: Plants, Saltwater organisms, Invertebrates, Freshwater Fishes, Reptiles and Amphibians, Birds, and Mammals. It is an excellent resource for people traveling to (or living in) Australia who are interested in the amazing animals and plants of the island. He also lists introduced species and (for some) their impact on native systems. It is surprisingly thorough for such an immense undertaking.