'THE PROFESSIONAL GUIDE'S HANDBOOK' - Colby Brokvist
As an expedition leader/guide who travels around Australia for multiple weeks at a time this book right here is my bible. I recommend this book to anyone who is working as a multi-day guide or looking at entering the industry. Colby is one of the most experienced work-wide guides you could meet and his life's experience has been recorded in this very handy book.
On tour I reference this book almost every day to ensure I am following best practices and continuing to provide the best service possible. From logistics management to dealing with challenging guests, this book will always be a staple in my luggage bag.
You can order this title online by clicking here.
'CURLEWS ON VULTURE STREET' - Darryl Jones.
I recently finished this book and found it to be quite an interesting read, the memoir of an urban ecologist, Darryl Jones.
This book will take you on a journey of urban wonder as the author relives his life studying and better understanding bird species that thrive in an Australian urban setting.
From the Australian Brush Turkey dominating Australian garden beds to Rainbow Lorikeets roosting in bright city lights, this book really gave me a better understanding and appreciation of our well adapted native urban birds.
Ill be honest, I read this book in about a week, it was hard to put down.
If this book sounds like something that would interest you, you can order a copy by clicking here.
'OF MARSUPIALS AND MEN' - Alistair Paton.
When it comes to our unique Australian Wildlife, there are countless stories to be told, some funny, some unbelievable and some just downright embarrassing.
In this book, Alistair Paton has compiled some of more unique stories involving early European settlers and their relationship with Australian wildlife.
From the story of the first exported Platypus to the introduction of some of our most notorious pest species.
I can honestly say, this particular book was one of my all time favourites. As a nature guide, I have gained some extremely valuable stories from this book.
If you are up for an addictive read loaded with laughs, head shakes and disbelief, this is a book for you.
Order a copy by clicking here.
'SAPIENS' - Yuval Noah Harari.
Every reader has that one book that has an impact on their lives and way of thinking, for me that book is 'Sapiens - A Brief History of Humankind' by Yuval Noah Harari.
Firstly, this is more than just a history book, it is extremely thought provoking, bold and powerful. All 500+ pages had my brain working in overdrive, this is one of those books I would read a few pages then take a moment to digest what my brain just consumed.
As a tour guide, I found this book was perfect for fuelling thought provoking conversations with topics such as religion, politics, communication and human evolution being just a small sample of what is held within these pages.
Sapiens is one of a three part book series that seriously changed my view of the world. I recommend everyone to give this book a go, if you love it check out the follow up 'Homo Deus - A Brief History of Tomorrow'.
For now, if you are interested in exercising your brain, check out Sapiens by clicking here.
'BIOLOGY AND EVOLUTION OF CROCODYLIANS' - Gordon Grigg and David Kirshner
Quite literally the bible of Crocodylian knowledge.
If anyone is looking to expand their Crocodylian knowledge base this book is an absolute must, I honestly don't think there is anything that we know about Crocodylians that isn't in this book.
As a Wildlife Educator and guide, I often find myself going through this resource to better understand one of the most primative group of animals on earth.
It is not a book loaded with facts, more so a book loaded with discussions about these animals and some of the research that has been undertaken to better understand these very misunderstood reptiles.
I recommend this book to anyone who presents Crocodile information to the public (Zoo keepers, guides, educators, etc.)
It is a more expensive resource but well worth it, click here to check it out.
