Lonely Planet has introduced a suite of new Australian titles, guides, pocket guides and planning maps, which it says represents a bold and modern evolution of the brand.

Each guide, in both print and digital version, features a unique feel and profile, filled with fresh experiences, insider secrets, new voices, and diverse perspectives on travel within Australia.

Lonely Planet assures that its writers still hit the road, visiting every place featured in the guidebook, to provide unbiased advice and guidance to the country, no AI or Google-generated content involved.

First editions include Experience Australia, part of the successful new Lonely Planet Experience Guide series. The new Pocket Sydney and Pocket Melbourne guides are among the first of the newly designed pocket guides to be published globally, providing travellers with a concise and engaging journey through these cities.

The refreshed format aligns with contemporary travelling options and feature even more insights from local experts, recruited by Lonely Planet to offer insider knowledge and their own unique perspectives on food, culture and destinations that are beyond the normal tourist map.

“With a renewed thirst for travel and knowledge, people are still avidly purchasing travel guides. We’ve conducted extensive research to understand what travellers seek in this new era of travel,” global marketing and sales director Chris Zeiher, said.

“These new editions are an evolutionary response to those insights, while keeping the essence of the much-loved Lonely Planet brand.

“They’re expanding our definition of travel and we’re proud to showcase Australia with this fresh approach – we look forward to seeing more people exploring our own backyard.”

A new essay and storybook section enrich the guides with short features providing insights into the location, plus sparking discussion about Australian culture and history. Topics range from women in sport to the controversial commercialisation of bush tucker, and, more whimsically, Australia’s fascination with “giant things”.

The guides, first printed 47 years ago, offer even more focus on cultural diversity, accessibility, responsible and LGBTQI+ travel.

Over the past 50 years Lonely Planet has printed over 150 million guidebooks covering 221 countries as well as countless other titles showcasing the wonders of the world for travellers of all types.

Facts about Lonely Planet writers

• 19 writers researched destinations on-the-ground for the Australia suite of guidebooks
• 74% of writers were either locally based or a former resident of the region they were writing about
• 63% are currently based in the region they were writing about
• 8 female writers, 11 male writers, 1 nonbinary writer
• 3 writers are members of the LGBTQIA+ community

Local experts 

• Over 40 local experts share their top insider tips.
• Tour operators, including Indigenous guides such as Nunami Sculthorpe-Green, proud palawa and Walpiri woman and owner of Blak Led Tours in Tasmania and Delta Kay, Arakwal Delta Kay, Arakwal Bundjalung guide with Explore Byron Bay
• Sports stars such as Alex Pearce, captain of the Fremantle Dockers (AFL)
• Personalities and politicians, including Anna Reynolds, Lord Mayor Hobart

Sales figures

• 2.79 million copies – lifetime number of Lonely Planet’s Australia guidebook printed
• 47 years in print – Lonely Planet’s 1st edition of Australia was published in 1977
• 16 – number of Guidebooks Lonely Planet produces to Australia
• 9 – number of Planning Maps Lonely Planet produces to Australia

Of the 10 top-selling Lonely Planet books in August 2024, 6 are Australia titles.  (The only other country guide to rank in the top 10 was Japan at #4, with Australia titles taking the top three spots.)

In August 2024, the five top-selling Lonely Planet books were (* Source: Lonely Planet):

• Tasmania
• Australia
• Experience Australia
• Japan
• Best Road Trips Australia