Batty’s Bush Bible is the creation of filmmaker and outback traveller David Batty. Some may be familiar with David’s name via his work on ABC’s docudrama series, Bush Mechanics, and this guidebook is written in the same humorous, irreverent and informative style.
The book starts with David’s backstory and how his work as a filmmaker has taken him to some of Australia’s most remote locations. There’s black and white photos from past travels as well as colour images of travels more recent. There’s also diary-style recounts of various adventures featuring interesting people that he’s met plus some ripper yarns and some very crazy experiences.
The book then shifts into its guidebook-mode with information about the best times to travel if planning a trip to some of Australia’s far flung places. To help you with considerations before you head off David covers topics such as the different types of vehicles suitable for outback driving before outlining a range of camping necessities such as shelter be it a humble tent or a more elaborate shelter option on wheels.
There’s information on the essential tools for fixing mechanical issues and even a helpful list of food items to pack. And try not to grin when reading the section on driving etiquette and the various finger wave gestures. You may even find yourself discreetly making the gestures while you read through the list.
Half way through the book its focus shifts to the point where you’re ready to hit the road. And even the type of road is covered as David includes snippets about dirt road dust and how various-sized dust particles have different names; definitely something I didn’t know.
Camp site selection, camp cooking and what to do if something goes wrong are all included and David offers great tips and tricks of how to fix things like blown fuses and lack of brake fluid. The more serious dilemma of running out of water is also covered right down to… yes, drinking urine. Thankfully David lists this as a last resort.
Another element of the book are the snippets of history and insights into remote Aboriginal communities. David also adds digital video links via scannable QR codes allowing you to watch footage of some of his adventures.
The book’s last few chapters are dedicated to ‘Essential Drives’ – places that the author recommends to explore. The Tanami Track that runs from Alice springs to Halls Creek,
The Gunbarrel Highway, the Gibb River Road and the Oodnadatta Track are among his list.
And no travel guidebook would be complete without a few handy recipes so David has added a few camp cooking options that are easy to make and no doubt very tasty to consume.
I really enjoyed this book; its dip-in/dip-out format and its light, casual, conversational tone that uses a lot of good old Aussie slang plus a few swear words thrown in for good measure.
It’s fair to say this book would make a great travelling companion and I’d certainly recommend it to anyone planning on ‘going bush’. Happy travels.
Author: David Batty
Publisher: Harper Collins
ISBN: 9 780733 343346
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This book review is supported by the Copyright Agency’s Cultural Fund
