Cooking and Walking Books

Get inspired and discover the joys of cooking and walking with my selection of cookery books by Australian chefs as well as my top walking and travel book recommendations.

Whether you’re looking for new culinary dishes to cook at home or new walking routes in and around Sydney, you will be well equipped with some of my favourite reads and guidebooks. Buy one for yourself, or give a book as a birthday gift, Christmas present, Mother’s Day or Father’s Day present.

I will continually keep an eye on the best recommended reads and update this page as necessary.

Bitesize Traveller is an affiliate for Booktopia. By purchasing through my website, I am able to earn a small commission – at no extra cost to yourself. I hope you enjoy my recommendations.

Top Cookery Books by Australian Chefs

The New Classics - Donna Hay

The New Classics

By Donna Hay

This landmark cook book features the ultimate collection of Donna's all time favourite classic recipes. Written in Donna's trademark simple, clear and easy way.

Matt Moran's Australian Food  : Coast + Country - Matt Moran

Matt Moran's Australian Food

By Matt Moran

From regional Australia to the rugged coastline, discover delicious recipes that span the country including slow-roasted lamb shoulder and a passionfruit cheesecake.

Simple Chinese Cooking - Kylie Kwong

Simple Chinese Cooking

By Kylie Kwong

Cooking Chinese food at home has never been easier with Kylie Kwong's book. Enjoy cooking everyday favourites like soy sauce chicken and sung choi bau.

Maggie's Kitchen - Maggie Beer

Maggie's Kitchen

By Maggie Beer

Featuring 120 favourite recipes from Maggie Beer's own kitchen, including the everyday basics and her iconic recipes forsweet quinces, verjuice and Barossa chooks.

Miguel's Tapas - Miguel Maestre

Miguel's Tapas

By Miguel Maestre

Miguel has brought his energy and passion to his book Miguel's Tapas. Flick through for authentic tapas for all times of the day from his native Spain. 

Good Food, Good Life  : 130 Simple Recipes You'll Love to Make and Eat - Curtis Stone

Good Food, Good Life

By Curtis Stone

Featuring 130 of Curtis's favourite dishes, showing that cooking is a joy rather than a chore. Includes mouthwatering photographs and handy make-ahead tips.

Top Food and Travel Books

Lonely Planet: The Food Book : A journey through the great cuisines of the world - Lonely Planet

Lonely Planet: The Food Book

By Lonely Planet

Journey through the great cuisines of the world. From local markets and street food, to fine dining and family feasts, foodies will be taken on a tantalising adventure to discover new flavours, textures and aromas.

Ultimate Eatlist : Lonely Planet - Lonely Planet Food

Ultimate Eatlist

By Lonely Planet Food

Get ready for a culinary adventure as the world's top chefs, food writers and food-obsessed authors come together to name their favourite, most authentic gastronomic encounters. 

Food Trails : Lonely Planet Food Guide - Lonely Planet Food

Food Trails

By Lonely Planet Food

Featuring 52 food trails from around the world, this beautifully illustrated hardbook is perfect for anyone who loves to try the local delicacies. Each trail includes a bespoke map, expert writing and practical details.

Sydney's Top Walking and Hiking Books

Sydney's Best Harbour & Coastal Walks : 4th Edition : WOODSLANE WALKING GUIDES - Katrina O'Brien

Sydney's Best Harbour & Coastal Walks: 4th Edition

By Katrina O'Brien

There's no better way to explore Sydney's stunning harbour, beaches and coastal cliffs and headlands than on foot. This beautifully written and well-organised walking guide includes 36 walks of varying degrees. 

Sydney's Best Bush Park & City Walks : 3rd Edition : The Bestselling Guide To Over 50 Fantastic Walks - Veechi Stuart

Sydney's Best Bush, Park & City Walks: 3rd Edition

By Veechi Stuart

Featuring over 50 walks throughout the Sydney basin, each walk specifies the distance, total ascent and descent, the grade and estimated duration. Discover Sydney's classic walks and adventurous tracks.

The Great North Walk 2/e : Sydney to Newcastle: Australia's most accessible long-distance walk - Matt Mcclelland

The Great North Walk:
​2nd Edition

By Matt McClelland

Stretching 250km from Central Sydney to Newcastle, the Great North Walk weaves it way through some of the most beautiful areas. Tackle as part of a multi-day holiday or explore on shorter day walks.

Blue Mountains Best Bushwalks : The Bestselling Colour Guide to Over 60 Fantastic Walks : 3rd Edition - Veechi Stuart

Blue Mountains Best Bushwalks: 3rd Edition

By Veechi Stuart

Featuring 60 different walks, varying in length from one to four hours, this is the perfect companion for the bushwalking fanatic. Includes full colour maps and step by step directions.

The Six Foot Track : 2nd Edition : The Classic Blue Mountains Long-Distance Track - Matt McClelland

The Six Foot Track:
2nd Edition

By Matt McClelland

For those that love long walks, The Six Foot Track is for you. Set in the World-heritage listed Blue Mountains region, experience the challenge of this 44-kilometre trek over one, two or three day hikes.

Best Walks of the Shoalhaven 2/e : The full-colour guide to over 40 fantastic walks - Gillian & John Souter

Best Walks of The Shoalhaven: 2nd Edition

By Gillian & John Souter

Explore the beautiful region of the Shoalhaven with this collection of leisurely beach-side strolls to the more rugged tracks deep in the bush. Includes Nowra, around Kangaroo Valley, Jervis Bay and more.

Walks, Tracks and Trails of New South Wales - Derrick Stone

Walks, Tracks and Trails of New South Wales

By Derrick Stone

Comprising over 140 of the best walks, tracks or trails in New South Wales, located in national parks, coastal parks, state forests, conservation reserves and more.

Top Walks in Australia - Melanie Ball

Top Walks
 in Australia

By Melanie Ball

Explore Australia on foot with some of the best bushwalks for walkers of all levels and experience. From famous walks like the Overland Track to undiscovered gems.

Walks in Nature: Australia 2nd ed : Easy Escapes into Unspoiled Landscapes Complete with Foodie Stops - Anna Carlile

Walks in Nature:
Australia 2nd Edition

By Anna Carlile

Featuring over 100 walking trails around the country, from coastal cliffs to iconic bush landscapes. Each trail includes a delicious suggested foodie stop along the way.

Great Walking Book Gift Ideas for the Family

Epic Hikes of the World : Lonely Planet Travel Guide : 1st Edition - Lonely Planet Travel Guide

Epic Hikes
 of the World

By Lonely Planet Travel Guide

Get inspired by a lifetime of adventure on foot with 50 inspirational hiking routes across 30 countries. From Africa to Australia, which trail piques your curiosity?

A History of the World in 500 Walks - Sarah Baxter

A History of the World in 500 Walks

By Sarah Baxter

From prehistory to the present day, learn and relive the stories behind 500 of the world's top walks that have shaped society. Lace up your own boots and experience it too.

1001 Walks You Must Take Before You Die : Country Hikes, Heritage Trails, Coastal Strolls, Mountain Paths, City Walks - Barry Stone

1001 Walks You Must Take Before You Die

By Barry Stone

Featuring 1,001 of the world's most beautiful walks through natural and urban settings, this guide is a great reference to some of the best hikes and views.