Nature Books Australia

I used to overlook the chorus of frog calls I’d hear while walking along the river or visiting my parents’ bush block. Over time, curiosity got the better of me, and I started paying closer attention—trying to match those calls with the species I was seeing. That’s when I realised something: identifying frogs in Australia is surprisingly complex and nuanced.

One of the books that’s helped me on this journey is the Photography Field Guide to Australian Frogs. It’s an incredibly detailed and comprehensive resource, designed for those who want to develop a confident understanding of Australia’s diverse frog species. It’s not a light read—but for the curious naturalist, it’s a rewarding one.

How the Guide is Structured

The bulk of this guide is dedicated to frog identification keys and species profiles. The introductory section is just 20 pages—a relatively short preamble for a field guide—but it manages to pack in a surprising amount of valuable information.

The introduction covers:

• Invasive species

• Tips for finding frogs

• A detailed section on frog morphology

The morphology section was particularly helpful. It includes clear illustrations and photos showing:

• Head shapes

• Skin textures

• Foot and toe structures

While the scientific language can feel dense at times—especially for beginners—it lays a strong foundation for understanding the rest of the book. It’s the kind of chapter you’ll likely revisit often as you get more comfortable with frog terminology.

Excellent Species Profiles Backed by Strong Visuals

Where this guide truly shines is in its species profiles. They’re among the best I’ve come across in any field guide—clear, comprehensive, and supported by excellent photography.

Before diving into the profiles, the book provides several visual tools to help narrow your identification:

• A pictorial key to help you determine the frog’s family

• A visual guide to hand and foot structures

• An infographic with tips for using the keys effectively

The species are organised by family. There are four main frog families in Australia, plus two additional chapters that each cover a single unique species. Each family chapter includes:

• An overview of the family’s characteristics

• Key identification features

• A genus-level key (with images, where helpful)

From there, species are grouped by genus. Each genus starts with a one-page intro explaining its features, common lookalikes, and any relevant morpho-functional notes. For complex genera, these intros can extend to several pages and may include info on call variation or behavioural traits.

Each individual species profile is limited to one page. Around two-thirds of that space is dedicated to a distribution map, habitat notes, and identification information—including call descriptions and similar species. The other half focuses on detailed morphological traits. Each profile includes four photographs, tailored to highlight the key ID features specific to that genus.

This isn’t the type of book you skim through casually. Compared to field guides for birds or mammals, frog identification takes more patience and a bit of a learning curve—but it’s absolutely worth the effort.

Who Should Read This Guide?

If you’re passionate about frogs and serious about identifying them in the field, Photography Field Guide to Australian Frogs is a must-have. It’s detailed, methodical, and designed for readers who are willing to put in the time to learn.

However, I wouldn’t recommend it for children or those with only a casual interest in frogs. If you’re just starting out, a simpler guide like A Naturalist’s Guide to the Frogs of Australia might be a better fit. It focuses on common species and avoids overwhelming the reader with dense information and scientific terms.

This is the kind of book that earns a permanent place in your field kit or the backseat of your car—ready for action whenever a frog call catches your ear. I highly recommend it to anyone ready to deepen their knowledge of Australia’s fascinating frog fauna.

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Interest in foraging mushrooms in Australia has been steadily growing—but until recently, local foragers lacked a trusted, Australia-specific guide. Most mushroom foraging books were written for international audiences, and applying that information to Australian ecosystems came with real risks.

Wild Mushrooming: A Guide for Foragers fills this crucial gap. Written with clarity and care, it encourages a slower, more thoughtful approach to foraging by helping readers confidently identify a select number of edible fungi, rather than giving a surface-level overview of many. It’s a guide that could truly transform how fungi enthusiasts view mushroom foraging in Australia.

A Practical, Four-Part Structure

The book is divided into four main sections:

• Fungi Basics

• Poisonous Fungi

• Edible Fungi

• Recipes

This logical structure helps readers build foundational knowledge before they ever step into the field. The authors repeatedly stress that mushroom foraging isn’t something to rush into—it’s a skill that must be developed carefully over time. The emphasis is not just on what’s edible, but more importantly, what’s dangerous.

Let’s take a closer look at each section.

Fungi Basics: Setting the Groundwork

The opening chapters cover the fundamentals of fungi identification, the ecological role of fungi, and the rise of mushrooming in Australia. Some of the content—while fascinating—isn’t strictly necessary for identification, but it enriches your understanding of the sustainable foraging mindset.

The chapter on fungal features is dense and can feel overwhelming. The scientific terminology, while essential, might throw off beginners. However, it’s a chapter worth returning to as you build your identification skills—it’s a long-term resource, not a quick read.

Poisonous Fungi: Learning What to Avoid

In a welcome (and wise) move, the authors place the chapter on poisonous fungi before the one on edible species. Given how much is still unknown about fungi in Australia—including many species that haven’t been formally identified—this section reinforces the risks of misidentification.

The book profiles seven dangerous species, along with a separate section on the Paxillus involutus group. Each profile includes:

• An overview with common names

• A full page of detailed images (showing different stages and angles)

• Two extra pages with in-depth information

While some of the scientific content may not be relevant to the average forager, key sections on species distribution and identifying features are especially useful. When starting out, focus on the images and the visual checklists, then gradually explore the more technical details as your confidence grows. Most importantly: don’t forage unless you’re sure of what you’re doing.

Edible Fungi: Ten Carefully Chosen Species

This chapter profiles ten edible fungi species, most of which are introduced to Australia—but chosen carefully based on three key criteria:

• Ease of identification with clear diagnostic features

• Minimal risk of confusion with toxic lookalikes

• High likelihood of being encountered by foragers

Each profile follows the same helpful structure used in the poisonous fungi section, which makes comparison and cross-referencing easy.

Recipes: A Delicious (and Unexpected) Bonus

You wouldn’t expect a mushroom ID guide to include recipes, but this addition is a delight. There are 29 beautifully photographed recipes, contributed by chefs, mushroom inspectors, and home cooks. Each recipe comes with:

• A large, full-page image

• A detailed method, with ingredient notes and substitutions

• Advice on freshness, storage, and complementary flavours

The recipes strike a great balance between being accessible and creative. Whether you’re a budding forager or a passionate home cook, there’s plenty of inspiration for experimenting in the kitchen.

Final Verdict: Highly Recommended

Out of all the foraging books I’ve reviewed, Wild Mushrooming is one of the standouts. It’s practical, thoughtfully structured, and refreshingly cautious in its tone. The authors don’t promise shortcuts—instead, they offer the tools and knowledge needed to safely build your skills over time.

If you’re interested in identifying edible mushrooms in Australia, or simply want a deeper understanding of fungi and their role in local ecosystems, this is an essential addition to your bookshelf. Just be prepared to work hard—and enjoy the delicious rewards.