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The Coast: A Journey Along Australia's Eastern Shores
A celebration of the Australian seascape—from its natural grandeur to the quirky individualism of those who live beside it—this is the heartfelt and pertinent story of the issues facing Australia’s coast today and the resilience of its communities at a turning point. Traveling from the Torres Strait to Tasmania and from the showy beaches of Sydney to a beautiful village that endures despite the loss of its fishing fleet, this journey is imbued with a sense of optimism and humor. Even as new economic imperatives emerge and the shift in climate becomes apparent, this book revels in the heritage and character of Australia’s shores.
320 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
11 people are currently reading
281 people want to read
About the author
Chris Hammer
12 books1,445 followersChris Hammer is a leading Australian crime fiction author. His first book, Scrublands, was an instant #1 bestseller upon publication in 2018. It won the prestigious UK Crime Writers' Association John Creasey New Blood Dagger and was shortlisted for awards in Australia and the United States.
Scrublands has been sold into translation in several foreign languages. Chris's follow-up books—Silver (2019), Trust (2020), Treasure & Dirt (2021), The Tilt (2022) and The Seven (2023)—are also bestsellers and all have been shortlisted for major literary prizes. The Valley is his seventh novel.
The Tilt (published as Dead Man's Creek in the UK) was named The Sunday Times Crime Book of the Year for 2023.
Scrublands has been adapted for television, screening globally, and production is underway for a second series based on Silver.
Before turning to fiction, Chris was a journalist for more than thirty years. He has written two non-fiction books The River (2010) and The Coast (2012).
He has a bachelor's degree in journalism from Charles Sturt University and a master's degree in international relations from the Australian National University.
Scrublands has been sold into translation in several foreign languages. Chris's follow-up books—Silver (2019), Trust (2020), Treasure & Dirt (2021), The Tilt (2022) and The Seven (2023)—are also bestsellers and all have been shortlisted for major literary prizes. The Valley is his seventh novel.
The Tilt (published as Dead Man's Creek in the UK) was named The Sunday Times Crime Book of the Year for 2023.
Scrublands has been adapted for television, screening globally, and production is underway for a second series based on Silver.
Before turning to fiction, Chris was a journalist for more than thirty years. He has written two non-fiction books The River (2010) and The Coast (2012).
He has a bachelor's degree in journalism from Charles Sturt University and a master's degree in international relations from the Australian National University.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
July 6, 2018
This is a beautiful trip down the Eastern seaboard of Australia with the focus being, as you can tell from the title, that fascinating relationship between the land and the sea that is so central to Australian life.
A fascinating point that is made by the author, and which he explores in the book, is that in the initial stages of settlement no one cared for the coastal regions. The bush was the iconic center of the emergent Australian persona. That icon of verse Banjo Patterson appeared to loath the sea and idolise the bush, up until the early 1900's it was illegal to 'sea-bathe' in Sydney at least. Now we are very sea-of-centric. This exploration is more of a gentle musing than a radical social exposition however.
The book is set in a variety of locations; Torre Straits down to Bass Straits and I found both the places I had been and the places I would like to go equally fascinating. Cyclones in North Queensland, the dangers to the reef, climate change with it's inevitable affect on the coastlines, all these are given attention. I especially enjoyed the section about Byron Bay council and it's policies on coastal erosion. It was interesting to watch the question of sand washout relating to Byron and still affecting Brunswick heads, areas that are both fond haunts of mine.
While this may sound gloomy the reading experience is anything but. The light, humorous writing style makes it very pleasant to read, in my opinion. I think anyone who is interested in the Eastern coast, which is to say anyone interested in Australia and it's culture, should enjoy it. It is certainly not 'fast paced' and there is no attempt to over-dramatise anything, but does something like cyclone Yasi really need dramatisation? I think not.
There are brief mentions of the Cronulla riots, fishing on the NSW coast and finally the bizarre experience that is 'schoolies' on the Gold Coast. This is covered kindly and sensitively, and, having observed one, I have to say that being kind about it requires no small amount of journalistic skill. This skill Chris Hammer certainly has after a lifetime of journalism and a couple of awards under his belt.
A fascinating point that is made by the author, and which he explores in the book, is that in the initial stages of settlement no one cared for the coastal regions. The bush was the iconic center of the emergent Australian persona. That icon of verse Banjo Patterson appeared to loath the sea and idolise the bush, up until the early 1900's it was illegal to 'sea-bathe' in Sydney at least. Now we are very sea-of-centric. This exploration is more of a gentle musing than a radical social exposition however.
The book is set in a variety of locations; Torre Straits down to Bass Straits and I found both the places I had been and the places I would like to go equally fascinating. Cyclones in North Queensland, the dangers to the reef, climate change with it's inevitable affect on the coastlines, all these are given attention. I especially enjoyed the section about Byron Bay council and it's policies on coastal erosion. It was interesting to watch the question of sand washout relating to Byron and still affecting Brunswick heads, areas that are both fond haunts of mine.
While this may sound gloomy the reading experience is anything but. The light, humorous writing style makes it very pleasant to read, in my opinion. I think anyone who is interested in the Eastern coast, which is to say anyone interested in Australia and it's culture, should enjoy it. It is certainly not 'fast paced' and there is no attempt to over-dramatise anything, but does something like cyclone Yasi really need dramatisation? I think not.
There are brief mentions of the Cronulla riots, fishing on the NSW coast and finally the bizarre experience that is 'schoolies' on the Gold Coast. This is covered kindly and sensitively, and, having observed one, I have to say that being kind about it requires no small amount of journalistic skill. This skill Chris Hammer certainly has after a lifetime of journalism and a couple of awards under his belt.
November 12, 2020
Not quite as good as his first book the River, Hammer still tells a wonderful story mixing environmental science with an anthropology style look at Australian society up and down the east coast.
He explores questions of what makes this country tick and interviews many Australians whose lives are intertwined with the coast. Some are positive about our future, but the majority are pessimistic either because they see the effects of cliamte change already creating an imbalance in the natural ecosystems, or because they think the environmentalists are stopping too much economic growth along the coast. Hammer explores this clear divide showing that neither party are happy. Perhaps we are more like the Brits than we'd like to think.
He explores questions of what makes this country tick and interviews many Australians whose lives are intertwined with the coast. Some are positive about our future, but the majority are pessimistic either because they see the effects of cliamte change already creating an imbalance in the natural ecosystems, or because they think the environmentalists are stopping too much economic growth along the coast. Hammer explores this clear divide showing that neither party are happy. Perhaps we are more like the Brits than we'd like to think.
October 22, 2020
Nice easy read. Expected more about our coast and coast culture. Chris took us to places many of us are unlikely to get to, e.g Torres Strait. I felt he made very large jumps down the east coast and in doing so skipped a places worthy of a mention. e.g the city baths at Newcastle
September 21, 2021
How the coast define Australian's identify. From Torres Strait to Tasmania
May 1, 2019
The Coast follows the same format as The River. Hammer visits a myriad of places along the east coast of Australia including a visit to the Torres Strait. His focus appears to be on how climate change will affect the settlements in the places he visits. Whereas The River was written during a drought cycle, The Coast is set during a La Nina flood year and includes before and after cyclone Yassi. At times I thought the author drifted from the books intended theme to the point that I had no idea why he included certain segments. His foray into Nimbin to explore the hippy culture was interesting, but for the life of me I cannot understand why he didn't call into the Permaculture Research Institute since he drove right past the gates. If he had have he may well have found what he was desperately seeking. Reading the book years after publication I can't help but feel a little sad that his hopes pinned on the success of the carbon tax to curb emissions amounted to nothing. Hammer is a very good writer and his books are a joy to read. I hope he decides to continue the series and do one on the desert. I recommend this book to anyone who likes environmentally focused stories or travelogs.
January 26, 2021
Like many Australians I know many parts of the East Coast of Australia so it was great to read about some of places that I knew but many that I didn’t.
It’s a thoroughly engrossing read from a true storyteller; lots of fascinating stories and interesting characters meet along the route. There is also a bit of an insight into the authors family and life on the coast, and his exploration of the concerns (and a bit of hope) in relation to the environment that surrounds us.
It’s a thoroughly engrossing read from a true storyteller; lots of fascinating stories and interesting characters meet along the route. There is also a bit of an insight into the authors family and life on the coast, and his exploration of the concerns (and a bit of hope) in relation to the environment that surrounds us.
June 17, 2021
After page 237 or probably from the beginning I knew I would have to buy this book which has happened of course. Reading about the beaches I've holidayed at as a child brought me a lot of memories too as my family owned a property at 595 Nepean Highway Carrum a huge double block now with 20 units on it...oh well progress others say. Like you I managed to travel quite extensively and more so into Far North Queensland personally devastated by drought ravaged cattle, horse and other farmlands where rivers are non existent. I digress it's your story Chris 'The Coast' is such an eye opening for today's tomorrows and yesterday's living by the coast wherever you are not just Australia as we all knew even if we weren't told 'born in climate change.' After snorkeling with friends at Flinders a lovely spot protected in a Marine Park near the golf course we managed to see 2 metre seagrasses such vivid colours and fish darting amongst it as my foot touched small sting rays WOW marine life is so exciting as I wait for the Crabs to shed their skins in Mornington thankfully the Shire has encouraged this activity with local schools and holiday makers to protect them from others who would rather kill them. Oh to more marine parks out to Federal waters so we can protect them from killing marine life for sport which is why I am writing to engage.com.au on the Wildlife Act which condones permits to kill wombats and not those rotten feral sambar deer in most of Victoria. Happy days Chris and to your family I just love whales, seals, fairy penguins, koalas, wallabies' and all fauna, flora and their habitats as I hope others enjoy your book as much as I have and now await Booktopia's copy of it. I lost you book in my clean up, then the library wanted it then I got three extensions because of lockdowns to finish it. YAY
May 3, 2022
Journalist and author Chris Hammer leads readers on an engaging tour of the coast that helps define our national identity. Cleverly, he weaves his personal history into the narrative. The book was first published a decade ago; it would make a wonderful follow-up if Hammer repeated his journey and revealed what's happened.
June 10, 2022
Rambling and insightful observations of many locations I have visited by someone close to my vintage. I was born on the coast, swam in the ocean before I could walk, and have never been far away from it since. Each ‘story’ is a snapshot in time and place.
April 17, 2021
I love books that describe life in Australia in the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s snd 90’s. Such a fascinating time to grow up exploring some of these places.
March 18, 2014
"I got hooked by Heron Island". This book starts at one of my favourite places on earth - Heron Island. And after that, I had to keep reading. The Coast took me to fascinating places I had never been - like the Torres Strait and Far North Queensland immediately post-cyclone. It also took me to places I know well and love - like the Gold Coast. As well as travel, this book offers lots of thought-provoking insight into climate change and local environmental concerns.
July 25, 2013
A laid back trip down the east coast from Torres Strait to Tassie. Looking for a response to global climate change and its resultant impact on coastal communities, Hammer doesn't always elicit informed or interested responses from the people he comes across. Enjoyed the trip and some interesting observations on some of the locations but it never really go overheated.
January 2, 2016
I bought this book at a book sale as I was preparing to travel up the North Coast. It was very interesting and a wonderful story of the many and different towns up and down the east coast of Australia.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews