How does the vast, interconnected network of Highway One define the geographical and cultural identity of the Australian continent? George Farwell, a noted Australian writer and journalist, utilizes his extensive experience in documenting the Australian landscape to provide a comprehensive survey of the nation's primary arterial road. By traversing the perimeter of the country, he examines the diverse environments, townships, and industries that rely on this singular, massive infrastructure project. The text serves as a historical and observational framework for understanding the physical connectivity of a sprawling, sparsely populated nation.

Readers and historians often cite this work as a significant mid-century record of Australian regional development and travel culture. Experts highlight the text for its descriptive prose and its value as a snapshot of the Australian landscape prior to modern infrastructure upgrades.