Bagman to Swagman

Alistair McAlpine has had a lifelong love affair with Australia - he's bought large chunks of it, developed some, turned areas into a zoo and nature parks, and travelled much of the continent. These memoirs recall his arrival in his early twenties, his pioneer projects and his love for the country.

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Alistair McAlpine has had a lifelong love affair with Australia - he's bought large chunks of it, developed some, turned areas into a zoo and nature parks, and travelled much of the continent. Arriving in Australia in his early twenties as a junior member of the English family building conglomerate, McAlpines, he soon became involved in building Perth's first luxury hotel - the famous Parmelia - and other projects followed. He was a pioneer of eco-tourism with his development of Broome, building the Cable Beach Club and developing a zoo with animals from the around the world. A restless soul, he continually travelled the country by plane, train and four-wheel drive, developing a deep love for Australia's bush and its outback peoples. This volume of memoirs recalls his relationship with the country.