I love Lonely Planet guides! They've never steered me wrong in real life, and they're great for research. This particular volume was for the latter purpose; it has helped give me a feel for the towns and terrains my current heroes are navigating, at times confirming and otherwise challenging my expectations.
Whether your Outback travels take place in a 4WD or an armchair, I reckon this is the dinky-di book for you, mate.