Every week, iPhoneography Oz invites one of its Instagram followers to cover a topic about Australian society. Today, meet @domblissleese on the side of the road in Gippsland.
iPhoneography Oz: Who are you in less than 140 characters?
domblissleese: I'm a city girl who married a country boy & mum of two teenagers. I am obsessed with photography and good coffee and I'm constantly seeking the art & beauty in everyday life.
iOz: Your photo shows a really lovely green countryside where life seems so peaceful. Where is it exactly?
d: This photo was taken by the side of the road near a small town called Korumburra, in South Gippsland, Victoria, approximately 100 kilometres south-east of Melbourne. It is usually a place of green rolling hills, but a lack of rain has left these beautiful hills looking rather dry and brown at the moment. It is a very peaceful part of the world, the silence only broken in the early mornings by the sounds of magpies chortling and cows mooing as they head back out to their paddocks after the early morning milking session.
iOz: What to do in South Gippsland?
d: Without a doubt South Gippsland is a place of natural beauty. It is home to Wilsons Promontory National Park, which has some of the most beautiful beachfront you will ever see. There are also the stunning beaches of Sandy Point, Walkerville and Waratah Bay. There is native wildlife around every corner, kangaroos, koalas, echidnas, wombats and lots more. There are plenty of outdoor opportunities such as hiking, surfing and bike riding, as well as the gorgeous locally produced food and wine to indulge in. There is a strong local slow food culture which can be explored at the local farmers markets held every weekend at the small towns of Korumburra, Koonwarra, Foster and Inverloch. The town of Loch is the place to go for antique shopping and the town of Meeniyan is home to some great galleries and fabulous cafes. If you are planning a holiday, come visit South Gippsland, you won't be sorry!
iOz: If you were stuck in Australia with an unlimited budget and a week in front of you, what would you do?
d: Only a week?! Well I think I would have to say I'd go to Broome in Western Australia. The beaches, shopping for fabulous pearls, dining on amazingly fresh seafood under the stars. It would be my idea of paradise.
iOz: What was one of the best travel experiences you've ever had in Australia?
d: Without a doubt, our best travel experience was when we travelled from our home in South Gippsland across to Western Australia. We travelled with another family for 6 weeks, towing our caravans across the Nullarbor. We saw some amazing things, but the highlight would be seeing around 25 whales; mothers and calves frolicking in the waves under the cliffs at the Head of Bight on the Nullarbor. They were so close we could hear them breathing! It was life changing for us and my kids still talk about it to this day. Lucky Bay in Esperance and also the Margaret River region were also favourite's places.
iOz: What's your favourite photo on the blog?
d: Well I actually have 2. The first is one taken on your sunset kayak tour at 1770. It is a stunning part of the world there and my kayaking obsessed husband would love to do this. The other is the photo taken at Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island. It is breathtakingly beautiful and somewhere I'm yet to visit.
iOz: What kind of photos can our readers see on @domblissleese's Instagram feed?
d: My IG feed is definitely a snapshot of my life; the way I see it and more importantly with whom I share it. Expect lots of scenery shots of the beautiful area I live in, as well as a fair amount of food shots. I'm a passionate home cook, and I like to share my creations with my IG friends. I often add my addiction to caffeine to my feed with odd coffee shot thrown in as well!
iOz: Vegemite or Nutella?
d: Definitely Vegemite. No good Aussie girl would choose otherwise!
iOz: We're switching roles, ask us anything!
d: Travelling Australia for a year would have brought about your own life changing moments. Can you share one with us?
iOz: Not having access to clean water for a couple of days get you out of your comfort zone. Then you suddenly have access to clean water and find yourself enjoying a cold shower. That was one of the greatest life changing moments of our adventure. We came to the conclusion that all you need to be happy is water!
iOz: A last word?
d: Beauty and art is everywhere. Look at life through a lens and from a different angle. You will be amazed at what you soon see.
Photo captured by @domblissleese. To be featured, follow @iPhoneographyOz and tag your own iPhone photos with #iOz. Any image taken in Australia and tagged with #iOz is eligible.
Love the shot....Great idea and scenery