A few months ago, we stayed amongst an Indigenous Australian community when we were in South Australia. If you have not had the chance to experience it but you still want to learn more about Aboriginal culture, here is your chance. On the outskirts of Cairns, the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park is an attraction not to be missed. The park managed by Indigenous Australians showcases different aspects of Aboriginal culture through dynamic presentations in which the public takes part. You will discover the medicinal value of bush tucker, learn how to throw a spear and a boomerang and you will enjoy professional theatre incorporating traditional Aboriginal culture with dancing, fire making and storytelling (photo). It is quite modern and touristy, but it is a great way to be introduced to the rich Aboriginal culture.

Part of this activity was paid by Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park.

Goanna (known as Australian monitor lizard) is probably one of the most iconic creatures in Aboriginal mythology and Australian culture. Roughly speaking, it is a large carnivorous lizard found in almost all parts of Australia except Tasmania. A goanna has a powerful jaw along with five sharp claws at the end of each member. Feeling threatened, it could mistake you for tree and attempt to climb off the ground to safety. So be aware! Apart from that, it is not dangerous and will not attack you. That being said, we put our pride aside when we met this goanna (photo) on Fitzroy Island near Cairns. It was not far from measuring three metres (which is pretty huge) and did not seem to deviate from our path! Rather than challenging it, we walked off the beaten path!

Uluru is one of the most famous rocks in the world (photo). Also known as Ayers Rock, this world-class natural show is particularly moving, an emotion difficult to express with words. No photo or video can replace what you see with your own eyes after the long journey that takes you there (Alice Springs is 460 km away, Adelaide is 1,600 km away and Darwin is 1,960 km away). It is located in the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, which also includes the rock formations of Kata Tjuta (Mount Olga), sacred places of a very high importance to the Anangu people, one of the oldest human societies in the world. The park is one of the few sites part of the UNESCO World Heritage List for both its natural and cultural wealth. Uluru, which has become a major tourist attraction since the World War II, is a symbol of Australia. With the construction of a huge modern resort and the presence of too many tours, the place loses its authenticity. Sometimes it feels like Disneyland and that is unfortunate. Just like us, you can do your part not to encourage this excessive commercial development:

• Do not climb Uluru, you will show respect to Traditional Owners' law and culture;
• Take part in a daily cultural guided tour, run either by the Rangers (free) or by Indigenous;
• Visit the impressive Cultural Centre (free);
• Spend the night, if possible, on one of the free campsites located around the park.

Finally, do not miss a sunset over Uluru. This is a unique moment when the rock changes colors. Note that raining is rare in the Outback. However, severe storms can occur at Uluru. On this occasion, you might see a rare sight: huge waterfalls. If you have had the chance to experience it, share your photos with our readers!

Kakadu National Park is a reserve of major importance, both for its natural and cultural treasures (its lands have always been inhabited for more than 40,000 years). UNESCO has also listed Kakadu as World Heritage in both categories. Covering an area of 20,000 sq km, it represents a complex ecosystem in which a surprisingly large amount of rare plant and animal species live together, just over two hours drive from Darwin. We did not spend to much time there but we still had the chance to discover beautiful places such as Maguk (photo). Do not make the mistake to spend too little time in the Park. There are many tour operators in the area. Joining a guided tour is probably the best way not to miss any of all its treasures, including Aboriginal rock paintings, in one of the world's largest concentrations. Note that the entrance is free. Jabiru, a small town completely surrounded by Kakadu National Park is really handy for refueling (visitors and vehicles).

Found in the Kimberley and in the adjacent Northern Territory a multitude of Australian baobabs. This is the only place in Australia, and one of the few places in the world (there are other species in Africa, Arabian Peninsula and Madagascar), where one can see these interesting trees growing natively. Like all the baobabs, they are easily recognizable by their impressive trunk size. Indigenous Australians used them as a food source and for medicinal purposes. They also used them to paint or make sculptures. On the other hand tourists stop on the side of the road to take pictures of them, as they do with the termite mounds that are also found in large numbers in the area.

Kings Park, located in downtown Perth, is one of the largest inner city parks in the world. It is located on a hill overlooking the city offering stunning views of the central business district and the Swan River waters. Tourist or local, everyone loves to laze on its lawns or run and ride their bicycle on its trails. In spring time, the park is home to the Kings Park Wildflower Festival, an internationally renowned event celebrating the beauty of Western Australia native wildflowers. Kings Park is also a sacred place for Aborigines. Various tours are offered to visitors.

Ceduna is the last "town" to drive through in South Australia when crossing into Western Australia. This small port city located on the Eyre Peninsula is, like Port Lincoln, an oceanfront delight of seafood lovers. The region is also famous for its history and Aboriginal culture. But in Ceduna, it is an unusual house situated in a residential area that attracted our attention. The Ceduna Wombat and Fauna Rescue is run by a local Mum who is the passionate carer of the animals. She has created a haven in her backyard for injured and orphaned animals. It is a unique opportunity to hold and hug a baby wombat!

Staying amongst an Indigenous Australian community is something we have wanted to do since the beginning of our project. It became a reality in the Flinders Ranges at the Aboriginal community of Iga Warta. What an amazing experience it was! We were welcomed with open arms by the extremely friendly, warm and open hearted people of Iga Warta. It was as if we were part of the family. Gathered around the fire, we were treated to a special feast of kangaroo and emu which had been cooked using the traditional method handed down from their ancestors. Whether for a few hours or few days, we strongly recommend a visit to Iga Warta. This is a unique opportunity to understand more about Aboriginal culture and lifestyle. On site, various educational activities and accommodation options are available. Not to be missed!

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Iga Warta.

Adelaide is regarded as Australia's capital of culture. It is a city of festivals which also hosts many international sporting events each year. Downtown, in the district of North Terrace, the architectural legacy of the first settlers in 1836 is well preserved, which gives an elegant aspect to the city. It is there that Adelaide's various cultural institutions are grouped. We had the opportunity to visit the Art Gallery of South Australia. This gallery, founded in 1881, houses some of Australia's greatest art collections in one of the most beautiful buildings of the city. It has a collection of 38,000 works (paintings, sculptures, photographs, etc.) from Europe, North America, Asia and Australia of course (including one of the largest collections of Aboriginal art). Until August 5, the Art Gallery of South Australia is hosting two exhibitions related to the colonization of South Australia:

• South Australia Illustrated: Colonial painting in the Land of Promise
• Bounty: Nineteenth-century South Australian gold and silver

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Art Gallery of South Australia.

The Grampians are very important to the Aborigines from south-west Victoria. The national park is host to more than 80% of the state's Aboriginal rock art works sites. Only five, scattered to the four corners of the park, are open to the public. We feel truly privileged to have access to them. The Brambuk National Park & Cultural Centre located just outside of Halls Gap, in addition to being a building with stunning architecture, allows you to learn a lot about the history and culture of local Aboriginal communities. A must see!

Canberra is the federal capital of Australia, located between Sydney and Melbourne in the mid-lands of New South Wales. Interesting feature, the city was drawn on the plan by Walter Burley Griffin, one of the greatest American architects of the twentieth century, before any construction took place. In 2013, Canberra will celebrate its centenary. There is no real downtown, but many parks and wide avenues. This is a new city which sometimes parallels Washington D.C., Quebec City or Ottawa. Canberra's charm does not necessarily lie in the architecture of the city but rather in its museums and galleries, some of which may have a profound effect. This is particularly true of the Australian War Memorial (photo) which is also a museum displaying a detailed historical account of the various armed conflicts in which Australia has participated to date. The Aboriginal Tent Embassy erected on the lawns of Old Parliament House is an interesting visit, even though it is by no means a tourist monument. Meeting and talking with an Indigenous Australian is an emotional moment that opens our eyes to the lack of recognition from the Australian government towards Aboriginals.

Impressed by the countless exotic birds that you come across in Australia. Parakeets, or multicolored parrots, pelicans (not all of their name start with "P") are as common as pigeons and magpies are in western cities. But until now our favorite is the Laughing Kookaburra, a mythical bird in Aboriginal culture, famous for its endless laughing call. And it makes us laugh! We came across one not too long ago. Its look says it all. Judge for yourself!