Every week, iPhoneography Oz invites one of its Instagram followers to cover a topic about Australian society. Today, meet @tasland perched high above Hobart.

iPhoneography Oz: Who are you in less than 140 characters?
tasland: My name's Anita & I commandeer the Tasmanian Land Conservancy Instagram page. We raise money to purchase and protect irreplaceable parts of Tassie and our "instafeed" shows some of these places amongst other things.

iOz: You were scampering around Wellington Park in Tasmania (photo). What are the pros and cons of such a hike?
t: As a newly arrived immigrant to Tasmania from Melbourne, I was told that there are some key gauntlets to take on that reduce the 30 year waitlist before I'm allowed to call myself a Tasmanian. Visiting Mount Wellington (Kunanyi) not only takes 2 years off the waitlist, but it also stops you from being kicked out of Hobart. If you are living in Hobart, as I am, you're expected to climb "the Mountain" annually as a rite of passage. Not having to leave Hobart is obviously a major pro to visiting Mount Wellington, but the view of the city and surrounds is stunning, the array of rock formations and plants makes for some really interesting Instagram shots/macros and hey, if Charles Darwin did it so should you. There really are no cons, just get yourself up there, the #MtWellington hashtag is a great motivator.

iOz: What are the best things to do in the Hobart area?
t: Go to one of several hiking shops and buy a puffer jacket. Wear it with short shorts to look truly local. See Hobart from the top of Mount Wellington and marvel at the serenity. Visit the Tassie devils at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary. Join the @instatassie Instagram group and go on an Instagram PhotoWalk anywhere in Hobart with them. Buy the best sushi ever from Masaaki at the Sunday Farm Gate Market. Visit MONA (.5 years off Becoming A Local Waitlist). Drive to Taroona and buy a coffee and a pie from The Picnic Basket just off Channel Hwy and feel like a true Aussie. Visit us at the Tasmanian Land Conservancy in Sandy Bay because we're really, really, ridiculously nice.

iOz: If you were stuck in Australia with an unlimited budget and a week in front of you, what would you do?
t: Worm my way in on a Nature Photographers Tasmania trip to somewhere like Lake Rhona or any other remote parts of Tassie they visit and capture so beautifully. If you want to really experience Tasmania I think you have to be prepared to rough it and get your hands dirty.

iOz: What was one of the best travel experiences you've ever had in Australia?
t: I moved to Tassie because of the consistent, amazing experiences I had whenever I visited. When I first moved here I got to hike in a remote area near Bronte Park on our reserve called Skullbone Plains and was blown away. Getting to visit places and seeing things you've never seen before is pretty special. Plus I got to see a baby echidna, something I've come to realise isn't really that rare here in Tasmania, but it was for me at the time.

iOz: What's your favourite photo on the blog?
t: I have a soft spot for street art in Melbourne, so was happy to see A Walk Through Melbourne's Laneways in your feed.

iOz: What kind of photos can our readers see on @tasland's Instagram feed?
t: There's very much a bias for nature shots on our feed, most of which have been taken at our permanent reserve properties. There are also some "around the office" shots that get slipped in, like the screen grab I took from a video clip our conservation scientist sent through. It showed a spotted quoll helping itself to some leftover pesto on a recent camping trip… I just thought it was amazing and thought the Instagram community would too.

iOz: Vegemite or Nutella?
t: It's evil to make people choose.

iOz: We're switching roles, ask us anything!
t: How do you know Misspixels? She's one of my all-time favourite iStock illustrators from way back… right up there with Simon Oxley… and that's saying something! :)
iOz: Never met Misspixels before but she's from Montreal, Canada where @iclo used to live before. We interact with her from time to time on twitter!

iOz: A last word?
t: Sharing the beautiful natural values of Tasmania via Instagram through the eyes of the Tasmanian Land Conservancy has been really rewarding and a lot of fun.

Photo captured by @tasland. To be featured, follow @iPhoneographyOz and tag your own iPhone photos with #iOz. Any image taken in Australia and tagged with #iOz is eligible.

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.

Every week, iPhoneography Oz invites one of its Instagram followers to cover a topic about Australian society. Today, meet @bellacorella wandering around the beach in Semaphore, South Australia.

iPhoneography Oz: Who are you in less than 140 characters?
bellacorella: Sister/daughter. Animal lover, gardener, interested in people's stories. Good at keeping secrets. Novice boogieboarder, mediocre cook and absolute Instagram addict.

iOz: Your photo shows a beach near Adelaide. Are there many beaches in Adelaide?
b: Ha, now you're testing me! Without counting I'd say around a dozen but I think the best ones are just a bit further south of Adelaide and along the Fleurieu Peninsula. Cleaner and less crowded.

iOz: What are your favourite things to see and do in the area?
b: Ride on the ferris wheel (the very same one that Elvis Presley rode on in the film Roustabout), see a movie at the Odeon Star Semaphore Cinemas, soak up the atmosphere along Semaphore Road and nearby Largs Bay, and watch the sunset of course!

iOz: If you were stuck in Australia with an unlimited budget and a week in front of you, what would you do?
b: Probably visit one of the many places in Australia that I still haven't seen - the Top End or Kimberley. With my own personal cook.

iOz: What was one of the best travel experiences you've ever had in Australia?
b: My recent (and 4th trip) to Tassie in January. I revelled in the glorious east coast beaches, Hobart's brilliant MONA/FOMA and the stunning beauty of Bruny Island. You could say I have an enduring love affair with this part of Australia :)

iOz: What's your favourite photo on iPhoneographyOz's Instagram feed?
b: I really like Abandoned Outback Servo by @becbecbecbecbec (that's a lot of becs). It's so evocative of the Australian outback, and I think the coast gets more than its fair share of photographic coverage anyway. Yep, I'm guilty too.

iOz: What kind of photos can our readers see on @bellacorella's Instagram feed?
b: Totally random and very personal stuff that I like, find interesting or funny. Since discovering Instagram (thanks to @janedc9), I'm really seeing my hometown of Adelaide in new and interesting ways, and so far, all except one photo was taken in or near Adelaide. The ferris wheel featured is the one that I mentioned earlier, while the photo of an Italianate style building is the beautiful Largs Pier Hotel in the beachside suburb of Largs Bay.

iOz: What will you be doing for the next hour?
b: Picking the last of my tomatoes and figs before getting ready for work. Enjoying the sound of the rain - so welcome down here. And sneaking one last look at Instagram (I did say I was addicted).

iOz: We're switching roles, ask us anything!
b: You set out to post 1 pic per day during your 12 months travelling around Australia. I'm impressed by your self-restraint but did you succeed? I think I know the answer... Is there anything you would have done differently during your travels last year?
iOz: We made it! It was quite a challenge particularly because of the lack of internet access in rural areas and sometimes because of the lack of interesting things to photograph. As you said we could really see Australia in an interesting way and paid attention to a lot of details. But for sure we will never promise 1 post per day anymore! :)

iOz: A last word?
b: A few words actually. Thanks for iPhoneography Oz; it's a great way for people to indulge their creativity on Instagram and show off some of Australia's less-well known attractions. And thanks for my 15 minutes of fame!

Photo captured by @bellacorella. To be featured, follow @iPhoneographyOz and tag your own iPhone photos with #iOz. Any image taken in Australia and tagged with #iOz is eligible.

Every week, iPhoneography Oz invites one of its Instagram followers to cover a topic about Australian society. Today, meet @miss_and shopping in the exciting Sydney's Chinatown. She posted this photo of Paddy's Markets, Sydney's biggest markets.

iPhoneography Oz: Who are you in less than 140 characters?
miss_and: Just a person who's interested in the world: people, places, stories. I work in radio broadcasting, make ceramics, take photos.

iOz: Your photo shows a part of the famous Paddy's Markets in Sydney. What can one find there?
m: You can find almost anything at Paddy's Markets. I like the food best, there's a lot of fresh fruit & vegies, spices, sweets, nuts, tea, more. Then there's the rest: clothes, bags, linen, CDs, mobile phone covers, jewellery, shoes... you get the idea. Today the markets have a distinctly Asian flavour as they're right next to Chinatown. They date back to the 1830s, and the name probably has an Irish connection.

iOz: What's your favourite part of Sydney's Chinatown?
m: The food! There's a wide range of Chinese cuisines, but these days many other wildly different Asian flavours too - Vietnamese, Japanese, Korean, Malaysian, Indonesian. You can spend up big or keep it cheap 'n' cheerful. For a moment's peace in the madness, visit Kimber Lane where the street art lifts you literally into the clouds.

iOz: If you were stuck in Australia with an unlimited budget and a week in front of you, what would you do?
m: A day and a bit at each at the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland, Cradle Mountain in Tasmania, and Uluru in the Northern Territory - to get a feel for all there is in Australia. Or maybe I'd just spend the week on the Ningaloo Coast in Western Australia swimming with the whale sharks...

iOz: What was one of the best travel experiences you've ever had in Australia?
m: Driving around Tasmania with a friend. Staggering natural beauty, lots of seafood and cheese, terrific wine in the Tamar Valley.

iOz: What's your favourite photo on the blog?
m: I love Kristina's pic and post about Melbourne's lane ways. If you opted not to spend a week swimming with whale sharks at Ningaloo, explore Melbourne's streets - they're full of street art, great restaurants and bars, and other surprises.

iOz: What kind of photos can our readers see on @miss_and's Instagram feed?
m: Whatever catches my eye: street art, buildings, alleyways, sky, clouds. Bright colours. Lots of pictures from Canberra, our beautiful national capital and my current home.

iOz: Vegemite or Nutella?
m: Sorry to be unAustralian... but Nutella every time! Must be my European mum's influence.

iOz: We're switching roles, ask us anything!
m: Beer or wine?
iOz: Wine without hesitation. Especially since we visited a few amazing places in Margaret River, The Barossa, McLaren Vale, Coonawarra and many more along our travels. By the way if you have some Bundaberg Rum Royal Liqueur served with cream, we'll have some thanks!

iOz: A last word?
m: Gorgonzola. What a great word.

Photo captured by @miss_and. To be featured, follow @iPhoneographyOz and tag your own iPhone photos with #iOz. Any image taken in Australia and tagged with #iOz is eligible.

Every week, iPhoneography Oz invites one of its Instagram followers to cover a topic about Australian society. Today, meet @kaminipal. She posted this photo of the Kakadu National Park looking spectacular in the Wet Season.

iPhoneography Oz: Who are you in less than 140 characters?
kaminipal: Wanderlust, Scientist, Photographer.

iOz: Your photo from the Top End is fantastic. How would you describe the Kakadu National Park?
k: It's breathtakingly beautiful! The landscape, nature, fauna and flora is serene and captivating. You really get to see the true beauty that Australia has to offer in such places.

iOz: How much time should one spend in the area to be sure not to miss a thing?
k: It depends what you would like to do. The Top End has a lot to offer if you like nature. They have some great National Parks like the Kakadu. I think a week to two weeks on a road trip would be sufficient to touch base with a few of these places and take in the beauty the Northern Territory has to offer.

iOz: If you were stuck in Australia with an unlimited budget and a week in front of you, what would you do?
k: The Kimberley and Broome are on my next places to hit in Oz. I love nature so I would love to take in the most of by going to Karijini National Park, Bungle Bungle Range, watch the sunset over Cable Beach, see the Staircase to the Moon at Roebuck Bay and of course with a unlimited budget I'd love to go swimming with the whale sharks out at Ningaloo Reef. Could only imagine the amazing pictures from such a adventure!

iOz: What was one of the best travel experiences you've ever had in Australia?
k: Yes, the trip to the Top End was certainly one of the best I've had in Australia. I really wanted to see the true Australian outback, the true beauty of the outback and it gave me that opportunity.

iOz: What's your favourite photo on the blog?
k: Love the collection of photos from Coral Bay in Western Australia, snorkelling and ped biking.

iOz: What kind of photos can our readers see on @kaminipal's Instagram feed?
k: My instagram feed is photos of my life, experiences and travel adventures. The world through my eyes.

iOz: What will you be doing for the next hour?
k: Heading back to Sydney from a weekend of adventure at Jenolan Caves.

iOz: We're switching roles, ask us anything!
k: What motivated you to start a photography blog of Australia?
iOz: The desire to share our adventures and show Australia through a perspective that differs from traditional guide books or travel blogs.

iOz: A last word?
k: "There is only you and your camera. The limitations in your photography are in yourself, for what we see is what we are." -Ernst Haas

Photo captured by @kaminipal. To be featured, follow @iPhoneographyOz and tag your own iPhone photos with #iOz. Any image taken in Australia and tagged with #iOz is eligible.

Every Friday, iPhoneography Oz invites one of its Instagram followers to cover a topic about Australian society. Today, meet @kristievasili. She took this beautiful photo along the esplanade in Cronulla.

iPhoneography Oz: Who are you in less than 140 characters?
kristievasili: I am like everybody else... a spiritual being, having a human experience. A lover of nature, Coldplay, chocolate, photography, tea, learning new things.

iOz: Your photo shows a beach near Sydney. Surpisingly enough, it wasn't taken at the famous Bondi Beach. Can you tell us a bit more about this place? Where is it?
k: This photo was taken along the esplanade in Cronulla, in Sydney South. It is about 30 minutes from Sydney City maybe... I am not so good with direction! It is a beautiful area, and a nice place to be on my day off. The walk along the esplanade at South Cronulla is lovely.

iOz: What do you like about this beach?
k: I like that it can be quiet, not too busy. I love being in nature, so the scent of the salt filled air, the sand, the water washing over my feet... all good things! Oh, and there's an amazing ice cream place close by... Cronulla Park Ice Creamery, I believe! The passion fruit gelato is delish!

iOz: If you were stuck in Australia with an unlimited budget and a week in front of you, what would you do?
k: Hmmm I would love to see a few places, so it is a toss up between Uluru, and exploring the many Whitsunday Islands.

iOz: What was one of the best travel experiences you've ever had in Australia?
k: Whitehaven Beach is definitely a stand out. Dunk Island as well. Whitehaven is ridiculously beautiful... pure white, soft, squeaky sand with clear, fresh water. I love that it is unspoiled. Dunk Island as well, just a few kilometres off the mainland coast from Mission Beach... that was a trip taken a couple of years ago, before Cyclone Yasi in 2011. It was very peaceful, and pretty, and would love to go back.

iOz: What's your favourite photo on the blog?
k: I love 'The Natural Beauty of the Whitsundays'. Such a great shot! Makes me wanna go back!

iOz: What kind of photos can our readers see on @kristievasili's Instagram feed?
k: Lots of nature pics, Coldplay pics from time to time, photos related to my work also (as a tai chi and meditation teacher at Karuna Wellness Centre).

iOz: What will you be doing for the next hour?
k: Tea and sleep.

iOz: We're switching roles, ask us anything!
k: Where have been your 3 favourite places that you have visited in Australia?
iOz: It's really hard to answer since we have been completely amazed by Australia! So let's say, Western Australia and particularly the Coral Coast. Then, Kangaroo Island and the Flinders Ranges in South Australia, Uluru, Port Douglas and the Whitsundays in Queensland... is that alright, do we have 3 places?

iOz: A last word?
k: Thanks again for sharing my photo :) PEACE x

Photo captured by @kristievasili. To be featured, follow @iPhoneographyOz and tag your own iPhone photos with #iOz. Any image taken in Australia and tagged with #iOz is eligible.

Every Friday, iPhoneography Oz invites one of our Instagram followers to cover a topic about Australian society. Today, meet @sweetocean_. She took this beautiful photo of a foggy morning on the Gold Coast.

iPhoneography Oz: Who are you in less than 140 characters?
sweetocean_: (145 characters, couldn't cut more!!!) I'm a lover of the ocean, passionate about our mother earth. I'm a dreamer, a free spirit. I'm a walker, a diver, a writer, a reader, a photographer. I'm a crazy mother and wife.

iOz: Your photo shows a foggy morning at Nobbys Beach (located south of Surfers Paradise). Isn't Queensland "where Australia shines"?
s: Queensland shines no matter fog, rain or wind! Today we had a 20 minutes of torrential rain; a combination of blue sky with grey clouds where mixing afterwards with a mega strong sunset light and a huge rainbow showed up, wide open, from one extreme to the other extreme of our 42 kilometres of beach, on top of the ocean... That's how Queensland shines!

iOz: It actually looks pretty spectacular. What's your favourite Gold Coast beach?
s: I would say Currumbin.

iOz: If you were stuck in Australia with an unlimited budget and a week in front of you, what would you do?
s: Without hesitation, I'll go to Lord Howe Island!

iOz: What was one of the best travel experiences you've ever had in Australia?
s: It was absolutely magical to see The Twelve Apostles at the Great Ocean Road, from above, in a tiny helicopter.

iOz: What's your favourite photo on the blog?
s: One of your photos at Coral Bay.... looks like such a dreamy place for snorkeling!

iOz: What kind of photos can our readers see on @sweetocean_'s Instagram feed?
s: Gold Coast beach culture.

iOz: Vegemite or Nutella?
s: 100% Nutella

iOz: We're switching roles, ask us anything!
s: How have you being able to travel for a year in Australia and around 20 other countries!?
Are you being sponsored or did you win the lotto? If you are being sponsored how did you make it happened?
iOz: It's all about saving money and spending it wisely. Of course you can't travel for free but it's possible to travel without spending a fortune. Do you know what? Travelling long term is most probably cheaper than living a "normal" settled life. Actually since you're asking, we might write an article and tell you exactly how we spent our budget.

iOz: A last word?
s: Love.

Photo captured by @sweetocean_. To be featured, follow @iPhoneographyOz and tag your own iPhone photos with #iOz. Any image taken in Australia and tagged with #iOz is eligible.

We have already tried several water sports since the beginning of our adventure (which is nearing the end...), be it surfing, kitesurfing, surf kayaking, sailing and snorkelling. There was at least one more activity we did not want to miss on the Sunshine Coast. And this activity is riding a Jet Ski. Whoever has never tried it before should do it as soon as possible! In Maroochydore, Maroochy River Jet Ski Hire & Tours is a small family business yet one of Australia's most experienced water sports businesses. Their guided jet ski tours are for people of all ages and experience (no license or experience is required for jet ski rentals). Beginners can ride their Sea Doo through the Sunshine Coast hinterland on the beautiful Maroochy River (photo). The more experienced might prefer the thrill of the ultimate jet ski adventure on the Coral Sea. We have tried both and in all cases, it is a barrel of fun. Jet skiing allows you to explore the Sunshine Coast from a whole different angle. Maroochy River Jet Ski Hire & Tours will soon offer the Flyboard, a new insane activity! Unfortunately, we will not be able to attend this premier, the official launch which will be held on February 2. Is there anyone who would be kind enough to cover the event for iPhoneography Oz?

Have you tried Jet Ski or Flyboard before? What is your best Jet Ski memory? Your worst? Tell us your stories in the comments below!

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Maroochy River Jet Ski Hire & Tours.

Bundaberg is a small town surrounded by fields where sugar cane is grown. Brisbane is 4 hours drive south. The town is best known for having given its name to one of Australia's most iconic brands. Each year, more than 100,000 tourists and rum fans make the journey to this part of Queensland, home of Australian rum. Bundaberg Distilling Company is the place where you can explore more than 100 years of rum making expertise. The facility is open to the general public. On site, you can go for an interesting self guided tour with interactive and sensory display. Or you can go for the BDC Distillery Experience, a guided expedition deep into the working distillery. This second option is a real gem. Not only you can explore the entire rum-making process, but you can also relax in the Bundy Tasting Bar and sample rum delivered direct from the Distillery (Bundaberg Rum Royal Liqueur served with cream is simply to die for). Seriously a trip to Bundaberg is not complete without a stop at the Distillery, consistently ranked among the favourite tourist destinations in Queensland.

Do you belong to rum aficionados? Have you tasted any Bundaberg Rum before? What is your favourite Bundaberg Rum? What is your favourite rum-based cocktail recipe? Share it with us in the comments below!

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Bundaberg Distilling Company.

We have often talked about surfing on the blog (it was only yesterday that we mentioned our last surf lesson). Today we join 1770 Liquid Adventures to surf waves... on a kayak. A whole heap of great fun, that is what surf kayaking is! The tour also includes a more relaxed pace of cruising through the beautiful waterways of Seventeen Seventy and complimentary drinks and snacks on a wild secluded beach. 1770 Liquid Adventures offers a few different tours, but we highly recommend the Sunset Kayak Tour, which finishes by sea kayaking facing an amazing sunset (photo). Actually, it is the only place on the east coast of Australia, where you can actually watch an ocean sunset from a kayak! For a fleeting moment, we travel back in time imagining just what James Cook saw when he discovered Queensland...

Have you ever surfed on a kayak? What are the activities you have taken part in Seventeen Seventy? What would you recommend to do or see in the area? Let us know in the comments below!

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of 1770 Liquid Adventures.

We have to admit that British explorer James Cook had a job that was not too bad at all. Not only was he behind the discovery of Australia, but during his northward journey along the east coast that followed, he also became the first "tourist" to set foot in Queensland. On this occasion, Cook discovered a treasure (for the eyes at least). It is partly thanks to James that today, we can explore the charming twin seaside communities of Agnes Water and Seventeen Seventy (named after Lieutenant - not Captain yet - James Cook who came ashore on 24 May 1770). We are about a hundred kilometres north of Bundaberg. Being here, it would be apt to read Captain Cook's Journal During the First Voyage Round the World. The setting is perfect. The Great Barrier Reef is off the coast. The beach in front of us is rather picturesque and particularly appreciated by surfers (Agnes Water is the most northern surf beach on the East Coast of Australia). The climate is perfect today (as well as most of the year with nearly 300 days of sunshine). This location certainly has a high tourism potential. However, there is no commercialization and the area's natural beauty has been preserved, just like at Mission Beach. Ah, it feels so good being here! Only the sound of helicopters landing at nearby luxury villas might disturb our tranquility. We heard through the local grapevine that the passengers are Quiksilver and Billabong's founders who own a holiday home in the area. No matter who they really are, we must be right in thinking that Agnes Water and Seventeen Seventy are, in their own way, a dream destination.

What do you think? Have you ever been to Agnes Water and Seventeen Seventy? What is your dream destination? Let us know in the comments below!

Before arriving in Airlie Beach, we have been told various things about the place that sounded comparable to some of the bad aspects of Cairns and the Gold Coast. "Consumerist town" and "the kind of place where people like to party non-stop" were just a couple of opinions that we have heard. That is the reason why sailing the Whitsunday Islands quickly became the best and most appealing option for us. As a result we joined Explore Whitsundays on a cruise around this unique paradise, between Whitsunday Island and the many others islands of the archipelago. We spent two days sailing on Siska, a yacht that won the Sydney Hobart Yacht Race. Two days of sun and white sand (Whitehaven Beach is probably one of the most beautiful beaches in the world). Two days snorkelling in the beautiful turquoise water, appreciating the amazing ecosystem of the Great Barrier Reef (there are so many tropical fish to be seen). Two magical days exploring peaceful and hidden inlets. Life can be tough sometimes! Eventually, we returned to Airlie Beach where we spent a bit of time in town and found the place quite pleasant with its shops and accommodation, its lagoon and its relaxed atmosphere, a far cry from what we were expecting. All that to say that any travel to Australia should always include a cruise in the Whitsundays. However, be well informed before booking the cheapest cruise or you might find yourself on a crowded boat with little room to sleep.

What do you think? Have you been on a cruise in the Whitsundays? Which islands of the Whitsundays would you recommend to go? Let us know in the comments below!

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Explore Whitsundays.

There are a few islands off the coast of Australia such as Fraser Island, Tasmania and Kangaroo Island just to name a few. And then there are the Whitsundays. This archipelago off the coast of Airlie Beach, consisting of 74 islands, is certainly among the very best on Earth as far as idyllic landscapes go (most probably high on the list of honeymoon destinations too). These islands are part of the Great Barrier Reef, UNESCO World Heritage listed site. People come from all over the world to spend their dream holidays here. As it occurs really often in Australia (except on the Gold Coast), nature has preserved all its rights in the area. Whitsunday Island is the largest of these islands. The most famous too, probably because it is home to Whitehaven Beach (photo). As for the rest, it is self-explanatory. It has taken our breath away!

What do you think? Is there another place than Whitehaven Beach you would rather be right now? Do you think Whitehaven Beach is the most beautiful beach in Australia? Let us know in the comments below!

Today we are talking about a place that we have not fully experienced, which is pretty rare on iPhoneography Oz. We spent just enough time to take a few pictures here. Being a bit rushed for time, we were not able to enjoy the place to its full extent. Why mention it then? Because this place is absolutely beautiful: Mission Beach situated at the southern end of Tropical North Queensland. Could this be the most beautiful beach in Australia? At first glance, nature is everywhere with its long unspoilt beaches, deserted islands and rainforest. Along the way, there are many road signs indicating the presence of a strange bird, the Southern Cassowary. Unfortunately, we did not cross the path of what seems to be a majestic creature. Mission Beach is located between two major tourism hubs in Australia (Cairns and the Whitsundays), which probably explains why there are not too many people here. Yet it seems that there is plenty of holiday accommodation available in the area (including luxury accommodation) as well as outdoor activities. Mission Beach is a famous spot for skydiving in Australia. In short, this place looks just like the perfect holiday destination.

What do you think? Have you been to Mission Beach? What would be the things to do in Mission Beach you would recommend? We want to know everything, let us know in the comments below!

The Great Barrier Reef and Tropical North Queensland beaches are beautiful. One can hardly resist going for a swim, especially when it is hot and humid. However, the experience would be much more pleasant if we did not have to be constantly on our guard. But this is for good reason! The Coral Sea is home to many types of jellyfish including the dangerous box jellyfish (or stinger), which is among the world's most venomous creatures. Its stings are extremely painful and often deadly to humans. The problem with this killer jellyfish (not exclusive to Australia) is that we can hardly detect it because it is almost transparent. But all is not lost if you still want to dive or snorkel the reef. You need to know that fatalities are not so common and, in the case of stings, treatments are available (starting by applying generous amounts of vinegar made ​​available to the public on many beaches). There are also stinger suits sold in stores or provided by tour operators. Admittedly, this is far from sexy, but we are not competing at the election of Miss Universe. On some beaches, like in Port Douglas, swimming enclosure operate during jellyfish season in the summer months. Finally, let us give you some friendly advice, always take the time to ask a local or better yet a lifeguard before venturing into the unknown where jellyfish live.

Have you made any dangerous wildlife encounters in Australia? What is the most venomous animal you came accross while travelling? Share your experiences in the comments below!

In Cairns area, a cruise to the Great Barrier Reef is a must. But brightening up a road trip on a three wheel motorcycle (photo) is rather unusual! This is what you get with Grub's Personalised Trike Tours in Port Douglas. Unlike many tour operators, here, you choose your own itinerary. Weather permitting, it is truly a unique way to discover the Tropical North Queesland, in particular its extraordinary coastline and the Daintree Rainforest. You almost get the feeling you are riding on a Harley-Davidson. Total freedom and nothing like the wind in your hair (well almost as the helmet is still required). The trike is very comfortable and incredibly stable. It does not lean in turns, for example. Trike tours are accessible to all. Grub, your guide, is a colourful character who brings value to your adventure. Contact him to create your scenic tour. It is definitely going to be an out of the ordinary experience to add to your things to do in Port Douglas.

Have you ever ridden a trike? What are the unique experiences you have taken part in? Do you have any others recommendations in the area? Waiting for your comments below!

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Grub's Personalised Trike Tours.

Postée dans Activities, Guided Tour, Port Douglas, Queensland, Sports and Recreation, Transports, Tropical North Queensland | Laisser un commentaire

Leaving Cairns for Port Douglas is raising one's standard. Quieter, classier, more authentic, less urbanized and less touristy than its neighbour (we are speaking about the mass tourism of Cairns here), Port Douglas is a small picturesque tropical Saint-Tropez where Bill Clinton is a regular. For the record, he was dining at a local restaurant in September 2001 when he was told about the 11 September attacks in New York. It is also off Port Douglas than "The Crocodile Hunter" Steve Irwin died from a stingray wound in 2006. A few movies have been filmed in Port Douglas, among them, Fool's Gold with Matthew McConaughey and Kate Hudson, and The Thin Red Line with Sean Penn and Nick Nolte. Most of the road from Cairns, which is only 70 kilometres away, is a breathtaking scenic drive. One of the first sensations we noticed when we arrived in town: we feel good here. At first glance, there are many nice shops, hotels and restaurants on Macrossan Street, the main street. There is also the beautiful Four Mile Beach that can be seen from Trinity Bay Lookout (photo). The only problem is the presence of box jellyfish. Swimming is strongly discouraged at certain times of the year (choose areas where a swimming enclosure operates). On the other side, there is Port Douglas Marina from where several cruises leave to the Great Barrier Reef. It is also where we joined the local yacht club's members for a sail. Before leaving town, there is one thing to do in Port Douglas that we do not want to miss: the seaside Sunday market. There might be a lot of people but the atmosphere is still very relaxed. We love Port Douglas!

Have you been to Port Douglas? What do you think of the atmosphere of Port Douglas? What activities would you recommend in the area? Let us know in the comments below!

We are about to leave Cairns and we have not posted our opinion about the city yet. How come? Well, it is mostly because we are trying to get off the beaten track. Cairns is dedicated to tourism and that is sufficient reason to explain why we have not really liked the city itself (unlike its neighbour Port Douglas). Cairns surrounding areas are really amazing: the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics of Queensland just to name a few. But here is what you can really expect to find or to do in Cairns:

• Tourists, a lot of tourists (and not necessarily the high-class ones),
• Hotels, hostels and many more accommodation, to accommodate all these people (Cairns Waterfront Backpackers is to be avoided while Gilligan's seems absolutely brilliant),
• Restaurants, to feed all these people (and not necessarily those in which food is good but where one can relax in a good atmosphere sometimes),
• Shops, to make all these people spend their money (and not necessarily those in which products are of good quality),
• Bars and nightclubs, to entertain them (it has not worked for us),
• Tour operators in abundance, to embark all these people on Great Barrier Reef tours and scuba diving trips,
• No swimming beach, but an artificial lagoon located on the Esplanade (photo).

In other words, Cairns is a little bit like Disneyland. By comparison, Western Australia's coastline is just as magnificent (if not more) with a more authentic atmosphere, in Coral Bay for example.

What do you think? Have you been disappointed by Cairns? What are your recommendations on things to see or do in Cairns? Which Cairns attractions need to be avoided? Let us know in the comments below!

We have been visiting Cairns area on a boat, gondola, train, bus... we are still missing a scenic flight experience. A Hot Air coach picks us up early in the morning in front of our downtown accommodation (Cairns Waterfront Backpackers, which is to be avoided at all costs!). After a one hour transfer, we are dropped in a field where two or three hot air balloons are waiting for us. Wow! It feels like being part of a balloon festival! For our first flight, we are going to fly high above the Atherton Tablelands spending thirty minutes in our balloon. Longer rides are also available. When we take off, then later when floating in the air, the sensation is unique. Everything seems so peaceful down there. The day is just rising. The landscape is picturesque. We spot a few kangaroos and wallabies bursting out the bushes. It is a bit cool, but when the long flame used to lift the balloon is burning, it gets hot really quickly. At the end of the ride, we gently land in another field. If you have the chance to be part of the last flight of the day, you even get a little bonus fun in the basket just before packing-up. Back in town, it is time for a well-deserved breakfast. This is really a fun experience! Hot Air also operates on the Gold Coast, in Brisbane and Port Douglas.

Part of this activity was paid by Hot Air.

Waterfront terrace. Tropical atmosphere. Very affordable prices. Looking for a relaxing place in Cairns for a drink, your lunch or your dinner? Look no further and let The Pier Bar & Grill, located at the southeast end of the Esplanade, look after you. This restaurant bar is open every day. The place is famous for its Sunday Sessions and its delicious pizzas ($5 pizza on Sunday night, what else?). This is certainly not a key place of Australian cuisine, but its great atmosphere will help you to forget about that. And we just like it the way it is!

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of The Pier Bar & Grill.