Every Monday, iPhoneography Oz invites a blogger to cover a topic about Australian society. Today, meet Kristina from Germany who has recently moved to Melbourne. She writes the blog Le fabuleux destin which tells her adventures in Australia and around the world. She loves to capture the hidden laneways of Melbourne, she enjoys drinking a flat white in the sunshine and has recently started to learn surfing.

This is a guest post by Kristina of Le fabuleux destin.

Melbourne is famous for its laneways, great coffee and its colourful street art. One of my favourite pastimes is to explore not only Melbourne's CBD, but also the numerous suburbs which all feature great street art – sometimes in prominent places, sometimes down small alleys or in hidden courtyards. Start your quest in the city centre in Hosier Lane opposite Federation Square – the most famous street art lane of Melbourne. Don't miss the cool picture in Chinatown at the back wall of a car park (photo) - it is one of my favourites. Take your time to venture out to Fitzroy, Collingwood, Brunswick, Richmond, Northcote or Footscray and keep your eyes open for some real gems. When your legs get tired of too much exploring, settle down in one of the many cafes along the way, sip a flat white and recover from the urban adventures.

• Hometown: Frankfurt, Germany.
• Most awkward Australian moment: Numerous misunderstandings of the Aussie accent which did lead to very awkward conversations and questions!
• Favourite Australian place: Mornington Peninsula, Cradle Mountain in Tasmania, Margaret River region.
• Worst Australian place: Chinese restaurant in Hobart - just awful!
• Vegemite or Nutella: Nutella, no question.

What do you think? Have you been to Melbourne? What are the best things to do in Melbourne? Could you give us a reason why Melbourne is the world's most livable city? Let us know in the comments below!

Photo captured by @lefabuleuxdestin. If you would like to guest post for iPhoneography Oz, send us a message and we will give you the details about how YOU can allow the iOz community to experience a preview of Australian society.

Every Monday, iPhoneography Oz invites a blogger to cover a topic about Australian society. Today, meet Béatrice from Montreal, Canada. She writes the blog Eille la cheap !, a lifestyle blog for women who have too many interests and who wish to live a perfect life without breaking the bank. Just like us, she has enjoyed spending time in Sydney, particularly at Sydney Festival 2013.

This is a guest post by Béatrice Bernard-Poulin of Eille la cheap !

Some of you may have seen this photo circulate on the web, after all, it is quite amusing! As part of the Sydney Festival, which lasts for three weeks every January, many activities took place all over the city of Sydney. From music to art and participative activities, there was something for everyone. I totally fell in love with this installation in Darling Harbour, that simply represents... a rubber duck, a ducky you bring into the tub. But in a gigantic version... the world's largest Rubber Duck! The artist who created this installation is Florentijn Hofman from the Netherlands. The inflatable duck is five storeys high and has been travelling the world since 2007.

• Hometown: Montréal, Québec, Canada.
• Most awkward Australian moment: Spraining my ankle really, really bad after 9 days in Sydney, in 2010. Not necessarily awkward, but I got made fun of a LOT after this one.
• Favourite Australian place: I can't decide between Hobart and Sydney...
• Worst Australian place: Adelaide. Nothing to do or see there.
• Vegemite or Nutella: Nutella! Not even a question. Vegemite is the absolute worst thing.

What do you think? Have you been to Sydney Festival? What are the best Sydney events? In summer, what are the things to do in Sydney that you would recommend? Let us know in the comments below!

Photo captured by @beatricebp (Android). If you would like to guest post for iPhoneography Oz, send us a message and we will give you the details about how YOU can allow the iOz community to experience a preview of Australian society.

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.

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!

We are in Western Australia's northwest. Back in the 70's the region was inhabited by various isolated mining communities. During this era, Red Dog, an iconic Australian Kelpie, spent his time wandering the land. His nickname has been attributed to the red dirt of the Pilbara. Over time, his travels made him a legend among the local population. Legend has it that after his master's death, he embarked on an endless search of him through the Australian outback. Along the way, through his unconditional companionship he united even the hardest of hearts in the local communties. The legend is perpetuated through poems and stories about the adventures of Red Dog. Recently an eponymous film, fast becoming one of the most successful Australian movies of all time, brought the legend of Red Dog to the big screen. It is a feel-good movie that will touch the hearts of everyone (watch the trailer). A memorial (photo) was erected by the many "friends" he made during his travels in honour of his contribution to the morale of the community. It is located at the entrance of Dampier, a city where he often returned.
Ironically, Red Dog could have been one of the last films that Loïc worked on the promotion of before starting the iPhoneography Oz adventure.

His Majesty's Theatre is a beautiful Edwardian-style building located in the heart of Perth central business district. It sits on Hay Street not far from the famous international brand designers. When it opened in the early twentieth century, it was the largest theatre in Australia. It could accommodate over 2,500 people seated (1,200 today). In all likelihood, it would be the first reinforced concrete building constructed in Perth. The theatre has always played a very important role in Western Australia's cultural landscape. It continues to host many events such as musicals, operas and plays. During our stay, we had the opportunity to attend a performance of Pinocchio presented by West Australian Ballet. What an experience! Whether for a tour or to attend a show (see event calendar), do not miss the opportunity to discover this cultural institution of the city.

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of His Majesty's Theatre.

Fremantle is located at the mouth of the Swan River. This bustling port city is a rich cultural destination only 30 minutes away from Perth. Although geographically close, the two cities are different in many ways. "Freo", as called by Australians, is a fishing port that appeals to casual artists, hippies and other eccentric characters. You could almost compare it to the suburb of Venice Beach in Los Angeles. Fremantle has one of Western Australia's richest cultural and historical heritage, which has not prevented its many cafes, bars and restaurants to attract a young and dynamic crowd. Recently we have discovered what appears to be the best Indian restaurant in Australia. On weekends, the streets, parks and terraces located on the quays are crowded. Whether for sunbathing or enjoying a local beer and a seafood plate, tourists and locals love to spend time in its relaxed atmosphere. During your stay, do not forget to add a visit to the Fremantle Prison to your schedule!

Visiting the centre of the largest cities accompanied by guide is quite a common tourist activity in Australia. In Melbourne, we experienced a bike tour. In Perth, as was the case in Hobart, we experienced a guided walking tour. We joined a guide from Two Feet & a Heartbeat. Thanks to the quality of their services on offer the company is now Australia's most awarded walking tour company. Your guide strives to present the rich cultural and historical heritage of the city in a dynamic way. It is very informative and it also allows you to find your way in your new environment. Moreover, you learn much more than you would flipping through any tourist guide book. The atmosphere is relaxed and the tour ends in a local pub in Northbridge. And the icing on the cake, they shout your first drink! This activity should be placed at the top of your to-do list when you arrive in Perth! Several tours and schedules are available. Two Feet & a Heartbeat now also offers its services in Sydney.

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Two Feet & a Heartbeat.

If you are looking for entertainment, head to the Perth centre. This is where you will find some of the cultural institutions of Western Australia's capital. Part of the district - Murray Street Mall and Hay Street Mall - are pedestrian only streets. Very popular on weekends and nice sunny days! In this area there are a multitude of shops and several malls open seven days of the week. On King Street, choose between Louis Vuitton, Prada, Gucci or other international brand designers in this charming neighbourhood that is strongly reminiscent of Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills and SoHo in New York City. If you are looking for more popular brands at factory prices, you need to go to Harbour Town. In short, everything is situated within walking distance and there is something for everyone. If you are afraid of getting lost, check for the blue and green shirts of the city volunteers that will happily point you in the right direction.

A rather special bus drives through Fremantle's streets every day: Fremantle Tram Tours. This replica-tram offers guided tours of the city. So far nothing too unusual. However, every Friday night, you can join The Ghostly Tour which is a torchlight tour of Fremantle's oldest buildings. As often is the case, the driver is a human encyclopedia who entertains you through his stories and tales of some of Fremantle's earliest residents. Along the way the tram stops at Cicerello's, considered to be the best Fish & Chips in Perth and Western Australia (supper and a soft drink included). But the highlight of the evening is undoubtedly the Torchlight Tour at the Fremantle Prison. Accompanied by a guide, over one and a half hours you explore the darker side of this historic building (featuring the Main Cell Block, solitary confinement, whipping post, the gallows and even the morgue!). Expect some surprises along the way. This great activity lasts for four hours in total. It is an unusual experience, ideal if you are a small group. Bookings for this tour are essential.

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Fremantle Tram Tours.

There are plenty of attractions in Perth and surrounds. Many, such as Kings Park and Rockingham Wild Encounters, revolve around nature. Some others are more unusual. This is the case with The Bell Tower, which is simply one of the world's largest musical instruments. Steeped in history (the bells, more than 600 years old, are from St Martin-in-the-Fields, one of London's most famous churches) and offering a unique and distinctive design, this tower has become a Perth and Western Australia icon. It is located in the heart of Barrack Square, where cruises on the Swan River depart. On Level 6, an open air observation deck offers a 360-degree view of the river and the central business district. The Bell Tower is also one of the world's only bell towers that allows close-up viewing of the bell ringers practising. Plan your visit according to the bell ringing times to make sure not to miss the show!

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of The Bell Tower.

Northbridge is the cultural hub of Perth. It is only five minutes walk from the city centre. Whether you are a foodie, an art lover, a shopaholic or a clubber, you can not go wrong here! This is where we can find two of the most important museums of the city, Art Gallery of Western Australia and Western Australian Museum. Northbridge is also famous for hosting an amazing amount of restaurants offering Chinese, Italian, Indian, Japanese, Greek, Thai, Vietnamese and even... Egyptian cuisine. After sunset, the streets are full and the area comes to life. We love this atmosphere!

Margaret River is a popular destination in Western Australia. Internationally recognized for its majestic scenery and exceptional waves for surfers, the area is also famous for its local products including its white wines. It hosts many great wineries, some of which are also known for their restaurants. This is the case with Leeuwin Estate. This huge property produces excellent Chardonnay. The best wines of each vintage are grouped under the label "Art Series". The bottles are identified by paintings commissioned from contemporary Australian artists. Leeuwin Estate is also known for its restaurant located in a picturesque setting. Tempted by the "Wine and Food Flights", a fine selection of four appetizers associated with prestigious wines, is to celebrate the art of living well in true Leeuwin Estate style. Honoring the art in various forms, Leeuwin Estate hosts a series of annual concerts headlined by some of planet's biggest names such as Ray Charles and Diana Ross. Thousands of people flock from far and wide to attend the exclusive events. Tours and tastings are also offered to the public all year long.

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Leeuwin Estate.

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!

The Eyre Peninsula offers wonderful opportunities for photographers. It is difficult to choose the best, but the rock formations of Murphys Haystacks could win the prize! They are located on the west coast, about forty kilometres before Streaky Bay traveling from Port Lincoln. These pink granite boulders polished by time are older than 1500 million years. They remind us of Remarkable Rocks on Kangaroo Island. Must see!

Coober Pedy is not all about opal mining. Nature also reserves some wonders. Among them, the colourful landscapes of the Breakaways are located thirty kilometers north of the town. Throughout the day, the sun changes the colors of this arid zone. The best time of the day to explore them is probably at sunset. Two lookouts offer the best views of this area which is a surreal paradise for photographers and filmmakers! The town is scattered with left behind props from movies that have been filmed there such as Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, Red Planet, Pitch Black and Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome. The loop back to Coober Pedy takes you along parts of the Dog Fence through a lunar landscape, otherwise known as the 'moon plain'  is impressive and not to be missed.

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!

Sydney Opera House is probably one of the most famous buildings in the world and arguably one of the biggest icons of the city and Australia itself. It hosts Opera Australia, the Sydney Theatre Company led by Cate Blanchett and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, to which must be added a multitude of international artistic productions. But do not summarize the cultural and artistic scene of Sydney by its opera only. Because Sydney is a city of entertainment that hosts international sporting events (Olympics, Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, International tennis, etc.), renowned festivals (Vivid Sydney) or art exhibitions just to name a few. To appreciate how vibrant Sydney city is in winter, iPhoneography Oz was able to attend in the space of a few days three main events:

• Dappled Cities new album launch party at Oxford Art Factory, a venue inspired by Andy Warhol's Factory in New York;
• Simple Plan concert given as part of the international tour group at Hordern Pavilion, theater located in a huge park close to the stadium where Sydney FC evolves;
• The performance of DJ Shivers at Spice Cellar, an underground lounge bar located in Sydney CBD.

The writers were guests of Destination NSW.

We had the pleasure of experiencing Vivid Sydney, the annual Festival of Light, Music and Ideas. It is the biggest festival of its kind in the southern hemisphere attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. After sunset the city takes on a spectacular transformation through colour, light projections, interactive installations, music and innovative ideas. See how loud you can scream at the Screaming Rapture installation or play a game of tic tac toe on the biggest digital board you have ever seen! And of course one of our favourites is watching the incredible precision of the creative 3D digital light projections onto the Sydney Opera House itself, see it like you have never seen it before! It is a hive of activity, creativity and entertainment, the whole of Circular Quay is absolutely buzzing with excitement. There is so much to see and do at Vivid Sydney that attending this festival is among many of the reasons to visit Sydney in winter.

The writers were guests of Destination NSW.