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 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 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!

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!

There are a few islands found off Cairns that one can very easily visit for a day. Snorkeling and enjoying life without stress are on the menu, but know that the sun does not always show up in the area (photo). Raging Thunder offers a daily excursion on Fitzroy Island which is only 45 minutes from the port of Cairns. You can walk on this little paradise to explore its flora and wildlife (it is where we came accross a giant goanna!). The 360° view from Summit Island will take your breath away. The laziest of you can rest on beautiful unspoiled and uncrowded beaches, weather permitting. The tour operator offers various activity packages. We strongly recommend you to snorkel right off the beach to explore the amazing coral reef (stinger suit provided, it is sometimes better to look ridiculous than to risk your life). There are many turtles in the area. It is most likely that some of them would come and say hi. Not to miss any part of the show, you can also jump aboard their glass bottom boat tour while the kids enjoy the popular ocean trampoline. Going to Fitzroy Island is the perfect day trip, far away from the bustling city life!

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Raging Thunder.

Darwin surroundings are not to be missed, either Kakadu or Katherine region, but the city itself is rather disappointing. This is at least the case if you expect to arrive in a bustling tourist destination. It must be said that the capital city of Northern Territory has not always lived happy days. During World War II, the city has indeed suffered many attacks from the Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service. Numerous civilians were killed and extensive damages were caused to the town. A few years later, in 1974, Cyclone Tracy destroyed a massive part of the city. Darwin is also known to be the most lightning-prone city in the world. The picture is not really rosy if we add to all of this, accidents caused by crocodiles, presence of jellyfish in the Timor Sea and the remoteness of the city (Darwin is closer to the capitals of five other countries than to Canberra). Fortunately, there are still some activities of interest. Lameroo beach (photo), located under the Esplanade, is not exposed to the public. This is a great place to watch the sunsets. A few steps away is Mitchell Street, the bustling part of the city. This is where one can find many bars and restaurants as well as the Crocosaurus Cove, a must see attraction when visiting Darwin dedicated to the crocodiles.

A trip to Broome would not be complete without seeing Cable Beach (and going to Matso's), long recognized as one of the world's best beaches. This long stretch of pristine white sand 22 kilometers is the ideal place to relax in the sun, take a swim, fish or just enjoy the beautiful sunsets over the Indian Ocean. Pay attention though, heading north on the west coast, Broome is one of the first places where jellyfish are reported.

Broome is a small seaside town with a tropical climate which seems rather calm and without major attraction at first sight (though it must depend on the season). Of course, Broome hosts the world famous Cable Beach. But if you take the time to explore, you can also enjoy the rich cultural and historical heritage influenced by the ethnic diversity of the city which was once the World's capital of the pearl industry. As far as natural attractions go you will not be disappointed either. The tidal movements, among the largest in the world, offer visitors interesting natural phenomenons. First of all there is the famous Staircase to the Moon. This natural spectacle creates the optical illusion of a staircase reaching for the moon. It occurs three times a month between March and October at extremely low tide, when the full moon rises over the exposed mudflats. The low tides allow the visitors to discover Dutch Flying Boat Wrecks, the remnants of the Japanese air raid on Broome during World War II in March 1942. Finally, visiting the remarkable rocks at Gantheaume Point (photo), you step further back in history, because there are 130 million year old dinosaur footprints that can be seen at extremely low tide. One thing is certain, before traveling to Broome, it is important to check the tide schedule to not miss any part of the show!

Eighty Mile Beach, which technically equates to around 130 kilometres, stretches over 200 kilometres long and 100 metres wide in reality. This white sand beach of Western Australia is located between Port Hedland and Broome. The place is famous for its fishing, shell collecting and bird watching. Actually it seems that each year, half a million shorebirds come to rest and feed on the beach after migrating from the Arctic Circle. It is also a great place to watch the sunset over the Indian Ocean. The pleasures of the beach without being disturbed by any annoying neighbours!

Exmouth is a small coastal town of 2,500 inhabitants located at the north end of the Ningaloo Coast. This small Western Australian town is a magnet for tourists from all around the world each year between April and July when they come to swim with the whale sharks. Its beaches and snorkeling sites are easily accessible throughout the year. Beyond the underwater wonders of the Ningaloo, note that Exmouth is a few minutes drive away from the grandiose landscape of the Cape Range National Park. Exmouth is also a communication base for the U.S. and Australian Navy and has been since the 60s. Better to have your own vehicle to explore the surroundings. Nature lovers are in heaven!

Located at the southern end of the Ningaloo Coast, Coral Bay and looks like a huge camping ground. This small-scale community is really relaxed. It is also one of Western Australia's premier family holiday destinations. One can walk easily around town and the schedule type of each visitor alternates between lazing on the magnificent pristine white beach of the bay, snorkelling around the coral reef or taking part in the various activities offered by local tour operators. We loved it and we ended up staying two days longer than originally planned.

Here is a new found love of exceptional beauty! Ningaloo Coast, recognized as one of the last great ocean paradises, stretches 300 kilometers between Shark Bay and Exmouth. From the shore, the banks offer dreamy scenery. Under water, where the colour could not be more perfect (photo), there are a multitude of marine species including barracudas, dolphins, dugongs, manta rays, sharks and turtles. The region is also famous for hosting 300-500 whale sharks each year, the largest fish in the world. Between March and July, visitors from around the world flock to the Ningaloo Coast for the experience of a lifetime: a swim with whale sharks. This is the only place in the world where these giants of the sea are easily accessible and are returning in large numbers near the coast with the precision of a Swiss watch. Unfortunately we missed it because we were in the area out of season. Finally, the Ningaloo Coast is also famous for its world class reef composed of not less than 300 coral species, over 700 species of reef fish (including Nemo), about 650 species of molluscs, nearly 600 species of crustaceans and more than 1000 species of seaweed. A mask and snorkel are enough to observe all this at only a hundred metres away from the shore! For all these reasons, the Ningaloo Coast in 2011 became the 19th Australian site to be inscribed on the World Heritage List of UNESCO.

Penguin Island is nestled in a paradise location in the southern suburbs of Perth, 45 minutes away from the central business district and just five minutes off the coast of Rockingham (where we swam with wild dolphins). As its name suggests, the local star is the little penguin. It is the same species we came across on Philip Island. Other than that Penguin Island is also the ideal place to enjoy wildlife, activities and breathtaking scenery of the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park. We also took part in a very popular cruise that sails the bay for 45 minutes. This is a unique opportunity to approach sea lions. During our cruise we even witnessed a rare spectacle when these mammals amused themselves by jumping in the waves with dolphins. On the way back, the boat drops the passengers off at Penguin Island where it is very easy to spend a full day as it is so beautiful and pleasant. Laze the day away in paradise!

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Rockingham Wild Encounters.

Shell Beach is an extraordinary place, halfway between Denham and Hamelin Pool. This beach stretches for over 120 kilometers. At first glance, one would think it is made ​​of pristine white sand. In reality, it is a beach made up entirely of billions of tiny cockle shells which have been drifting in for about 4,000 years. There are so many of them that this rather unusual surface can reach up to ten meters deep. In the past shells were used to construct some buildings which has become historical in Denham. Being located in the heart of Shark Bay, part of the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1991, it is now forbidden to remove any of these shells. On a still day, the water at Shell Beach transforms into a palette of the most intense greens and blues. A must see!