It has been a while since we last wrote about accommodation. Back in South Australia, we had the opportunity to stay in the Clare Valley, which we visited for the first time a few months ago. This time, we spent a night at Patly Hill Farm. This award-winning retreat is located within a 15 acre property of vineyards and olive groves. It is an idyllic place which definitely reminds us of Provence or Tuscany. The surrounding view from your room and the comfort of the facilities make your stay a moment of pure happiness. Whether for a relaxing getaway or a group getaway (up to 10 people), we highly recommend Patly Hill Farm. If you are a foodie, just wait until Stephen and Caroline, your hosts, get the breakfast ready for you. We just loved it there!

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Patly Hill Farm.

The Margaret River region offers a variety of vineyards, from the most impressive in the style of Leeuwin Estate to the family estates as it is the case of Adinfern Estate. Conveniently located just minutes away from Margaret River, Adinfern Estate is an old farm which produced fine wool and prime lamb before starting to produce quality wine nearly 20 years ago. But as you can see from this photo, the sheep are never too far away. They are used to "clean" and fertilize the vines. That is green! Besides the traditional wine tasting, it is possible to stay in the heart of the vineyards in one of the two cottages on the property. We love waking up, literally, in the vineyards! A very nice destination to consider when traveling in the region.

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Adinfern Estate.

The Great Southern is one of nine regions of Western Australia located west of Esperance. It is a major centre for the production of wool and sheep in Australia. Fishing plays an important role in the local economy too, notably in Albany. The scenery is breathtaking whether on the coast or inland. A great way to enjoy the area is probably to opt for a stopover in one of the Sunshine Farmstay cottages. Ideally located between Albany and Denmark, they are only a few minutes from the coast and West Cape Howe National Park. Jajelup Cottage, where we stayed, is a stone house recently renovated and refurbished in the middle of an idyllic setting away from prying eyes ... but not sheep! Warm, this little house on the prairie can comfortably accommodate four people.

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of A Sunshine Farmstay.

Port Lincoln is located at the bottom end of the Eyre Peninsula, the western region of South Australia. As its name suggests, it is a coastal town whose economy is based mainly on the fishing industry. It is also considered to be the capital of Australian seafood. With its tourism industry going through a recent boom it is an up and coming travel destination oozing with appeal. We were lucky enough to stay in an exclusive B&B not yet open to the public. Jordan on Boston is primarily a luxury villa in the hills of Port Lincoln surrounded by a sumptuous garden. Inside it is a veritable palace elegantly decorated with antiques and a wonderful collection of eclectic artworks. Among the many rooms on the ground floor you can expect to find an indoor pool, sauna and a piano bar! Visitors will have the opportunity to stay in one of the three suites each offering breathtaking views of Boston Bay, one of the world's largest protected natural harbours. But the true gem at Jordan on Boston is its owner and accomplished chef Suzi McKay. In the coming months all guests will have the privilege of tasting Suzi's culinary delights. She is nothing short of amazing in the kitchen. So be prepared for an indulgent experience that you will never forget! The best restaurant in Port Lincoln might not necessarily be at the top of the list on Trip Advisor!

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Jordan on Boston.

Clare Valley is situated a one and a half hour drive north of Adelaide. Like the Barossa, its neighbour, the area is famous for its wines, especially Riesling. There are also several trails (Riesling Trail and Rattler Trail) which thread through the vineyards, ideal for walking, running or riding a bike. Near Clare, iPhoneography Oz found a place that has all the qualities appropriate to the region: Thorn Park by the Vines. This bed and breakfast is peacefully situated amidst vineyards in a forest of gum trees. The place seems so perfect that we do not know where to begin to praise its merits and those of its hosts, David and Michael. They are the most warm and welcoming people, paying extra special attention to the comfort of their guests. Meals cooked by David could easily be served in a gourmet restaurant. We have been won over. As for the accommodation, and without exaggeration, it is worthy of five-stars. The rooms are huge and each are equipped with a large modern bathroom. The living and dining room are decorated with pieces of art which give a classic touch to this contemporary interior. Everything is perfectly oiled. Life is good!

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Thorn Park.

The Barossa is much more than one of the largest wine producing regions in the world. This tourist destination is home to excellent restaurants and accommodation set amongst sumptuous landscapes. We had an overnight stay at Stonewell Cottages. These are three very charming cottages - Haven Spa Retreats, Hideaway Cottage, Cupid's Cottage - bordering a lake in the heart of a huge private vineyard. Combining rustic and modern, each is elegantly decorated and fully equipped. They also have their own spa and fireplace. There is nothing quite like this kind of comfort after a long day of wine tasting! We particularly appreciated the attention given to detail. A bottle of Stonewell wine (of exceptional taste might we add) from the property's vineyard itself, chocolates and local provisions for the breakfast: they certainly know how to host in Stone Well! To summarize briefly, Stonewell Cottages is the perfect place for luxurious relaxation and comfort close to the vineyards of the Barossa. It leaves nothing to be desired!

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Stonewell Cottages .

From secluded bays to long stretches of pristine white sand framed by cliffs Kangaroo Island has a huge collection of beaches. At Vivonne Bay, this piece of paradise harbors the once proclaimed most beautiful beach in Australia according to a study from the University of Sydney. This is quite a claim when you consider that the country has over 10,000! And iPhoneography Oz has discovered a place to admire this spectacular beach with turquoise waters from every morning: Koopalanda Dreaming. Along with another three, this villa is located directly above the bay. It is large enough to accommodate up to six people and has a fully equipped kitchen. You can even bake your own bread, a nice touch from the owners! In this picturesque place hidden away from civilization, there is limited telephone network and internet reception but there is satellite TV, which is very valuable in bad weather! Do not forget to turn the spotlight on after sunset for a view of the wallabies at the back of the house.

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Koopalanda Dreaming.

LifeTime Private Retreats is a dream location! A place, almost secret, hidden on the north coast of Kangaroo Island. A place engulfed in the best that Australian nature has to offer. An secluded place where you can dominate an out of sight ocean. LifeTime Private Retreats comprise of three luxury homes (Sky, Stone, Cliff) located in Middle River. Each of them have an identity of their own. iPhoneography Oz had the pleasure of staying in The Cliff House, a gorgeous villa perched on a cliff overlooking Snelling Beach. The house has two traditional bedrooms and a third located in a tower with panoramic windows directly overlooking the sea. Inside, the decor is modern and very tasteful. The huge picture window in the living room offers incredible views in addition filling the house with natural light at all times. Outside, the cliff-edge jacuzzi is the icing on the cake. Urban life has never seemed so insignificant. Happiness on a silver platter!

Just so you can see the magic of this retreat for yourself, we make one exception to iPhoneography Oz's concept by offering you this video:

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of LifeTime Private Retreats.

We have discovered a luxurious place to stay on the north coast of Kangaroo Island. Seascape on Emu Bay is a Bed and Breakfast ideal for the traveller in search of tranquility in the surrounds of exceptionally beautiful landscape. Whilst settling in to your luxurious bedroom, it is clear to see that the location of this B&B is one of the highlights. The lodge overlooks the beautiful Emu Bay, this stretch of pristine coastline spans nearly five kilometres. The view of the bay from your room is amazing. In the morning, why not take a walk or a run along the beach? A quick tip from us: sleep with your curtains open and you will wake to the most glorious sunrise. What a way to start your day, all from the comfort of your king size bed! Your hosts, not only extremely friendly and exceptionally accommodating, proved to be excellent cooks too. So much so that we could easily devote a separate article to the food that is served. If the dinner is a lavish feast for the taste buds, wait until you see the breakfast!
At Seascape on Emu Bay, everything is perfect. We were very impressed with this high quality accommodation!

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Seascape on Emu Bay.

iPhoneography Oz stayed in Willunga during its visit to McLaren Vale. This charming little village, known for its Sunday Saturday Farmers' Market and for being host to the Tour Down Under every year, is located just minutes away from the vineyards. We stayed in the luxurious property of Evelyn Homestead. This historic building built in the 1850s is now a luxury destination in the McLaren Vale, where celebrities and politicians choose to come and spend a few days. Totally renovated, the villa was built on a beautiful garden of 1,800 m² and has still retained its original charm. The thickness of the walls are there to remind you of its era. It is the attention to detail that makes a place special and inside this beautiful cottage nothing is overlooked to ensure the comfort of guests: two rooms decorated with style (bedroom 1, bedroom 2), a large bathroom with a spa, provisions for breakfast, a bottle of wine plus chocolate to welcome you. What more could you want! If you are not convinced, take a look at the website of Port Willunga Cottages where you will find two other equally charming hosting alternatives. To have experienced it we can say that the best way to resist the temptation of such quality accommodation, it is to give in! You will not be disappointed especially considering how competitive the price is.

The writers were guests of Port Willunga Cottages.

The Murray River region is a charming destination within two hours drive from Adelaide. A cruise along the river seems to be the ideal local activity. Unfortunately during our stay the weather was a bit dismal. We therefore opted for another charming...and dry destination. Riverview Rise Retreats is a unique style of accommodation overlooking the river from the heights of Mannum. Choosing to stay here is like a dream come true and nothing less! Each of the retreats, three in total, are secluded from each other and extremely private. They are beautifully furnished in oppulent style. The attention to detail creates pure comfort. The view is fantastic. A luxurious getaway ideal for relaxation, romance and rejuvination. Staying at Riverview Rise Retreats is the guarantee to leave the stress of everyday life behind. It definitely deserves its five stars!

The writers were guests of Riverview Rise Retreats.

Photo: Riverview Rise Retreats

Bordertown, in the north of the Limestone Coast, is the birthplace of former Australian Prime Minister Bob Hawke. But if we suggest you to go there, it is mainly because this border town of Victoria is home to the only colony of white kangaroos in Australia! They can be easily seen in a paddock that borders the main road on the eastern outskirts of the city. Bordertown is a good stopover between Melbourne and Adelaide and a good base for exploring the Ngarjat and Big Desert National Parks. And since it is a bit far (about 1h30 drive north of Coonawarra's vineyards), we also suggest you to spend a night there. With this in mind, we tried and tested Dunalan Cottage. More than just a bed and breakfast, you have access to one of the two houses in the compound of a family farm whose owners are very friendly. The rooms of the house in which iPhoneography Oz stayed are really spacious with high ceilings. A good excuse to warm up with a chimney fire. The cottage, fully equipped, is decorated with "old fashioned" furniture from the family patrimony, which has an antique home feel. The property is so big that you feel like lost in the wilderness. During your stay, be sure to visit the farm animals!

The writers were guests of Dunalan Cottage.

It is a place of choice, nothing short of perfect and just a few minutes away from Coonawarra's vineyards. Murray's Country Cottages, two in total, sit comfortably alongside the private golf course of the property (which customers have free access). The gorgeous log cabins are full of delightful character. Fully equipped, you quickly feel at home. The surroundings are peaceful and unique! The owners, Bill and Marg, are among the sweetest people we have encountered since the beginning of this project. We could easily dedicate them a full separate article in recognition of their generosity, culture and dynamism. Having met several people in the area, it seems also that much of the local community is just as warm and educated. A real love at first sight that we would recommend to anyone without any hesitation!

iPhoneography Oz was guest of Murray's Country Cottages.

Win 2 nights!

iPhoneography Oz spent a few days at Saint Patrick's Luxury Boutique Hotel. As its name suggests, here we do not skimp on comfort! This superb accommodation, a cross between a bed & breakfast and a hotel, is located in Koroit. This small Irish rural town lies at the western end of the Great Ocean Road. The building is an impressive convent which has been renovated to provide all the necessary comfort. The interior design, combining antique and contemporary style, is amazing. There are five bedrooms in total which are all different from each other. The one we stayed in is handsomely appointed including a small lounge with armchairs covered in burgundy velvet. The bathroom has a retro claw-foot tub and a huge shower. On the ground floor, you can spend time in the Lilac Lounge or the library where you can borrow books and DVDs for your room. We did not experience the breakfast but know that it is included in the room price. Staying at Saint Patrick's Luxury Boutique Hotel is an affordable luxury that we highly recommend!

The writers were guests of Saint Patrick's Luxury Boutique Hotel.

The castle life, something similar to staying in a former post office in Smithton in the North West Coast of Tasmania. We spent a night at the Bed & Breakfast AAA Ye Olde Post Office Cottage. The good life: large room, very comfortable bed, private lounge and spa in the bathroom. You even have access to the kitchen. The breakfast, highlighting local products, is certainly the most extensive that we have tried since the beginning of this project. The hosts, David and Natalia, are at your service. This is true to say. David is also an excellent source of information for activities to do in the area. We will talk about it here tomorrow.

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of AAA Ye Olde Post Office Cottage.

Heimat Chalets is a holiday accomodation located less than an hour away from Hobart, on the road to Strahan on the west coast of Tasmania. It is a feel good retreat in the middle of a 40 hectare property. The view over the picturesque Derwent Valley is spectacular. The chalets are well decorated, modern style and fully equipped. The comfort of luxury at affordable prices! After having your breakfast, do not forget to feed the animals of the property including some really cute alpacas. We only stayed one night. We would have loved to stay longer!

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Heimat Chalets.

We continue our route along the East Coast of Tasmania towards Hobart. After a stay in Coles Bay, we find ourselves in Swansea, on the other side of Great Oyster Bay. The scenery is still beautiful. The village is not large, which allows the area to maintain a peaceful and very pleasant atmosphere. Directly above the water, on the other side of the main road, stands the Freycinet Waters Bed & Breakfast where we stayed for a night. Some rooms have a stunning view of the bay, just as the breakfast room and sunny terrace do. A full English breakfast that will keep you sustained for much of the day is prepared for you (photo). Just like when we stayed at Sheoaks on Freycinet, our hosts are very familiar with the area and will help you to find the perfect activity that suits your needs. Bob and Karen came to Australia from overseas: the place is so relaxing that they have never left!

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Freycinet Waters Bed & Breakfast.

The East Coast of Tasmania is superb. Yesterday we talked about Bay of Fires, a must-see area during a stay in Tasmania. Today, we stop in Coles Bay and we may say the same thing so you have been warned. This small town of fewer than 500 people is a little gem for tourists. There are breathtaking landscapes and beaches (one could easily believe to be in Bora Bora in some places). It is also the starting point for many outdoor activities which will be discussed tomorrow. Anecdotally, it is also one of the first cities in the world to have banned plastic shopping bags. If you are looking for a place to sleep, we found the dream B&B: Sheoaks on Freycinet! We do not know where to begin to describe our stay as there are so many highlights:

• The house: modern design, traditional exterior walls have been replaced by windows. The view of Great Oyster Bay is breathtaking. We love it!
• The food: breakfast cooked by Margaret, the hostess, is divine. The choice is wide and its ingredients are of exceptional quality. It is also possible to dine on site at night or order lunch. We highly recommend it.
• The rooms: large and the bed was extremely comfortable. The one we slept in even had its own bathroom.
• The hosts: extremely friendly. Etiquette and attention to detail are two concepts they combine wonderfully. They are also involved in the community and are an incredible source of information. Ask them about the area to make sure not to miss anything during your stay!

Book with your eyes closed, you can not be disappointed!

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Sheoaks on Freycinet.

iPhoneography Oz experienced a second bed and breakfast (B&B) after our night at Anabel's of Scottsdale. Willow Lodge is also located in Scottsdale. The village is not large, but the number of B&B's is quite impressive! It is good, that means there is room for everyone. Willow Lodge is a pure B&B. The rooms are all located in the main house. The decor is elegant. You almost feel like you are in an English castle of the last century. The hosts put their whole heart into what they undertake and attach great importance to the comfort of their guests. Wait until breakfast is served to understand! Outside, the gardens are beautiful and the views of the surrounding mountains from the spa are unique. Interior and exterior renovations are underway and they have big plans for this place. It is going to look great. We are really looking forward to seeing the end result. Once again, we recommend it!

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Willow Lodge.

Tasmania has countless bed and breakfast's (B&B). An additional tourist attraction for travelers. Nothing like staying with a host, rather than in a hotel, to appreciate more of the warmth of the population. It is also a great way to learn more about the area and discover secret places that you would not find in guidebooks. So we decided to do a review of this industry in Tasmania. The first to greet us is Anabel's of Scottsdale, in the town of the same name, halfway between Launceston and the East Coast. It is not really a hotel. It is not really a bed and breakfast. It is not really a motel. Anabel's of Scottsdale combines the advantages of the three categories without the drawbacks. The rooms are separated from the main building where the reception and dining room are. They are large and have all fully equipped kitchens. Due to the season we did not see any flowers, but the garden of the property is classified as a National Trust. Staying at Anabel's of Scottsdale is a pure pleasure. Be sure to chat with Andrea, the owner. In addition to her extreme kindness, she will provide you with all necessary information about activities to do in the area. We recommend it!

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Anabel's of Scottsdale.