Are Milkshakes The Best Post Beach Treats?


Every week, iPhoneography Oz invites one of its Instagram followers to cover a topic about Australian society. Today, meet @picturepostie. She posted this photo of post beach treats at Sebastian's Food & Wine in Melbourne area. Actually tell us why you want to try these milkshakes in the comments below and you may win 2 free milkshakes at Sebastian's Food & Wine!

iPhoneography Oz: Who are you in less than 140 characters?
picturepostie: An Aus iPhone photo printing app! Edit & order phone/Instagram/Facebook pics for quality photo & canvas prints delivered to your door. App free in iTunes!

iOz: A milkshake as a treat after a trip to a popular beach on Port Phillip Bay. Knowing that it's winter for most of our readers in the Northern Hemisphere, aren't you ashamed?
p: Actually isn't winter the best time for milkshakes? Keeps them nice and cold!

iOz: Australia has (a lot of) milkshakes and thickshakes. What's the difference?
p: Thickshakes have double ice cream to make them thicker! You need a thicker straw too!

iOz: If you were stuck in Australia with an unlimited budget and a week in front of you, what would you do?
p: Woah, just 1 week, what a stressful thought, there's so many awesome places to see! I've never actually been to Ayers Rock or the Kakadu! I know, what kind of Aussie am I? I'd visit these places and take lots of photos on my iPhone, so I could print them later through Picture Postie!

iOz: What was one of the best travel experiences you've ever had in Australia?
p: Jervis Bay on the South Coast of New South Wales, just a 3 hours drive south from Sydney. The sand is the whitest in Australia apparently and we saw dolphins!

iOz: What's your favourite photo on the blog?
p: Surfing in Agnes Water from about 5 weeks ago.

iOz: What do you like to take pictures of the most on Instagram?
p: Things you find on your daily travels, those little gems that put a smile on your face!

iOz: What will you be doing for the next hour?
p: Catching the train home from work! I wish I was more exciting!

iOz: We're switching roles, ask us anything!
p: Can you please tell everyone about our new Australian iPhone App?! People seriously LOVE it so we just want to be able to let everyone know! Even people in the Northern Hemisphere might have Australian friends to tell!
iOz: We'd like to try the app first. Why not exploring a partner arrangement between Picture Postie and iPhoneography Oz?

iOz: A last word?
p: Download Picture Postie, you'll love it!

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

Bundaberg, Home Of Australian Rum


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.

Where To Have Fun In Cairns?


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.

Beer And Crocodile Meat In The Tropics


It is almost by chance that we crossed paths with Matso's Broome Brewery. What a great discovery! It is possible to visit this micro-brewery (under renovation during our stay) but you need to taste its beer and food. We are not necessarily big fans of beer but we could not resist the invitation. Be aware that they have a great selection. If like us, you can not make up your mind when faced the wide selection offered, opt for a tasting. You will receive five beers of your choice on a tray. After the tasting, our preference swayed towards the mango beer and the ginger beer. The chilli-out beer, a wheat beer with a bold chilli statement, is also standout. The terrace restaurant is located in a tropical atmosphere. But know that the exotic atmosphere is not only in the gardens around you, there is crocodile meat on the menu! If you're looking for an excuse to get to Broome, Matso's is a very good one!

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Matso's Broome Brewery.

Fremantle Is So Special


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!

The Beautiful Swan Valley


Perth is known to be one of the most remote cities on earth. Its nearest neighbor is Adelaide, more than 2000 kilometers away. Heading out from the central business district, you quickly reach the countryside. Thus, the drive along the Swan River is a journey through Western Australia's oldest vineyards. The area is home to no less than 150 places where you can taste wines and fresh local produce. One of the best ways not to miss anything is to start from the charming Guildford and by car or by bike follow the 32 km Food and Wine Trail of the Swan Valley. We did not do any tasting this time, but apparently the Verdelho and Shiraz are not to be missed!

Waking Up Among Margaret River's Vines


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.

Leeuwin Estate In The Stunning Margaret River


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.

What To Do When Breaking Down On The Nullarbor?


Before crossing the Nullarbor Plain, you inevitably ask yourself the following questions:
  • Will we have enough fuel?
  • Will we have enough water?
  • Will we have enough food?
  • Is there any places to stay along the way?
  • And what if we break down?

Just as we thought we had made it across unscathed, we were faced the last question. Explanations? More than 200 kilometers before reaching Norseman, the town at the western end of the plain, we got a flat. Never doing things by half, within minutes of putting the spare on... Bam... another flat. Luckily we were close to a roadhouse. What is this? They are your best friends when crossing the Nullarbor Plain, the magical answer to all the questions above. They are petrol stations which often offer catering services. So neither you or your vehicle will run out of fuel. Some of them provide accommodation to spend the night with comfort that varies from very poor to very good. However, as unlikely as it may seem, there is not necessarily a garage. If you break down and it is serious, often towing and repair costs are more expensive than abandoning your vehicle on the side of the road and buying a used one in Perth or Adelaide. If your problem is minor, you have access to, thanks to the previous category, one of the world's largest free auto parts self-service. And if you do not find what you are looking for, there is always the solution to get help from road trains which will drop at the roadhouse what you need and that you have previously purchased by phone in the "closest" town. This is what we have tested. Expect random delivery delays.

Training For The Sydney Marathon


As part of our training for the Sydney Marathon (Blackmores Sydney Running Festival) taking place on September 16th, we participated in the Boston Bay Wines Half Marathon organized by Port Lincoln Triathlon Club. This race which starts and finishes at Boston Bay Wines is, beyond the sporting event, an original way to discover the bay of Port Lincoln, one of the world's largest protected natural harbours, on the southern tip of Eyre Peninsula. Friendly atmosphere, setting new personal bests over the distance, views of the ocean all followed by a pasta party at the Boston Bay Wines restaurant: a challenging and successful day!

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Port Lincoln Triathlon Club.

Luxury Accommodation In Clare Valley


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.

Idyllic Stopover In The Heart Of The Barossa


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 .

Barossa Vineyards: Rockford Wines


Does the Barossa Valley ring a bell? This wine region, one of the world's largest, is located one hour north of Adelaide. For 150 years the Barossa has produced quality wine which now accounts for more than 20% of Australian wine production. The oldest Shiraz vines in the world are in the region. The wines of the Barossa are often compared to those of Bordeaux (France), Napa Valley (USA) or Tuscany (Italy). During our stay we visited three vineyards.
After Henschke and Langmeil Winery, we visited Rockford Wines who invited us via twitter when we were circulating in the region. What a nice surprise! They produce quality wine using traditional winemaking methods. It is far from mass production. Therefore, there is limited stock of each wine which sells out quickly. Facilities are located in a picturesque old barn which, alone, is worth the visit. Stop and taste the wines of the vineyard and other local products. We also tasted an impressive collection of jams!

Barossa Vineyards: Langmeil Winery


Does the Barossa Valley ring a bell? This wine region, one of the world's largest, is located one hour north of Adelaide. For 150 years the Barossa has produced quality wine which now accounts for more than 20% of Australian wine production. The oldest Shiraz vines in the world are in the region. The wines of the Barossa are often compared to those of Bordeaux (France), Napa Valley (USA) or Tuscany (Italy). During our stay we visited three vineyards.
After Henschke, we head to Langmeil Winery. The small family estate is recognized internationally as one of the top producers of premium wine in Australia. It is also known for maintaining the heritage of the Barossa and for its environmental practices. The vineyard is richly steeped in history, it is here that you will find the oldest surviving Shiraz vines in the world, an amazing sight. If we add the friendly atmosphere that prevails among the staff, Langmeil Winery is definitely worth a visit during a trip to the Barossa.

Barossa Vineyards: Henschke


Does the Barossa Valley ring a bell? This wine region, one of the world's largest, is located one hour north of Adelaide. For 150 years the Barossa has produced quality wine which now accounts for more than 20% of Australian wine production. The oldest Shiraz vines in the world are in the region. The wines of the Barossa are often compared to those of Bordeaux (France), Napa Valley (USA) or Tuscany (Italy). During our stay we visited three vineyards.
The first of them, the Henschke family estate, has been producing wine since 1861. The most famous are the Hill of Grace and Mount Edelstone, two iconic red wines which have been awarded nationally and internationally. The second has even been recognized three times as the best Syrah in the world by International Wine and Spirit Competition. The best way to soak up the place is to join a VIP Tour & Tasting. After visiting the heart of Hill of Grace vineyard, you can access the old buildings where wine is produced. The tour concludes with a private tasting of the best wines from the cellar. A taste experience that is thrilling enough, for the novices or the finest connoisseurs! At Henschke they are passionate and proud to produce wine of exceptional quality and as visitors we are leaving the place absolutely delighted by this discovery. The experience of Henschke wines continues on twitter. Feel free to share with the world and upload your most memorable #henschkemoment.

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Henschke.

Visit To The Home Of The Grange


A few miles east of downtown, in the Adelaide Hills, it is possible to visit the vineyards of Penfolds Magill Estate, very well known to wine lovers. Several tour options are offered, some include tasting fine wines and cheeses. It is bigger, more touristy and less intimate than a visit to Hahndorf Hill Winery. As Penfolds is home of the most awarded wine of Australia, Penfolds Grange, it is worth a visit to soak up the history and spirit of Penfolds. Coming from Hahndorf, Mount Lofty is the highest peak in the region. It offers panoramic views of Adelaide and its surrounds. We have not had the opportunity to attend, but it seems that one can admire the best sunset in Adelaide from the summit.

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Penfolds Magill Estate.

Divine Taste Experience In Adelaide Hills


Adelaide Hills are located about twenty minutes away from Adelaide city centre. Even if it is only for a day trip this short drive allows you to experience the stunning contrast of the city life. The region is home to orchards and vineyards and numerous picturesque villages including the charming Hahndorf made ​​famous by the artist Hans Heysen. It is absolutely imperative to stop at Hahndorf Hill Winery. Here is why: every day they propose ChocoVino, a divine taste experience. This is a tasting of some of the world's best chocolate (including Amedei Chuao which is regarded as THE best in the world) matched to the vineyard wines, all in an exceptional setting. The true decadence of this experience lies in the authentic and unique delivery of the tasting. You will learn that chocolate is not eaten, but savored. Undoubtedly ChocoVino at Hahndorf Hill Winery is one of our best foodies experiences since the beginning of this adventure! It is for no other reason than excellence that the vineyard is rated one of the Top 10 cellar doors in Australia by Wine Business Magazine and the ChocoVino experience was listed in CNN's 10 Global Adventures for chocoholics.

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Hahndorf Hill Winery.

Adelaide: Like A Good Glass Of Wine


Adelaide is so charming that you almost forget that it is a capital, that of South Australia in this case. The city is not very big, just a few more than 1 million inhabitants. However its parks and gardens, wide avenues and numerous restaurants, are all elements that offer its citizens a relaxed atmosphere. The city centre is just a few kilometres away from the beach and an hour's drive from the vineyards of McLaren Vale and Barossa. Adelaide is the hub of South Australia's booming wine industry. It hosts the National Wine Centre in a modern building with impressive architecture. As well as being used extensively as a conference centre, it also hosts the Wine Discovery Journey, an interactive exhibition where the public can learn more about the history and winemaking. This is an excellent starting point before visiting the vineyards of the area. But the real treasure of the centre, visible from the lobby, is located in the basement: the cellar. Housing up to 38,000 bottles, it is one of the largest in the Southern Hemisphere! Different class programs and tastings are also offered on site.

Australian Fine Dining In McLaren Vale


We visited another restaurant in McLaren Vale before leaving the Fleurieu Peninsula on our way to Kangaroo Island. Coterie is the restaurant of Woodstock Wine Estate. What is really impressive when you arrive, is the architecture. The building of twenty years old has been designed in a semicircle to blend with the shape of the land, so much so that not one tree was cut down during construction. The windows of the restaurant offer a beautiful view of the lush gardens of the property. The slogan of the house at the entrance of the restaurant says it all: great food, good company and finest wines! The atmosphere is really friendly. The food is actually excellent contemporary fine Australian cuisine. You will not want it to end! The products are fresh and seasonal. The vegetables are from the garden. The fish is caught an hour before being cooked. Our favourite: oven baked hand made pumpkin and mushroom cannelloni (although char-grilled kangaroo tenderloin with quenelle dark chocolate ganache seemed very appetizing too!). As for the chocolate soufflé, served with Spanish churros and thick dark chocolate dipping sauce, it alone is worth the trip! Note that you can enjoy a tasting in the cellar door whilst waiting for your meal: a great idea to help you choose the wine that will accompany your food experience! Finally we suggest you go for a walk around the wildlife sanctuary of the property to digest everything.

The writers were guests of Woodstock Coterie.

Dinner In Currency Creek


Currency Creek is located about twenty minutes northeast of Middleton. This small town in the Fleurieu Peninsula is famous for having been proposed as a potential site to house the state capital of South Australia, a role which is played today by Adelaide. Nowadays, the region is known for its vineyards. Currency Creek Winery is perhaps the most famous of them. On site, in addition to wine-tasting, you can dine in the restaurant or stay in one of the six luxurious villas of the property. The a la carte menu offers an appetizing selection of local produces. On Friday night, the chef offers the "T" Night which consists of a three-course meal including two glasses of wine from their vineyard for just over $30. This seems to be a very popular choice and hopefully you will get the chance to try it for yourself.

The writers were guests of Currency Creek Winery.