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

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

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of 1770 Liquid Adventures.

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.

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!

In Australia, WAGS might not have exactly the same meaning as what most of you might think. If for you, WAGS means Wives and Girlfriends (the way it is used by the media to describe the wives and girlfriends of professional athletes, who are generally very pretty girls), then you are about to be enlightened with Wednesday Afternoon Go Sailing. And no, you will not see any Australian cricket WAGS on iPhoneography Oz... contrary to this Daily Telegraph gallery!). So every Wednesday afternoon (weather permitting), Australian Yacht Clubs' members volunteer a little bit of their time and their yacht to take guests out sailing. The purpose? Socializing and having a good time. We experienced this activity in Port Douglas with the local Yacht Club's members. It is a very cheap way to cruise along Australia coastline. Depending on your skipper, the cruise might even turn into a free sailing lesson. In theory, it does not cost you anything. But in fact, when you arrive at the Yacht Club, it is highly recommended to make yourself comfortable and have a drink at the bar. You need to write down your name on a form as well to let the skippers know about your intention of sailing. Please note that once registered, there is no guarantee that you will be chosen to join a sailboat. In the end, the skippers choose their own "crew", and as part of the WAGS culture they do not like free loaders! Having a beer or two are a few well spent dollars that are going to boost your fund of good will (and your eligibility).

What do you think? Do you have other Australian tips to share? What was your best experience on Australian oceans? Leave your comments below!

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

A few weeks ago we came accross the William Creek Hotel and the North Star Hotel in South Australia. This time, on the Stuart Highway between Katherine and Tennant Creek, we spotted the Larrimah Hotel, in the tiny hamlet of the same name. As for the other two, you have to stop in this pub. You will have no problem to recognize it: the Pink Panther is sitting outside along the highway. The Larrimah Hotel is a hotel, a camping, a pub, a museum, a zoo... but also one of the many unusual places that give the Outback part of its charm. There are certainly dozens of them scattered around the country. Feel free to share your own discoveries with us!

Edith Falls (or Leliyn) are the second main attraction of Nitmiluk National Park along with the Katherine Gorge. These picturesque waterfalls flow into a massive plunge pool in which it is possible (and very pleasant) to swim. Be careful though because signs indicate the possible presence of freshwater crocodiles, considered less dangerous than saltwater crocodiles, in the late afternoon. This beautiful place is located on the west side of the Park, 40 kilometres north of Katherine on the Stuart Highway on the way to Darwin. Leliyn has a landscaped campground with unpowered sites.

During a stay in Darwin do not miss the opportunity to visit the world famous Katherine Gorge, located in the Nitmiluk National Park, 250 kilometres south of the capital city of the Northern Territory. This deep gorge, more than 20 million years old, offers a diverse and spectacular landscape, including cliffs over 70 metres high (photo). The most popular place to admire the surroundings is located directly on the Katherine River (cruises, canoeing, swimming). It is also possible to walk on one of the numerous walking tracks starting from Nitmiluk Centre to experience the gorge from above. Access to Katherine Gorge is via Katherine on a 30 kilometres sealed road northeast of the city. It is better to avoid visiting the park during the wet season (December to April). Due to flooding, access and activities are not necessarily available. The best time to visit the park is therefore between May and September.

In the north of Western Australia and the Northern Territory, bushfires are common throughout the year. It is important to take precautions when staying in the area. These fires have killed in the past. If you are travelling or if you camp in a forest or the bush, fire is a potential hazard that should not be overlooked. Authorities make travellers guides available for visitors to understand the risks and to know how to react if a fire starts.

In addition to our visit to Coral Bay, we joined a snorkelling tour in Exmouth. Like Coral Bay, Exmouth also offers the opportunity to snorkel on the Ningaloo Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We were delighted to join Ningaloo Ecology Cruises on their Glass Bottom Boat tour which allowed us to get up close and personal with the natural wonders of the reef. As you glide through the crystal clear water you can marvel at the colourful and 1,000 years old coral, swim with turtles and tropical fish. They offer a few different tour options ranging from coral viewing and snorkelling to exclusive tours that can be tailored to your needs. The moment you book with them the tour is guaranteed regardless of numbers. This is how much your hosts, Alek and Gina, love their "office"! It is easy to see why and we have no doubt that you will enjoy this cruise as much as we did!

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Ningaloo Ecology Cruises.

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.

Sydney Harbour is undoubtedly one of Australia's most beautiful urban settings. From the bay you get a beautiful view of Sydney's central business district including famous Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Not only that, Sydney Harbour is also made of twenty kilometres of coves, beaches, bays and curiosities such as Fort Denison (photo) that you may not even been aware of their existence. There are many tour operators offering cruises into the bay. We already participated as crew on a real America's Cup yacht. This time we joined Sydney Harbour Boat Tours which is Sydney's only full day guided harbour boat tour. From celebrity homes and million dollar mansions (yes, now we know where Russell Crowe's loft is) to the harbour's most secluded beaches, Andrew will make sure you do not miss a thing. Enjoy hopping on and off the boat so you can actually explore the surroundings. The tour includes a fresh seafood lunch from the famous Sydney Fish Market that you can enjoy among fishing boats and million dollar yachts. Wait until you see the platter! Later in the afternoon, you can walk around Manly's shops and beach. Weather permitting, why not jumping in the water for a swim in one of the most private beaches of the area? The tour concludes with a cold beverage at one of the most picturesque terraces in town. All the information you need is available on the website. Note that a courtesy bus is available to pick you up and drop you off at your hotel. Sydney Harbour Boat Tours is a gem of the harbour and a day that goes definitely too fast! We loved it.

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Sydney Harbour Boat Tours.

Australia is the country of travel par excellence. If you are a regular reader of iPhoneography Oz, you will have been able to grasp the diversity of this continent. Many, like us, choose to take their time to visit this country. If some choose to travel by plane, others (let's say the majority) travel by road. The accommodation can quickly become a big part of your budget, even when choosing to camp. Unless we are talking about free camping. But this does not mean camping anywhere. The police (in cities) or the rangers (in national parks) make sure you respect the rules and fines can be really expensive if you camp in prohibited areas. However, there are free camping areas available along the roads. You should think about getting a guide which tells you where they are. The main advantage is the cost: free. But at this price, the facilities are primitive. Often it only has picnic tables and garbage bins, toilets sometimes. But not always. Choosing this kind of travel is also going to make you an expert on knowing where the hot showers are! Forget the comforts of home or a luxury bed & breakfast. But after all, is this not the essence of a successful road trip that will be remembered for a lifetime?

The City of Stirling is located in the heart of the Sunset Coast, only 20 minutes away from Perth central business district. There, Scarborough Beach is probably one of the best beaches around Perth. It offers all the advantages of the perfect beach. It is equipped with changing rooms including showers and toilets. There are also picnic areas with barbecues and children's playgrounds (caution snakes!). Once you are done with sunbathing and surfing, you can visit one of the many bars and cafes overlooking the ocean. Ideal to enjoy the sunsets! Scarborough is also known to have a wide range of accommodation. From a room in a hostel to five-star apartments, you will find the right option to suit your budget. Finally, during the warmest months of the year, you can enjoy live performances and events at the only amphitheatre on the beach in Western Australia.

Rockingham is located only 45 minutes south of Perth. With its long sheltered beaches, water sports and parks, it is a popular tourist destination. The city is located opposite the beautiful waters of the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park, famous for its underwater wildlife. If in Mandurah, you can see dolphins, here you can just get into the water and swim with wild dolphins! Early in the morning Rockingham Wild Encounters takes you to the heart of their territory. When the mammals are approaching, it is time to put your wetsuit on and slip into the water with an experienced guide. You literally plunge into another world, quickly surrounded by dozens of dolphins, both curious and playful. We can just recommend you to keep your eyes wide open - and ears as well - not to miss the show. It is an amazing experience to live once in your life! For us, it is now done. The crew are adorable, which makes it a really enjoyable cruise. Please note, even if it is completely anecdotal after such an experience, the lunch is served on board before returning to the mainland.

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Rockingham Wild Encounters.

When we discovered Sydney in winter in May, Destination NSW arranged our stay at the Kirketon Hotel, member of the 8Hotels family. We were delighted by this charming 4-star boutique hotel nestled amongst the hype of the vibrant Darlinghurst neighbourhood. In Perth, we stayed at another hotel in the family: Pensione Hotel. This newly refurbished and stylish property is a real gem. It is conveniently located on the doorstep of Perth central business district, the train station, shops and restaurants. Both modern design and attention to detail offer a sense of intimacy which is truly enjoyable. As in Sydney, the beds are of high quality and exceptional comfort! The service is impeccable from the moment you enter the hotel until the moment you check out. A note signed by the General Manager of the hotel, in the room upon your arrival, expresses this personalized service perfectly. 8Hotels also offers a selection of hotels, villas, apartments and restaurants in Melbourne, Canberra, Brisbane, Hepburn Springs (a few kilometers away from Hanging Rock), Thredbo (at the foot of Mt Kosciuszko), Bali and Paris. Having already stayed in two of their hotels, we can already highly recommend 8Hotels accommodations.

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of 8Hotels.

Perth central business district is located on the banks of the Swan River, which gave its name to the Swan Valley, famous for its wines and fresh local produce. It really divides the city in two. Its inhabitants are defined as living "south of the river" or "north of the river". The fact is that the waters of the Swan provide a unique opportunity to escape from the city either by kayak or sailboat. The river is surrounded by many parks, ideal for a picnic or a nap with an amazing view of Perth skyline. Many cruise options are available departing from Barrack Square. In need of an adrenaline rush? Water sports such as jet skiing, windsurfing and parasailing are also available. Stunning urban backdrop included free of charge!

Mandurah, the second largest city in Western Australia, is only an hour south of Perth. The seaside town has grown in recent years into the Venice of Australia, famous for its canals overlooked by luxury villas. In order to give this beautiful postcard some more sparkles, some Bottlenose Dolphins choose to show off in the waterways. This is of course the main attraction of the city. Boarding a ship from Mandurah Cruises is an excellent opportunity to admire all of that. The cruise lasts an hour and stops for a Fish & Chips (if opting for a lunchtime departure). It seems that the dolphins are most active at high tide, be sure to check with the company before boarding.

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Mandurah Cruises.

Photo: Mandurah Cruises