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

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

We visited a rather unusual place today: Hanging Rock. This rock formation, created over six million years ago, is located in Victoria, 70 kilometres northwest of Melbourne. This is certainly not as majestic as the Blue Mountains, but with 718 metres above sea level and 105 metres above plain level, the view from the top is still interesting. Without being too technical (after all we are experts in discovering must do places in Australia, not in geology), the rocks were formed from magma. Climbing to the top takes only twenty minutes. It is only once at the summit that you can truly appreciate Hanging Rock and its pinnacles shaped by the elements over time. The site is well known by Australians. This is where a group of schoolgirls mysteriously disappeared in the film Picnic at Hanging Rock, directed in 1975 by Peter Weir (Dead Poets Society). Sofia Coppola was also inspired by the atmosphere of this film for The Virgin Suicides.

If you have read our recent post about Melbourne, you already know that Melbourne is a great city. The culture of Melbourne occupies a leading role and most activities are free. Here are our favorite cultural places so far:

• State Library of Victoria: more than 1,5 million books and 16,000 periodicals. The architecture of La Trobe Reading Room and its dome is awesome;
• Australian Centre for the Moving Image: immersion in the world of film, television and digital culture. Screen Worlds, the permanent exhibition brings together rare archive footage, fascinating objects and interactive amazing displays.

Many art galleries, museums and theaters. Many cultural events and concerts as well. But Melbourne is also a place of choice for street art. Lonely Planet also places them as a must see. We love getting lost in the Central Business District walking through Melbourne's laneways in search of graffiti. We also love coming across impromptu concerts on the sidewalks (photo).

To further explore street art in Melbourne, visit The Complete Series gallery on iPhoneography Oz's facebook page.

This photo is part of the Weekend Hashtag Project, a series featuring designated themes & hashtags chosen every week by Instagram’s Community Team. The theme of the week is: #socialtravel.

iPhoneography Oz spent the day in jail at the Old Melbourne Gaol. No, do not worry, nothing serious. We simply visited the building transformed into a museum a few years ago. This historical place situated in the heart of Melbourne allows you to experience the harsh reality of a nineteenth century prison. It is interesting and differs from traditional museums. We suggest you to start the visit with the police watch house and experience what it is like to be arrested. It is extremely alike to (what we assume to be) the reality, so much that one wonders if the actor who charges you and locks you up is not an ex-cop. Was our favourite part of the visit! Then continue into the cells of the gaol where you will learn about the infamous Ned Kelly, whose story was brought to the cinema several times (Mick Jagger and Heath Ledger played the role of the bushranger). Allow about two hours for the entire visit.

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of National Trust of Australia (Victoria).