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!

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 could have been the photo of the year (with something different than an iPhone to capture this moment). On the night of November 5, 2012, more than 173,000 lightning strikes had hit South Australia, with electricity cut in nearly 90,000 homes! Obviously, it was one of the more extensive and violent lightning storms recorded in the area. Leaving Coober Pedy in the morning, it was really hot and sunny. On the way to Port Augusta, we could see the storm far away on the horizon. By late afternoon, arriving at Lake Hart, the temperature suddenly dropped by fifteen degrees. The sky darkened to become completely black as night. We were stuck, alone, in the midst of an incredible natural phenomenon. In addition to the heavy rain that fell at that time, these thousands lightning strikes lit up the sky every second. It lasted half an hour, an hour maybe. We have never witnessed such a show before. Unforgettable!

There is nothing like a bit of water to cool off when temperatures exceed 40°C. In Western Australia, there are Karijini National Park's waterholes. In Katherine area in Northern Territory, you can find hot springs, the spectacular Katherine Gorge or Edith Falls. Further north, you can have a swim in Kakadu National Park. And in the desert? Well, you block a sprinkler with a piece of wood and transform it into a shower! There are easy to find in front of many roadhouses of the Outback. It seems each of them has engaged in a competition to win the Greener Lawn Award. We even saw roadsigns indicating the presence of a gas station, a restaurant and... "Green Grass"!

Kata Tjuta (Mount Olga) is less known than its famous neighbor Uluru, but it is still impressive. These domes (there are 36 exactly) are located about thirty kilometres away from the rock of Uluru. They are part, with the latter, of the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We urge you to walk within the valleys and deep gorges created by these rock formations. Whether you choose the Valley of the Winds (7.4 km), or in the Walpa Gorge (2.6 km) (photo), do not miss this opportunity to get away from everyone and everything in a breathtaking environment. You will certainly feel alive! The colors are particularly beautiful in the afternoon and early evening. Be careful though, because of the extreme temperatures which often occur in the area, the tracks are not always open to the public. They are closed when the temperature exceeds 36°C. The picnic area located a few kilometers away from the base of Kata Tjuta, however, is a good alternative to admire the sunset.

Uluru is one of the most famous rocks in the world (photo). Also known as Ayers Rock, this world-class natural show is particularly moving, an emotion difficult to express with words. No photo or video can replace what you see with your own eyes after the long journey that takes you there (Alice Springs is 460 km away, Adelaide is 1,600 km away and Darwin is 1,960 km away). It is located in the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, which also includes the rock formations of Kata Tjuta (Mount Olga), sacred places of a very high importance to the Anangu people, one of the oldest human societies in the world. The park is one of the few sites part of the UNESCO World Heritage List for both its natural and cultural wealth. Uluru, which has become a major tourist attraction since the World War II, is a symbol of Australia. With the construction of a huge modern resort and the presence of too many tours, the place loses its authenticity. Sometimes it feels like Disneyland and that is unfortunate. Just like us, you can do your part not to encourage this excessive commercial development:

• Do not climb Uluru, you will show respect to Traditional Owners' law and culture;
• Take part in a daily cultural guided tour, run either by the Rangers (free) or by Indigenous;
• Visit the impressive Cultural Centre (free);
• Spend the night, if possible, on one of the free campsites located around the park.

Finally, do not miss a sunset over Uluru. This is a unique moment when the rock changes colors. Note that raining is rare in the Outback. However, severe storms can occur at Uluru. On this occasion, you might see a rare sight: huge waterfalls. If you have had the chance to experience it, share your photos with our readers!

We are not going to lie: summer in Australia is warm, sometimes really hot. Whether on the road that took us from Perth to Darwin or traveling from Darwin to Adelaide, we had days where the temperature never came down below 40°C: a true desert climate! Heading towards the center, precipitation is low, which makes the heat difficult to bear. The highest temperature we experienced was 46°C (photo) in Tennant Creek.

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.

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!

Moving away from major Australian cities is driving mostly on sand tracks with all the surprises that await you at the next turn. Dust is one of many of these not so pleasant surprises. Desert regions are often very dry, which does not help the situation. It is difficult in these conditions to maintain a clean vehicle. But it does not deserve a post on iPhoneography Oz if we would stop here. Know that while driving, vehicles create so much fine dust that a large quantity seeps into cars, even with windows closed and fan off. In Western Australia, it is mainly the red dust that is on the menu. This is due to the presence of iron in the sand, the oxidation by the action of sunlight gives it this red color. One could almost believe to be at the French Open, on Roland Garros center court's clay. The good news is that it adds a little color to your interior and your complexion.

The Karijini National Park is one of the jewels of the Pilbara. Walking through the park, you will discover spectacular scenery that time has shaped for over two billion years. A paradise for geologists, but not only this. The water has carved out magnificent gorges, some of them hundreds of metres deep. It is possible to access waterholes (or admire them from various lookouts) after a short walk or longer hikes. You will not be disappointed! These gorge walks are also the main attraction of the place. The Karijini is located just above the Tropic of Capricorn and often the temperatures reach 40°C in summer. The ideal time to visit is between May and September. No matter when, you will certainly appreciate swimming in the creeks. It is a refreshing experience that contrasts with the arid surroundings. Access to the park by car is possible even if some roads are not sealed. Note that only the northern part of the park is accessible to the public. One wonders what the southern part has to offer. We want more!

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Department of Environment and Conservation (Western Australia).

The Pilbara is a land of contrasts, rich with many natural wonders. Temperatures are generally high and the sky clear. During a stay in the area, take time to discover the fascinating landscapes of the national parks that time has taken millions of years to carve. Karijini National Park is the most popular of them, but some other parts of the region are also worth a look. This is the case with the Millstream Chichester National Park, which covers 200,000 hectares 150 kilometers south of Dampier. Cliffs and winding tree-lined rivers are spectacular. The park also hosts natural rock pools including the magnificent isolated Python Pool (photo). Beyond their beauty, these waters are also gifts of nature when you walk in temperatures exceeding 40°C. If you plan to spend time in the area, take precautions because there is no drinking water for hundreds of kilometres around.

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.

Kalbarri National Park, located about 500 kilometers north of Perth, occupies an area of ​​183,000 hectares a few kilometers away from impressive coastal cliffs. This is one of the most spectacular parks in Western Australia. Nature has carved breathtaking landscapes including Murchison River Gorge which is over 400 million years old. Short walks provide easy access to lookouts overlooking the wilderness. There are also many longer trails available for hiking enthusiasts. One of the park's main attractions is probably Nature's Window (photo), a natural arch with a beautiful view over the valley. Be careful, as often in the outback, there is no drinking water in the park. So do not forget to always carry your own, especially here, where summer temperatures frequently exceed 40 degrees Celsius.

Kalbarri is seven hours drive north of Perth, where the outback meets with the Indian Ocean. With its warm and sunny days, its incredible scenery and its tranquility, the region is a popular destination for the people of Western Australia. Make sure to venture along spectacular coastal cliffs a few kilometers south of the city. These rock formations are also reminiscent of the Twelve Apostles on the Great Ocean Road. If possible, visit this part of the Coral Coast between July and October. Not only you can watch the colorful show offered by more than 1,000 varieties of blooming wildflowers, but you will certainly be lucky enough to see humpback whales migrating with their calves.

A light tube (known as a skylight in Australia) is a brilliant concept patented by an Australian company in the 80s. Rain or shine, this system distributes light uniformly throughout the day without any use of energy and without any heat transfer. It is very common in Australian houses and mainly used to increase the amount of natural light into an otherwise darkened room. Actually Australians are usually extremely environmentally savvy. When the time comes to leave a room and "turn off the light", the uninitiated can easily spend a few minutes looking for a switch ... that does not exist (tested and approved by iPhoneography Oz)! To give you an idea, this photo was taken in the late afternoon in the toilet room of a house. No filter has been applied on the photo. Simple and clever concept, in total harmony with the environment, we love it!

Esperance is the main coastal town before or after crossing the Nullarbor Plain depending on which direction you are going. This little gem located on the coast of the Southern Ocean is an ideal destination for holidays. Tourists enjoy its temperate climate, its beaches and national parks nearby. Cape Le Grand National Park, the most famous of them, and perhaps Western Australia's most spectacular, is only forty kilometers east of town. It offers beautiful wild coastal scenery, majestic granite peaks and crystal clear turquoise waters that easily compare to some tropical paradises. Lucky Bay, Australia's whitest beach, is simply breathtaking. You might even be lucky enough to see local kangaroos sunbaking on the beach!

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Department of Environment and Conservation (Western Australia).

Coober Pedy is ideal if you are looking for a completely different experience in Australia. The most unusual part of the city lies in its underground life. Indeed, more than half the population of Coober Pedy lives underground. Even churches are buried! This is certainly something you would not find in Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne or Sydney. It seems to be the soldiers returning from the trenches of the First World War, who imported this idea. The miners of Coober Pedy then promptly adopted this concept to protect themselves from extreme summer and winter temperatures. Underground, the temperature remains constant at around 24 ° C, regardless of outside temperature. We could not visit Coober Pedy without spending a few nights underground. So we tried the Bedrock hostel. This establishment was founded by Faye Nayler, a legend of Coober Pedy, who was the first to offer underground accommodation to tourists. It is ideally located in the heart of Coober Pedy, adjacent to the Opal Cave showroom. You cannot miss it, it is in the huge parking lot that hosts a memorable Mad Max relic. Small kitchen, shower, this is basic for a backpacker but it is more than enough for this initiation! To extend the experience, do not forget to visit Faye's Historic Underground Home & Mine.

For other unusual activities in Coober Pedy, you can:

• Try the Coober Pedy Opal Fields Golf Course, a course with no lawn, where the greens are black. This is the only one in the world having a reciprocal agreement with the prestigious Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews in Scotland;
• Try your luck at noodling for opals;
• Explore the wonders of nature in the surroundings and have a look at the world's longest fence.

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Opal Cave.

We had no idea that the Northern Grampians had a Mediterranean climate and favorable complex sandy soils for olive trees. Whilst driving on the trails of the region, lost in the middle of nowhere, we stumbled upon the largest olive grove that we have ever seen: 28,000 olive trees planted on a property of 1,200 acres. Welcome to Toscana Olives. It is quite impressive especially when you do not expect to come across it! It is one of Australia's oldest groves. It produces extra virgin organic olive oils. The olives are cold pressed onsite immediately after picking. Actually it is possible to attend a tour of the pressing process at this time of year. It is really interesting to witness the behind the scenes of this production. If, like us, you love olive oil, make sure you stop at the farm gate shop for a tasting of their full range of award winning gourmet products. You will fall in love. The foodies that are not close by can also buy online. Our very favourite gourmet experience during our visit to the Grampians!

Win 1 bottle of Premium Organic Olive Oil (375 ml)!

The writers were guests of Toscana Olives.