The Green Rolling Hills Of South Gippsland


Every week, iPhoneography Oz invites one of its Instagram followers to cover a topic about Australian society. Today, meet @domblissleese on the side of the road in Gippsland.

iPhoneography Oz: Who are you in less than 140 characters?
domblissleese: I'm a city girl who married a country boy & mum of two teenagers. I am obsessed with photography and good coffee and I'm constantly seeking the art & beauty in everyday life.

iOz: Your photo shows a really lovely green countryside where life seems so peaceful. Where is it exactly?
d: This photo was taken by the side of the road near a small town called Korumburra, in South Gippsland, Victoria, approximately 100 kilometres south-east of Melbourne. It is usually a place of green rolling hills, but a lack of rain has left these beautiful hills looking rather dry and brown at the moment. It is a very peaceful part of the world, the silence only broken in the early mornings by the sounds of magpies chortling and cows mooing as they head back out to their paddocks after the early morning milking session.

iOz: What to do in South Gippsland?
d: Without a doubt South Gippsland is a place of natural beauty. It is home to Wilsons Promontory National Park, which has some of the most beautiful beachfront you will ever see. There are also the stunning beaches of Sandy Point, Walkerville and Waratah Bay. There is native wildlife around every corner, kangaroos, koalas, echidnas, wombats and lots more. There are plenty of outdoor opportunities such as hiking, surfing and bike riding, as well as the gorgeous locally produced food and wine to indulge in. There is a strong local slow food culture which can be explored at the local farmers markets held every weekend at the small towns of Korumburra, Koonwarra, Foster and Inverloch. The town of Loch is the place to go for antique shopping and the town of Meeniyan is home to some great galleries and fabulous cafes. If you are planning a holiday, come visit South Gippsland, you won't be sorry!

iOz: If you were stuck in Australia with an unlimited budget and a week in front of you, what would you do?
d: Only a week?! Well I think I would have to say I'd go to Broome in Western Australia. The beaches, shopping for fabulous pearls, dining on amazingly fresh seafood under the stars. It would be my idea of paradise.

iOz: What was one of the best travel experiences you've ever had in Australia?
d: Without a doubt, our best travel experience was when we travelled from our home in South Gippsland across to Western Australia. We travelled with another family for 6 weeks, towing our caravans across the Nullarbor. We saw some amazing things, but the highlight would be seeing around 25 whales; mothers and calves frolicking in the waves under the cliffs at the Head of Bight on the Nullarbor. They were so close we could hear them breathing! It was life changing for us and my kids still talk about it to this day. Lucky Bay in Esperance and also the Margaret River region were also favourite's places.

iOz: What's your favourite photo on the blog?
d: Well I actually have 2. The first is one taken on your sunset kayak tour at 1770. It is a stunning part of the world there and my kayaking obsessed husband would love to do this. The other is the photo taken at Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island. It is breathtakingly beautiful and somewhere I'm yet to visit.

iOz: What kind of photos can our readers see on @domblissleese's Instagram feed?
d: My IG feed is definitely a snapshot of my life; the way I see it and more importantly with whom I share it. Expect lots of scenery shots of the beautiful area I live in, as well as a fair amount of food shots. I'm a passionate home cook, and I like to share my creations with my IG friends. I often add my addiction to caffeine to my feed with odd coffee shot thrown in as well!

iOz: Vegemite or Nutella?
d: Definitely Vegemite. No good Aussie girl would choose otherwise!

iOz: We're switching roles, ask us anything!
d: Travelling Australia for a year would have brought about your own life changing moments. Can you share one with us?
iOz: Not having access to clean water for a couple of days get you out of your comfort zone. Then you suddenly have access to clean water and find yourself enjoying a cold shower. That was one of the greatest life changing moments of our adventure. We came to the conclusion that all you need to be happy is water!

iOz: A last word?
d: Beauty and art is everywhere. Look at life through a lens and from a different angle. You will be amazed at what you soon see.

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

Market Shopping Experience In Sydney's Chinatown


Every week, iPhoneography Oz invites one of its Instagram followers to cover a topic about Australian society. Today, meet @miss_and shopping in the exciting Sydney's Chinatown. She posted this photo of Paddy's Markets, Sydney's biggest markets.

iPhoneography Oz: Who are you in less than 140 characters?
miss_and: Just a person who's interested in the world: people, places, stories. I work in radio broadcasting, make ceramics, take photos.

iOz: Your photo shows a part of the famous Paddy's Markets in Sydney. What can one find there?
m: You can find almost anything at Paddy's Markets. I like the food best, there's a lot of fresh fruit & vegies, spices, sweets, nuts, tea, more. Then there's the rest: clothes, bags, linen, CDs, mobile phone covers, jewellery, shoes... you get the idea. Today the markets have a distinctly Asian flavour as they're right next to Chinatown. They date back to the 1830s, and the name probably has an Irish connection.

iOz: What's your favourite part of Sydney's Chinatown?
m: The food! There's a wide range of Chinese cuisines, but these days many other wildly different Asian flavours too - Vietnamese, Japanese, Korean, Malaysian, Indonesian. You can spend up big or keep it cheap 'n' cheerful. For a moment's peace in the madness, visit Kimber Lane where the street art lifts you literally into the clouds.

iOz: If you were stuck in Australia with an unlimited budget and a week in front of you, what would you do?
m: A day and a bit at each at the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland, Cradle Mountain in Tasmania, and Uluru in the Northern Territory - to get a feel for all there is in Australia. Or maybe I'd just spend the week on the Ningaloo Coast in Western Australia swimming with the whale sharks...

iOz: What was one of the best travel experiences you've ever had in Australia?
m: Driving around Tasmania with a friend. Staggering natural beauty, lots of seafood and cheese, terrific wine in the Tamar Valley.

iOz: What's your favourite photo on the blog?
m: I love Kristina's pic and post about Melbourne's lane ways. If you opted not to spend a week swimming with whale sharks at Ningaloo, explore Melbourne's streets - they're full of street art, great restaurants and bars, and other surprises.

iOz: What kind of photos can our readers see on @miss_and's Instagram feed?
m: Whatever catches my eye: street art, buildings, alleyways, sky, clouds. Bright colours. Lots of pictures from Canberra, our beautiful national capital and my current home.

iOz: Vegemite or Nutella?
m: Sorry to be unAustralian... but Nutella every time! Must be my European mum's influence.

iOz: We're switching roles, ask us anything!
m: Beer or wine?
iOz: Wine without hesitation. Especially since we visited a few amazing places in Margaret River, The Barossa, McLaren Vale, Coonawarra and many more along our travels. By the way if you have some Bundaberg Rum Royal Liqueur served with cream, we'll have some thanks!

iOz: A last word?
m: Gorgonzola. What a great word.

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

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.

Barefoot In The Tropics


Dear readers, especially if you are a backpacker, open your eyes and read this (it works too even if you are not a backpacker)! Do you want to have fun in Cairns? We have found one of the best tours ever. Well we are not the only one since Barefoot Tours has been ranked TripAdvisor's #1 Activity in Cairns in 2010, 2011 and 2012! We do not want to spoil anything here, so we are not going to reveal all you have to expect from this really cooool day... What we can tell you is that with Matty, the colourful Captain, there is no time restrictions. You can enjoy throughout the day the beauty of the nature around you. Have you ever swum in volcanic crater lakes? Do you fancy washing your hair with a shampoo under a waterfall, just like on TV commercials? In the morning you can enjoy a tropical breakfast (included). Then you can have lunch mixing with the locals at a proper local Aussie pub (not included). No matter what, while staying in Cairns, you would be a fool to miss out on this adventure. Nevermind if you have forgotten your smile at your accommodation, Matty will bring a few of them back on your face.

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Barefoot Tours.

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.

Explore The Secrets Of Sydney Harbour


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.

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!

Ghostly Tour In Fremantle


A rather special bus drives through Fremantle's streets every day: Fremantle Tram Tours. This replica-tram offers guided tours of the city. So far nothing too unusual. However, every Friday night, you can join The Ghostly Tour which is a torchlight tour of Fremantle's oldest buildings. As often is the case, the driver is a human encyclopedia who entertains you through his stories and tales of some of Fremantle's earliest residents. Along the way the tram stops at Cicerello's, considered to be the best Fish & Chips in Perth and Western Australia (supper and a soft drink included). But the highlight of the evening is undoubtedly the Torchlight Tour at the Fremantle Prison. Accompanied by a guide, over one and a half hours you explore the darker side of this historic building (featuring the Main Cell Block, solitary confinement, whipping post, the gallows and even the morgue!). Expect some surprises along the way. This great activity lasts for four hours in total. It is an unusual experience, ideal if you are a small group. Bookings for this tour are essential.

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Fremantle Tram Tours.

The Best Indian Restaurant In Australia?


Perth, like all Australian capital cities, is a foodies destination. The multiculturalism of its inhabitants is reflected in the diversity of its restaurants. Fremantle, the port city located 30 minutes away from Perth central business district, is famous for its cafés, pubs and its dynamic atmosphere. In amongst it all we have found an unusual indian restaurant: Maya Indian Restaurant. Forget the clichés about Indian restaurants! Here, no Taj Mahal or traditional Indian music. The atmosphere is much more inspired by the Fremantle lifestyle. It is for good reason that the restaurant's slogan is Food - Fun - Fashion. It is located in a historic building in the heart of Fremantle. The dishes on the menu, adapted to Western taste buds (hence being less spicy than in India) are delicious. According to the recommendations on Trip Advisor, Maya Indian Restaurant is one of the best restaurants in the city and one of the best Indian restaurants in Australia. We understand why! Remember to book as it is often full, especially on weekends.

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Maya Indian Restaurant.

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!

Northbridge, Cultural Hub Of Perth


Northbridge is the cultural hub of Perth. It is only five minutes walk from the city centre. Whether you are a foodie, an art lover, a shopaholic or a clubber, you can not go wrong here! This is where we can find two of the most important museums of the city, Art Gallery of Western Australia and Western Australian Museum. Northbridge is also famous for hosting an amazing amount of restaurants offering Chinese, Italian, Indian, Japanese, Greek, Thai, Vietnamese and even... Egyptian cuisine. After sunset, the streets are full and the area comes to life. We love this atmosphere!

Meeting Bottlenose Dolphins In Mandurah


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

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.

Crossing Into Western Australia, A Quarantine Story


Even in the middle of nowhere on the Nullarbor Plain, the border entry into Western Australia is a checkpoint. Here it is not the passports or stowaways that are checked but the presence of ... fruits and vegetables (and a whole list of prohibited items available here) which must be disposed of at the border. Officially, it is a measure to protect the agricultural industry of the state by preventing the transportation of some insects, weeds and diseases present elsewhere in Australia. It is understandable not to import fruits and vegetables just in case they are contaminated. Yes, but a question remains. What about the insects? Don't they ever cross the border on their own? We had already experienced this kind of quarantine arriving in Tasmania. In this case though it made more sense as it is an island.

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.

Gourmet Food And Luxury Accommodation In Port Lincoln


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.

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.