Climbing Mount Wellington


Every week, iPhoneography Oz invites one of its Instagram followers to cover a topic about Australian society. Today, meet @tasland perched high above Hobart.

iPhoneography Oz: Who are you in less than 140 characters?
tasland: My name's Anita & I commandeer the Tasmanian Land Conservancy Instagram page. We raise money to purchase and protect irreplaceable parts of Tassie and our "instafeed" shows some of these places amongst other things.

iOz: You were scampering around Wellington Park in Tasmania (photo). What are the pros and cons of such a hike?
t: As a newly arrived immigrant to Tasmania from Melbourne, I was told that there are some key gauntlets to take on that reduce the 30 year waitlist before I'm allowed to call myself a Tasmanian. Visiting Mount Wellington (Kunanyi) not only takes 2 years off the waitlist, but it also stops you from being kicked out of Hobart. If you are living in Hobart, as I am, you're expected to climb "the Mountain" annually as a rite of passage. Not having to leave Hobart is obviously a major pro to visiting Mount Wellington, but the view of the city and surrounds is stunning, the array of rock formations and plants makes for some really interesting Instagram shots/macros and hey, if Charles Darwin did it so should you. There really are no cons, just get yourself up there, the #MtWellington hashtag is a great motivator.

iOz: What are the best things to do in the Hobart area?
t: Go to one of several hiking shops and buy a puffer jacket. Wear it with short shorts to look truly local. See Hobart from the top of Mount Wellington and marvel at the serenity. Visit the Tassie devils at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary. Join the @instatassie Instagram group and go on an Instagram PhotoWalk anywhere in Hobart with them. Buy the best sushi ever from Masaaki at the Sunday Farm Gate Market. Visit MONA (.5 years off Becoming A Local Waitlist). Drive to Taroona and buy a coffee and a pie from The Picnic Basket just off Channel Hwy and feel like a true Aussie. Visit us at the Tasmanian Land Conservancy in Sandy Bay because we're really, really, ridiculously nice.

iOz: If you were stuck in Australia with an unlimited budget and a week in front of you, what would you do?
t: Worm my way in on a Nature Photographers Tasmania trip to somewhere like Lake Rhona or any other remote parts of Tassie they visit and capture so beautifully. If you want to really experience Tasmania I think you have to be prepared to rough it and get your hands dirty.

iOz: What was one of the best travel experiences you've ever had in Australia?
t: I moved to Tassie because of the consistent, amazing experiences I had whenever I visited. When I first moved here I got to hike in a remote area near Bronte Park on our reserve called Skullbone Plains and was blown away. Getting to visit places and seeing things you've never seen before is pretty special. Plus I got to see a baby echidna, something I've come to realise isn't really that rare here in Tasmania, but it was for me at the time.

iOz: What's your favourite photo on the blog?
t: I have a soft spot for street art in Melbourne, so was happy to see A Walk Through Melbourne's Laneways in your feed.

iOz: What kind of photos can our readers see on @tasland's Instagram feed?
t: There's very much a bias for nature shots on our feed, most of which have been taken at our permanent reserve properties. There are also some "around the office" shots that get slipped in, like the screen grab I took from a video clip our conservation scientist sent through. It showed a spotted quoll helping itself to some leftover pesto on a recent camping trip… I just thought it was amazing and thought the Instagram community would too.

iOz: Vegemite or Nutella?
t: It's evil to make people choose.

iOz: We're switching roles, ask us anything!
t: How do you know Misspixels? She's one of my all-time favourite iStock illustrators from way back… right up there with Simon Oxley… and that's saying something! :)
iOz: Never met Misspixels before but she's from Montreal, Canada where @iclo used to live before. We interact with her from time to time on twitter!

iOz: A last word?
t: Sharing the beautiful natural values of Tasmania via Instagram through the eyes of the Tasmanian Land Conservancy has been really rewarding and a lot of fun.

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

Australian Sugar Cane Industry


We knew that Australia produces an abundance of surfers. After a road trip through Queensland, we now know that Australia is also a huge sugar producer. As far as vegetation goes, this region of Australia is not exclusive to tropical rainforests. There is an incredible amount of fields where sugar cane is grown (photo). There are so many sugar cane plants that sugar is, after wheat, the second largest export crop in Australia. In addition to this, part of the sugar production destined for the domestic market is used to produce rum. The Australian sugar industry generates more than 40,000 jobs. It could be a good opportunity to find a job in Australia for whoever is here on a Working Holiday Visa.

Have you worked in the sugar industry? What advice would you give to those who are looking for a job and want to work in Australia? Let us know in the comments below!

Is Mission Beach The Most Beautiful Beach In Australia?


Today we are talking about a place that we have not fully experienced, which is pretty rare on iPhoneography Oz. We spent just enough time to take a few pictures here. Being a bit rushed for time, we were not able to enjoy the place to its full extent. Why mention it then? Because this place is absolutely beautiful: Mission Beach situated at the southern end of Tropical North Queensland. Could this be the most beautiful beach in Australia? At first glance, nature is everywhere with its long unspoilt beaches, deserted islands and rainforest. Along the way, there are many road signs indicating the presence of a strange bird, the Southern Cassowary. Unfortunately, we did not cross the path of what seems to be a majestic creature. Mission Beach is located between two major tourism hubs in Australia (Cairns and the Whitsundays), which probably explains why there are not too many people here. Yet it seems that there is plenty of holiday accommodation available in the area (including luxury accommodation) as well as outdoor activities. Mission Beach is a famous spot for skydiving in Australia. In short, this place looks just like the perfect holiday destination.

What do you think? Have you been to Mission Beach? What would be the things to do in Mission Beach you would recommend? We want to know everything, let us know in the comments below!

A Living Museum Of Exceptionnal Natural Beauty


The Wet Tropics of Queensland are renowned for their exceptional scenic features, their natural beauty and their magnificent sweeping landscapes. They are recognized as one of the most fascinating natural areas in the world from an ecological point of view. These parks stretch along the north-east coast of Australia for some 450 kilometres, occupying ​​approximately 900,000 hectares (0.26% of the total land mass while they used to cover all of Australia a million years ago). Despite their small size, they are home to an incredible diversity of plant and animal species, including nearly 700 plants species found nowhere else on earth. Dating back more than 120 million years, they are the world's oldest continually surviving tropical rainforests which even were home to the dinosaurs! To ensure these world's remarkable natural wonders are protected and preserved, these rainforests were UNESCO World Heritage listed in 1988. Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, located a few kilometres north of Cairns, is the most scenic and environmentally sensitive way to visit Australia's Tropical Rainforests.

The World's Most Beautiful Rainforest Experience


Skyrail Rainforest Cableway is a unique rainforest experience ten minutes away from Cairns and less than an hour from Port Douglas. Jump aboard a gondola cabin which takes you on an unforgettable journey over and through UNESCO World Heritage listed Tropical Rainforests. The view is spectacular. From there you can also see the Coral Sea and lush Cairns Highlands (photo). This adventure includes time at two mid-stations, where you can walk on these ancient tropical forests alone or with a guide. Allow up to 90 minutes to complete a one-way experience which ends in the picturesque village of Kuranda. It is possible to enjoy a return experience, but we suggest that you experience the Kuranda Scenic Railway for your return to Cairns. Skyrail opened in 1995 and has since won numerous international, national and regional tourism and environmental awards. Located a few metres from the Tjapukai Aboriginal Culture Park, we recommend that you book one of the Tours & Packages offered to visit both attractions.

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Skyrail Rainforest Cableway.

Perfect Day Trip On Fitzroy Island


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.

Kakadu National Park


Kakadu National Park is a reserve of major importance, both for its natural and cultural treasures (its lands have always been inhabited for more than 40,000 years). UNESCO has also listed Kakadu as World Heritage in both categories. Covering an area of 20,000 sq km, it represents a complex ecosystem in which a surprisingly large amount of rare plant and animal species live together, just over two hours drive from Darwin. We did not spend to much time there but we still had the chance to discover beautiful places such as Maguk (photo). Do not make the mistake to spend too little time in the Park. There are many tour operators in the area. Joining a guided tour is probably the best way not to miss any of all its treasures, including Aboriginal rock paintings, in one of the world's largest concentrations. Note that the entrance is free. Jabiru, a small town completely surrounded by Kakadu National Park is really handy for refueling (visitors and vehicles).

Bushfires In Australia


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.

The Australian Baobabs


Found in the Kimberley and in the adjacent Northern Territory a multitude of Australian baobabs. This is the only place in Australia, and one of the few places in the world (there are other species in Africa, Arabian Peninsula and Madagascar), where one can see these interesting trees growing natively. Like all the baobabs, they are easily recognizable by their impressive trunk size. Indigenous Australians used them as a food source and for medicinal purposes. They also used them to paint or make sculptures. On the other hand tourists stop on the side of the road to take pictures of them, as they do with the termite mounds that are also found in large numbers in the area.

Cape Range National Park


Cape Range National Park is the terrestrial part of the Ningaloo Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The submerged part of the North West Cape has a diverse and abundant marine life with colourful underwater scenery, whereas the park is formed by rugged and arid land. Red limestone cliffs, incised by deep gorges, are impressive. In the eastern part of the park, a road located twenty kilometres south of Exmouth follows the razor-backed ridges and provides breathtaking views of the Charles Knife Canyons. One could easily believe they were in the Grand Canyon. There are several lookouts along the way that provide fantastic photo opportunities. Photographers and nature lovers may have found their paradise here. The western part of the park, meanwhile, gradually flattens out as it approaches the coast, giving way to the pristine white sand beaches of the Ningaloo Reef. Both the wildlife and the flora are very rich. That said, a visit in late winter is preferable to be sure to see the animals and wildflowers.

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

Coral Viewing And Snorkelling Tours In Exmouth


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.

Ningaloo Coast


Here is a new found love of exceptional beauty! Ningaloo Coast, recognized as one of the last great ocean paradises, stretches 300 kilometers between Shark Bay and Exmouth. From the shore, the banks offer dreamy scenery. Under water, where the colour could not be more perfect (photo), there are a multitude of marine species including barracudas, dolphins, dugongs, manta rays, sharks and turtles. The region is also famous for hosting 300-500 whale sharks each year, the largest fish in the world. Between March and July, visitors from around the world flock to the Ningaloo Coast for the experience of a lifetime: a swim with whale sharks. This is the only place in the world where these giants of the sea are easily accessible and are returning in large numbers near the coast with the precision of a Swiss watch. Unfortunately we missed it because we were in the area out of season. Finally, the Ningaloo Coast is also famous for its world class reef composed of not less than 300 coral species, over 700 species of reef fish (including Nemo), about 650 species of molluscs, nearly 600 species of crustaceans and more than 1000 species of seaweed. A mask and snorkel are enough to observe all this at only a hundred metres away from the shore! For all these reasons, the Ningaloo Coast in 2011 became the 19th Australian site to be inscribed on the World Heritage List of UNESCO.

Francois Peron National Park's Dramatic Landscapes


Francois Peron National Park is located on the road to Monkey Mia, four kilometres after Denham. Renowned for its dramatic landscapes, certainly the most stunning scenery you will see in Shark Bay, the park is accessible by 4WD only. If you do not have your own personal vehicle, do not hesitate to join a tour departing from Denham to be sure not to miss this natural show. Allow at least a day, if not two, for the visit. Actually you will find a few designated basic campsites in the park. After driving across the park, you will arrive at Cape Peron (photo), where striking rust red sand dunes give way to pristine white beaches and a crystal blue ocean. The place reminds us of this incredible beach located on Kangaroo Island. As in Eagle Bluff, it is also possible to view Shark Bay's abundant marine life from the top of the cliffs. During our visit, we attended a manta rays ballet. Truly a must see for nature lovers!

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

Stromatolites Of Shark Bay


Shark Bay is located in Western Australia approximately 800 kilometers north of Perth. The region, part of UNESCO World Heritage List, is home to many many protected areas and conservation reserves. At the southern part of the bay, 90 kilometers from Denham, is Hamelin Pool. This site is well known around the world for hosting stromatolites (photo), colonies of micro-organisms that resemble the oldest and simplest forms of life found on earth around 3.5 billion years ago. A boardwalk allows you to get really close to the best show of its kind on the planet. Note that it is not possible to touch the stromatolites or swim in this environment. Swimming is possible at Shell Beach, an incredible beach which is only 50 kilometers north.

Kalbarri, On The Ocean Side


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.

Kings Park, The Jewel Of Perth


Kings Park, located in downtown Perth, is one of the largest inner city parks in the world. It is located on a hill overlooking the city offering stunning views of the central business district and the Swan River waters. Tourist or local, everyone loves to laze on its lawns or run and ride their bicycle on its trails. In spring time, the park is home to the Kings Park Wildflower Festival, an internationally renowned event celebrating the beauty of Western Australia native wildflowers. Kings Park is also a sacred place for Aborigines. Various tours are offered to visitors.

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.

Discovering The Flinders Ranges And The Outback


We will drive through the Flinders Ranges and the Outback in the coming days. It is where you can discover the real Australia. This is also where you can find some of the oldest landscapes on earth. And this is where you can find properties larger than some European countries (the advantage is that you will never disturb your neighbors who are hundreds of kilometres away!). A great way to understand these spectacular regions before visiting them is to go to Wadlata Outback Centre. It is located in Port Augusta on the way to the Flinders Ranges and the Outback, three hours north of Adelaide. It reveals how the region has evolved over millions of years in geological terms, but also explains the Aboriginal legends and stories of European explorers and settlers. You learn a lot while visiting this multiple award-wining tourist attraction. We recommend it!

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Wadlata Outback Centre.

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.

Tahune AirWalk: Walk Among The Giants


Forestry Tasmania is the government agency that manages public forests in Tasmania. Part of its activities, grouped under the label Adventure Forests, is dedicated to tourism. We experienced one of them: Tahune AirWalk. This attraction is located along the Huon River, 70 kilometres south of Hobart. The 600 metres airwalk structure allows you to walk through the middle of an eucalyptus forest... at nearly 40 metres above the forest floor! Do not be afraid of heights, it is really remarkable! From there, the views of the area are beautiful. After this experience, with your feet firmly back on the ground, a hiking trail along the river will lead you to discover two swinging bridges which are equally as impressive (photo). On the road, ten miles before reaching Tahune AirWalk, do not miss the stop at the Big Tree Lookout. You can approach one of the tallest and biggest trees in the world. Absolutely colossal!

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Forestry Tasmania.