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!

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!

Woomera is a village located between Adelaide and Coober Pedy. Not sure if its name rings a bell but Woomera has long been a rocket range which was as important as Cape Canaveral in the '50s. Unfortunately, we can not visit the range. It is located in the Woomera Prohibited Area, the world's largest land-based weapons test facility. However, stop for a few minutes in town where you can attend a curious outdoor exhibition: rocket and missile memorabilia are all witnesses to its former glory! We do not spend hours there, but it is certainly worth a pause in our long journey accross the Outback.

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!

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.

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.

His Majesty's Theatre is a beautiful Edwardian-style building located in the heart of Perth central business district. It sits on Hay Street not far from the famous international brand designers. When it opened in the early twentieth century, it was the largest theatre in Australia. It could accommodate over 2,500 people seated (1,200 today). In all likelihood, it would be the first reinforced concrete building constructed in Perth. The theatre has always played a very important role in Western Australia's cultural landscape. It continues to host many events such as musicals, operas and plays. During our stay, we had the opportunity to attend a performance of Pinocchio presented by West Australian Ballet. What an experience! Whether for a tour or to attend a show (see event calendar), do not miss the opportunity to discover this cultural institution of the city.

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of His Majesty's Theatre.

The Powerhouse Museum is an amazing museum located in Ultimo, on the edge of Sydney's central business district and near Darling Harbour (where Sydney Aquarium, Wild Life Sydney and Sailing Sydney are). It occupies the premises of the former power station built to power the city's electric tram system. Its permanent collection covers areas as diverse as history, science, technology, design, industry, decorative arts, music, transport and space exploration. In total, it has more than 500,000 items, using contemporary technologies to showcase them. We were particularly impressed (and shaken) by the Zero Gravity Space Lab. Using special effects, this replica space lab creates the illusion of weightlessness associated with microgravity. There is something to suit every taste. The Powerhouse Museum is also famous for its numerous and varied temporary exhibitions. During our two visits, we stepped through the wardrobe of Harry Potter and discovered the world of Narnia (we have been told that Wallace and Gromit are moving in this summer). This cultural outing, which allows you to discover the ideas and technologies that have changed the world, is a pure delight for little ones and their elders (not to mention the machine that explains how chocolate is made and lets you taste some)!

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Powerhouse Museum.

Sydney, Stadium Australia. September 2000. Cathy Freeman, Australian athlete of indigenous origin, lights the Olympic flame. A few days later, in the same stadium and in her famous swift-suit (exposed at the National Sports Museum in Melbourne), she wins a gold medal for the women's 400 metres and becomes the first athlete who lit the Olympic flame to win a gold medal at the same games. These are two of many unforgettable moments of some of the greatest sporting events in Australian history which has occured at ANZ Stadium (formerly known as Stadium Australia). The venue located in the heart of Sydney Olympic Park is the only stadium in the world to host five professional sports on a regular basis (rugby, rugby league, Australian football, football and cricket), in addition to large entertainment events. Guided tours of what is known as one of the world's finest and most technologically-advanced stadiums are also organized several times a day. Experiencing the thrill of running through the players' tunnel (with original Sydney 2000 Olympics cheering crowd sound) and standing on a genuine Sydney 2000 medal dais (photo), just like Cathy Freeman did 12 years ago, is quite an exciting experience for sports enthusiasts. A must see during a stay in Sydney!

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of ANZ Stadium.

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!

Visiting the centre of the largest cities accompanied by guide is quite a common tourist activity in Australia. In Melbourne, we experienced a bike tour. In Perth, as was the case in Hobart, we experienced a guided walking tour. We joined a guide from Two Feet & a Heartbeat. Thanks to the quality of their services on offer the company is now Australia's most awarded walking tour company. Your guide strives to present the rich cultural and historical heritage of the city in a dynamic way. It is very informative and it also allows you to find your way in your new environment. Moreover, you learn much more than you would flipping through any tourist guide book. The atmosphere is relaxed and the tour ends in a local pub in Northbridge. And the icing on the cake, they shout your first drink! This activity should be placed at the top of your to-do list when you arrive in Perth! Several tours and schedules are available. Two Feet & a Heartbeat now also offers its services in Sydney.

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Two Feet & a Heartbeat.

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 Perth Mint is a historic building in central Perth. Founded at the end of the nineteenth century to produce the money under the authority of the Royal Mint, it is the oldest institution of its kind in Australia. During the twentieth century, it produced much of the Australian currency. The Perth Mint, now open to the public, mainly produces coins for collectors and gold bullion today. A permanent exhibition allows you to get closer to the precious metal. It includes medals of the 2000 Sydney Olympics (produced by the The Perth Mint), the second largest gold nugget in the world (25.5 kg), the world's largest coin (1 tonne of pure gold) as well as the world's largest collection of gold bars (more than 900 gold bars, including 130 on display). The tour includes an amazing gold pouring performance in which pure gold is heated, melted and turned into a solid gold bar. You have certainly never been so close to so many millions of dollars!

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of The Perth Mint.

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.

In the early twentieth century, a father and his son (Jim and William Hutchison), desperately hurled themselves into the desert of South Australia, over 800 kilometres northwest of Adelaide, in search of gold. After an successful attempt resulting in no gold and no water, they discovered opal and certainly never suspected that nearly 100 years later, the camp they had set up would become a city. Coober Pedy today has became the opal capital of the world. It produces three quarters of the world's opals. A bit like Las Vegas rising like a mirage in the Mojave Desert, it is very surprising to see so much activity in the middle of nowhere. The city is surrounded by a moonscape dotted with mounds of debris from mining activities. Winner of the 2011 South Australia's Best Tourist Attractions award, a visit to Old Timers Mine is a must do! This original opal mine, dug in 1916, has been converted into a museum. Put on a helmet and go underground! This is a great way to travel in time and finding out under what conditions the miners and their families worked and lived underground in the hope of striking it rich. Clearly there is no room for boredom in the desert with all these unusual discoveries (see our photos of William Creek and the Dog Fence).

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Old Timers Mine.

Today we take you to the western Flinders Ranges, where the mountains meet the desert to live our first real Outback experience. We spent a few days at Beltana Station, a fully working sheep and cattle station located on a property of more than... 400,000 acres! If Beltana Station was a sovereign state, it would rank just after Mauritius in the list of countries and dependencies by area. We can tell you that it is huge and that you will never be disturbed by the neighbours! The place is rich in history with most of its stone buildings dating from the nineteenth century. The farm was also the starting point for various expeditions including one made ​​famous by Ernest Giles in 1875. It is also in Beltana that Thomas Elder imported some of the first camels to arrive in South Australia. Among the many activities offered on site today, it is still possible to participate in a safari of several days with these magnificent creatures. A 4WD tour is also a must. From the summit of Mount Deception, which does not deserve its name, the view over the plains is breathtaking. Beltana Station offers a variety of accommodation options to meet different travelers needs ranging from camping to private rooms in the Shearers' Quarters historical buildings to the Overseer's Cottage. Whether for a weekend or long holidays on the farm, Beltana Station is a destination that will immerse you in the heart of the Australian Outback and will allow you to reconnect with the deepest human values​​. For those looking to work in Australia, make sure to contact Laura and Graham. They might have something to offer. We fell in love!

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Beltana Station.

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.

Innes National Park is located on the southern tip of the Yorke Peninsula. This is certainly where you will find the most spectacular coastlines in the region. This is a great place for hiking, bird watching and photography. But like the rest of the peninsula, it is also a place steeped in history. Do not miss: Inneston Historic Walk through the ghost town of Inneston which will take you back to the early twentieth century, the Investigator Strait Shipwreck Trail where you will come across the remains of dozens of shipwrecked storm victims littering the beaches of the park.

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources - South Australian Government.

The Yorke Peninsula, west of Adelaide, is a world apart. An almost remote destination with small pockets of civilization surrounded by nature. At the heart of the land is an agricultural community. It is also possible to visit some of the farms. Along the coast there is a mixture of dramatic cliffs, beautiful beaches and some world class surfing spots. The Yorke Peninsula is also popular with fishermen who travel there from all over South Australia to catch Blue Swimmer Crabs, Southern Salmon and Southern Rock Lobster. But a visit to the region is also an opportunity to delve into history by visiting the Copper Coast which is formed by the towns of Moonta, Kadina and Wallaroo. There are remains of copper mining from the nineteenth century, so well preserved that some are real treasures.