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.

Mysterious Sunset Over The Derwent River


Every Friday, iPhoneography Oz invites one of its Instagram followers to cover a topic about Australian society. Today, meet the talented @mattglastonbury. He took this amazing photo of a mysterious sunset near Hobart in Tasmania.

iPhoneography Oz: Who are you in less than 140 characters?
mattglastonbury: Creative, mobile photographer, web designer, good person. Care to other people, loves to help. Enjoy learning new subjects and love animals (in the words of my gorgeous wife @miaglastonbury, she's still learning English).

iOz: Your photo shows a mysterious sunset over the River Derwent near Hobart. Is it the best sunset view in Tasmania?
m: No... so far, the best view for sunsets would have to be Carlisle Beach, which is aptly named Sunset Beach by the locals, just outside of Dunalley (area devastated by bushfires in January), about an hour drive from Hobart.

iOz: If you could recommend only one of the following options would it be a day cruise along the River Derwent or a 2-hour Sydney Harbour cruise?
m: It would have to be the Sydney Harbour, since the Derwent is too short for a day cruise! But, if they were the same distance, I would probably choose more natural surroundings over buildings.

iOz: We've been told that he's having a lot of fun around Australia: where's Wally?
m: Wally is everywhere you go, you just need to see your surroundings differently to see him!

iOz: What was one of the best travel experiences you've ever had in Australia?
m: Most of the best travel experiences I've had, have been in Tassie. That's why we came to live in Hobart. The best would have to be staying in a real canvas Teepee with a central fire down at Cockle Creek, which is the most southern point of Australia.

iOz: What's your favourite photo on the blog?
m: Becoming a Mum in Australia seems to be the best one out of the first few pages, I couldn't find all the photos.

iOz: What kind of photos can our readers see on @mattglastonbury's Instagram feed?
m: A couple of continuing themes like sunsets, close-ups of seagulls or ducks in funny positions, liquid/water, beach-life, and random stuff that's interesting to me.

iOz: Vegemite or Nutella?
m: Vegemite for sure, and pass me the Cashew Nut Spread as a base... Nutella? Oh man!

iOz: We're switching roles, ask us anything!
m: Would you like me to design a website for you?
iOz: Since you asked, of course! Any ideas to improve iPhoneography Oz? We are also working on our next project and might need a web designer too...

iOz: A last word?
m: Mobile Photography evens the playing-field, forces you to be more creative, and allows for an always-on photography experience... that's why I love it.

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

Heimat Chalets: To Feel At Home


Heimat Chalets is a holiday accomodation located less than an hour away from Hobart, on the road to Strahan on the west coast of Tasmania. It is a feel good retreat in the middle of a 40 hectare property. The view over the picturesque Derwent Valley is spectacular. The chalets are well decorated, modern style and fully equipped. The comfort of luxury at affordable prices! After having your breakfast, do not forget to feed the animals of the property including some really cute alpacas. We only stayed one night. We would have loved to stay longer!

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Heimat Chalets.

Staying In A Georgian Mansion In Hobart


The Lodge on Elizabeth is an accomodation in Hobart where we stayed. This building is steeped in history since it is one of the oldest houses in the city, or even in Australia. The Georgian mansion was built in 1829 and is now listed by the National Trust of Australia and the Register of the National Estate. It has become part Australia's heritage protected in perpetuity. Before being what it is today, the huge house was first used as a private school for boys and later became the residence of notables including that of a Premier of Tasmania. Staying at The Lodge on Elizabeth is a real return to the nineteenth century as the classic decoration of the rooms and common rooms will remind you. We especially appreciated the lounge room, the comfort of the place in general and the friendly hospitality of our hosts. For your convenience all rates include a continental buffet breakfast. For other meals, please note that the hotel is near the restaurant hub of Hobart.

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of The Lodge on Elizabeth.

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.

What To Do In Hobart?


Hobart is the capital of Tasmania and, with over 200,000 inhabitants, its largest city. It is also the second oldest city in Australia after Sydney. The summit of Mount Wellington, which rises at 1,271 metres above sea level is certainly the best view of the city. Hobart is also internationally famous for being home to the finish line of the annual Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. But the state capital is also steeped in history. It is one of the cities in Australia with the largest number of superbly preserved old buildings (Georgian architecture). Salamanca Place, which hosts the famous Salamanca Market every saturday, is not to be missed. Hobart's historic center is easily walkable. We joined Hobart Historic Tours for a guided walk. The tour, extremely informative, lasts an hour and a half. Pam, our guide, passed on her passion for history to us, which makes the experience very rewarding. A great way to discover Hobart! The organization offers various walks according to your particular interests.

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Hobart Historic Tours.

The Devil Does Not Wear Prada


The Tasmanian devil is the emblem of - guess what - Tasmania and one of its exclusive animals. Taz, found in the Looney Tunes cartoons, is probably the most famous Tasmanian devil in the world. We were fortunate enough to come across one in nature (a real one, not Taz!). It was somewhere between Launceston and Scottsdale. It looked like a big cat. This is quite a rare privilege to be able to approach one. If you are too impatient, the safest way to see a Tasmanian devil is to visit the Tasmanian Devil Conservation Park, located on the Tasman Peninsula 75 kilometres north of Hobart. The park contains a dozen devils. Check the schedule to be sure to attend the Tasmanian devil feeding. Enjoy the loud and disturbing roar and see the aggressive side of the little marsupial. The existence of this park is essential for the survival of the species. The Tasmanian devil is threatened with extinction due to a facial cancer which has already killed half of the population. The park is also home to other different animals. Approaching and walking among kangaroos is always a unique moment (if you are not Australian of course)!

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Tasmanian Devil Conservation Park.