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.

Introduction To Aboriginal Culture


A few months ago, we stayed amongst an Indigenous Australian community when we were in South Australia. If you have not had the chance to experience it but you still want to learn more about Aboriginal culture, here is your chance. On the outskirts of Cairns, the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park is an attraction not to be missed. The park managed by Indigenous Australians showcases different aspects of Aboriginal culture through dynamic presentations in which the public takes part. You will discover the medicinal value of bush tucker, learn how to throw a spear and a boomerang and you will enjoy professional theatre incorporating traditional Aboriginal culture with dancing, fire making and storytelling (photo). It is quite modern and touristy, but it is a great way to be introduced to the rich Aboriginal culture.

Part of this activity was paid by Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park.

Woomera Missile Park


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.

Powerhouse Museum, Science + Design In Sydney


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 Olympic Stadium Tour


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.

Experience The Sound Of Perth


There are plenty of attractions in Perth and surrounds. Many, such as Kings Park and Rockingham Wild Encounters, revolve around nature. Some others are more unusual. This is the case with The Bell Tower, which is simply one of the world's largest musical instruments. Steeped in history (the bells, more than 600 years old, are from St Martin-in-the-Fields, one of London's most famous churches) and offering a unique and distinctive design, this tower has become a Perth and Western Australia icon. It is located in the heart of Barrack Square, where cruises on the Swan River depart. On Level 6, an open air observation deck offers a 360-degree view of the river and the central business district. The Bell Tower is also one of the world's only bell towers that allows close-up viewing of the bell ringers practising. Plan your visit according to the bell ringing times to make sure not to miss the show!

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of The Bell Tower.

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!

Perth, That's Gold!


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: Opal Capital Of The World


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.

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.

Barossa Vineyards: Rockford Wines


Does the Barossa Valley ring a bell? This wine region, one of the world's largest, is located one hour north of Adelaide. For 150 years the Barossa has produced quality wine which now accounts for more than 20% of Australian wine production. The oldest Shiraz vines in the world are in the region. The wines of the Barossa are often compared to those of Bordeaux (France), Napa Valley (USA) or Tuscany (Italy). During our stay we visited three vineyards.
After Henschke and Langmeil Winery, we visited Rockford Wines who invited us via twitter when we were circulating in the region. What a nice surprise! They produce quality wine using traditional winemaking methods. It is far from mass production. Therefore, there is limited stock of each wine which sells out quickly. Facilities are located in a picturesque old barn which, alone, is worth the visit. Stop and taste the wines of the vineyard and other local products. We also tasted an impressive collection of jams!

Barossa Vineyards: Langmeil Winery


Does the Barossa Valley ring a bell? This wine region, one of the world's largest, is located one hour north of Adelaide. For 150 years the Barossa has produced quality wine which now accounts for more than 20% of Australian wine production. The oldest Shiraz vines in the world are in the region. The wines of the Barossa are often compared to those of Bordeaux (France), Napa Valley (USA) or Tuscany (Italy). During our stay we visited three vineyards.
After Henschke, we head to Langmeil Winery. The small family estate is recognized internationally as one of the top producers of premium wine in Australia. It is also known for maintaining the heritage of the Barossa and for its environmental practices. The vineyard is richly steeped in history, it is here that you will find the oldest surviving Shiraz vines in the world, an amazing sight. If we add the friendly atmosphere that prevails among the staff, Langmeil Winery is definitely worth a visit during a trip to the Barossa.

Barossa Vineyards: Henschke


Does the Barossa Valley ring a bell? This wine region, one of the world's largest, is located one hour north of Adelaide. For 150 years the Barossa has produced quality wine which now accounts for more than 20% of Australian wine production. The oldest Shiraz vines in the world are in the region. The wines of the Barossa are often compared to those of Bordeaux (France), Napa Valley (USA) or Tuscany (Italy). During our stay we visited three vineyards.
The first of them, the Henschke family estate, has been producing wine since 1861. The most famous are the Hill of Grace and Mount Edelstone, two iconic red wines which have been awarded nationally and internationally. The second has even been recognized three times as the best Syrah in the world by International Wine and Spirit Competition. The best way to soak up the place is to join a VIP Tour & Tasting. After visiting the heart of Hill of Grace vineyard, you can access the old buildings where wine is produced. The tour concludes with a private tasting of the best wines from the cellar. A taste experience that is thrilling enough, for the novices or the finest connoisseurs! At Henschke they are passionate and proud to produce wine of exceptional quality and as visitors we are leaving the place absolutely delighted by this discovery. The experience of Henschke wines continues on twitter. Feel free to share with the world and upload your most memorable #henschkemoment.

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Henschke.

Visit To The Home Of The Grange


A few miles east of downtown, in the Adelaide Hills, it is possible to visit the vineyards of Penfolds Magill Estate, very well known to wine lovers. Several tour options are offered, some include tasting fine wines and cheeses. It is bigger, more touristy and less intimate than a visit to Hahndorf Hill Winery. As Penfolds is home of the most awarded wine of Australia, Penfolds Grange, it is worth a visit to soak up the history and spirit of Penfolds. Coming from Hahndorf, Mount Lofty is the highest peak in the region. It offers panoramic views of Adelaide and its surrounds. We have not had the opportunity to attend, but it seems that one can admire the best sunset in Adelaide from the summit.

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Penfolds Magill Estate.

Adelaide: Australia's Capital of Culture


Adelaide is regarded as Australia's capital of culture. It is a city of festivals which also hosts many international sporting events each year. Downtown, in the district of North Terrace, the architectural legacy of the first settlers in 1836 is well preserved, which gives an elegant aspect to the city. It is there that Adelaide's various cultural institutions are grouped. We had the opportunity to visit the Art Gallery of South Australia. This gallery, founded in 1881, houses some of Australia's greatest art collections in one of the most beautiful buildings of the city. It has a collection of 38,000 works (paintings, sculptures, photographs, etc.) from Europe, North America, Asia and Australia of course (including one of the largest collections of Aboriginal art). Until August 5, the Art Gallery of South Australia is hosting two exhibitions related to the colonization of South Australia:

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Art Gallery of South Australia.

Sydney In Winter: Visit Taronga Zoo


Taronga Zoo is the largest animal park in Sydney. It is a city icon recognized internationally, as well as Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. It hosts, on an area of ​​21 hectares, over 2600 animals including a variety of native species. The zoo is located on a hill along the north shore of Sydney Harbour. This offers visitors a different yet amazing view of the city centre. Visiting the park in winter has the advantage of not being amidst a swarm of tourists, while enjoying the mild temperatures. Speaking about climate, you must know that Sydney has an average 300 days of sunshine a year and a mild winter. The best way to go to Taronga Zoo is embarking on a ferry from Circular Quay. The crossing of the bay offers magnificent views and takes only ten minutes.

The writers were guests of Destination NSW.

MONA: A Unique Museum


A few days ago we gave you some ideas on what to do in Hobart. It was missing a must do: MONA (Museum of Old and New Art). And when we talk about a must do, we mean not to be missed at all. As far as museums go this is definitely our best and most intriguing experience. Really. If you are not a fan of museums a visit to MONA could quite easily convert you. David Walsh, the owner, is a genius who made his fortune in gambling. He is an art collector whose pieces suggest an eccentric character. He designed his museum in such an innovative way with the intention of challenging the visitor's idea of a conventional museum. That is why he has installed... a tennis court at the entrance. Once inside... we do not want to say any more, you will form your own opinion! After all, David wants everyone to experience the place through their own eyes. Caution, some of the more controversial exhibits may offend. Bars, library, cafe, brewery, winery, restaurant and pavillions (hotel) are some of the services that are available on site.

National Sports Museum


The National Sports Museum in Melbourne stands on the ground floor of the Melbourne Cricket Ground which we talked about yesterday (save $5 on your admission if you buy a ticket for the MCG Tour and the museum). Once again, this is a place to add on your list of things to do in Melbourne, especially for the sports enthusiasts that we are. The National Sports Museum exhibits more than 2,500 objects related to the greatest moments in Australia's sporting history. During the visit we can see that it is such a rich one (especially cricket)! The most striking objects for us are: Cathy Freeman's swift-suit and Ian Thorpe's full body swimsuit (the Australian having won the most Olympic gold medals) they wore at the Sydney 2000 Summer Olympics, Cadel Evans's yellow bike on which he won the 2011 Tour de France (a first for an Australian) and Jack Brabham's car with which he became Formula One world champion for the third time in 1966 (photo). The icing on the cake: "Game On", an interactive gallery that allows you to come into play and measure yourself against the greatest champions of cricket, Australian football, cycling, etc. We love it! For your information, the museum is large enough to spend two hours (ok, we lost "a little bit" of time in "Game On").

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of National Sports Museum.

Free Activities In Melbourne


If you have read our recent post about Melbourne, you already know that Melbourne is a great city. The culture of Melbourne occupies a leading role and most activities are free. Here are our favorite cultural places so far:
  • State Library of Victoria: more than 1,5 million books and 16,000 periodicals. The architecture of La Trobe Reading Room and its dome is awesome;
  • Australian Centre for the Moving Image: immersion in the world of film, television and digital culture. Screen Worlds, the permanent exhibition brings together rare archive footage, fascinating objects and interactive amazing displays.
Many art galleries, museums and theaters. Many cultural events and concerts as well. But Melbourne is also a place of choice for street art. Lonely Planet also places them as a must see. We love getting lost in the Central Business District walking through Melbourne's laneways in search of graffiti. We also love coming across impromptu concerts on the sidewalks (photo).

To further explore street art in Melbourne, visit The Complete Series gallery on iPhoneography Oz's facebook page.

This photo is part of the Weekend Hashtag Project, a series featuring designated themes & hashtags chosen every week by Instagram’s Community Team. The theme of the week is: #socialtravel.

Old Melbourne Gaol


iPhoneography Oz spent the day in jail at the Old Melbourne Gaol. No, do not worry, nothing serious. We simply visited the building transformed into a museum a few years ago. This historical place situated in the heart of Melbourne allows you to experience the harsh reality of a nineteenth century prison. It is interesting and differs from traditional museums. We suggest you to start the visit with the police watch house and experience what it is like to be arrested. It is extremely alike to (what we assume to be) the reality, so much that one wonders if the actor who charges you and locks you up is not an ex-cop. Was our favourite part of the visit! Then continue into the cells of the gaol where you will learn about the infamous Ned Kelly, whose story was brought to the cinema several times (Mick Jagger and Heath Ledger played the role of the bushranger). Allow about two hours for the entire visit.

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of National Trust of Australia (Victoria).