The Newcastle Regional Show is the kind of event not to be missed if you want a taste of rural Australia. We were able to attend the stock car races, woodchopping competitions (photo) and stock horse events. The show is held annually in Newcastle, and has been for over 100 years!

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Newcastle Regional Show.

We are pleased to announce a new partnership between iPhoneography Oz and Fit n Fast, a chain of health clubs located mainly on the eastern coast of Australia. In the coming weeks we will be able to use their facilities in order to review the services offered in their different locations and share it with you.

This week we begin with Fit n Fast Charlestown. The gym is located on the ground floor of Charlestown Square, a large shopping centre in the suburbs of Newcastle, just ten minutes away from the city centre. No problems with parking as the centre has a massive car park (the first three hours are free). Once again, as it was already the case at Ezyfit, we are pleasantly surprised by the facilities and the cleanliness of the place. The equipment is modern and in perfect condition. They even thought to group it into different sections depending on the type of exercises desired, facilitating the workout (quotes printed in large letters on the walls are there to remind you). The membership fees, in our opinion, are excellent value for money. It is also possible to choose a no commitment membership, which is always good to know when traveling! All information is available on Fit n Fast website.

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Fit n Fast.

All ways are good to reach the beach to go surfing in Australia. It is very common to meet most of the surfers on the sidewalks, their boards in hand. But in Cadel Evans's homeland (winner of the Tour de France 2011), we must admit that some of them are ingenious (photo). The most difficult part must be taking 90° turns when the wind blows. Anyway we trust them!

It is never a nice feeling to be robbed. It is even less when it occurs during a long-term trip abroad and when the thief leaves with 95% of your personal belongings. This is what we experienced (a first time for us) this week in Adamstown, a district of Newcastle reputedly quiet. This lowlife even left with food and petrol! We will make no comment about the New South Wales Police here even if we would have a lot to say about it. Our initial impressions upon arriving in Newcastle were negative (popular city without character). We are leaving it (certainly extremely light) with an evidential confirmation of our doubts. Run away from Newcastle and prefer the surrounding area (Port Stephens, Lake Macquarie) which are, in our opinion, the only valid reason why Newcastle is ranked in Lonely Planet's Top 10 cities to visit in the world.

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You will find Nobbys Beach (photo) in a quiet neighborhood northeast of Newcastle (just steps away from the YHA Newcastle Beach Hostel). From the lighthouse overlooking the bay, you can walk along the 5 kilometres Bathers Way coastal walk. If you are afraid of sharks (which are not a myth in Australia!), it is possible to swim in the Newcastle Ocean Baths, large salt water pools located near Nobbys Beach behind an Art Deco pavilion.

In what surroundings are you used to camping in? We are not big fans of camping but we have been tempted by the Wangi Point Lakeside Holiday Park. Thus we spent a week at their camping ground enjoying the incredible scenery. The holiday park is located at Lake Macquarie's waterfront, insulated enough from civilization to achieve the status of a holiday haven. But do not worry as supermarkets are nearby and Newcastle is less than an hour away. Unfortunately it rained a lot during our stay which made the few sunny mornings especially energizing. For more information, see the various accommodation types available on the holiday park's website.

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Wangi Point Lakeside Holiday Park.

The weather has not been kind since we arrived in Newcastle area. As seen on the Sunshine Coast, it can change within a few minutes in Australia. This afternoon it was sunny at the National Surfing Reserve of Merewether Beach (an extension of Bar Beach). Surfers had fun in the waves of the Tasman Sea before massive clouds arrived in a few seconds. Time for them to get out of the water. Here is the result!

Impressed by the countless exotic birds that you come across in Australia. Parakeets, or multicolored parrots, pelicans (not all of their name start with "P") are as common as pigeons and magpies are in western cities. But until now our favorite is the Laughing Kookaburra, a mythical bird in Aboriginal culture, famous for its endless laughing call. And it makes us laugh! We came across one not too long ago. Its look says it all. Judge for yourself!

We could not resist. After having mentionned it a few days ago during the sand dune safari in Stockton Beach, here is what sandboarding looks like. And this is truly a sport! Sliding down the fine sandy slopes, then making the climb back to the top (usually under the hot sunshine), it becomes a real cardio workout. Sitting (as on a sled) or standing (as on a snowboard), the feelings are similar to the winter sports (only a few degrees warmer). It is imperative to try it while in Port Stephens area because unless you live near a sand dune high enough, the day you will be able to do it again might be far away!

Port Stephens area is located a few kilometers north of the Stockton Beach sand dunes. Geographically speaking it looks like the bay of St Tropez. In fact it is much quieter. It is the perfect holiday destination. The water is calm and turquoise. It is not impossible to come across some dolphins in Shoal Bay. The sunset from Nelson Bay (photo) or Soldiers Point boat ramps are a must see! Finally we start to understand why Lonely Planet has ranked Newcastle in its Top 10 cities to visit in the world.

Let's continue our investigations to confirm Newcastle's ranking in the 2011 Lonely Planet's top 10 cities in the world to visit. We took part in a sand dune safari in Stockton Beach with Dawsons Tours. Breathtaking! The landscape is incredible and sometimes reminds us of Fraser Island. The area is usually known for beach camping but the small 4WD expedition also provided some unexpected moment. Tin City emerging out of the sand like a mirage (where parts of Mad Max have been made), vestiges of the World War II and sandboarding are the highlights of this experience. Taking part in a safari is a must when you are in the area. Andrew, the Dawsons Tours guide, is in love with the place and does not hesitate to extend the journey if time allows it.

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Dawsons Tours.

Lonely Planet has ranked Newcastle among the Top 10 cities to visit in the world? Let's go to Lake Macquarie area, a few kilometers south of the city, where one can experience a unique water activity with Jet Buzz. The Cheeky Bee promises a 40 minutes thrill ride on Lake Macquarie where you will experience high-speed slides and turns. But the experience would not be complete without a few 360° spins. The sensations are quite similar to what one feels on a jet ski. But the ride is not only about the adrenaline rush. Boarding the Cheeky Bee is also a great way to experience the natural beauty of the area. Lake Macquarie is quite similar to Lake Como in northern Italy (you know, where George Clooney owns a villa!). If you are lucky enough, you might even meet some last minute guests. Indeed, during our cruise two dolphins joined us playing in the waves created by the boat (photo). A magical moment to put on any bucket list! We definitely recommend Jet Buzz. To get a better idea of ​​the activity, visit the photo gallery of Jet Buzz or watch this video.

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Jet Buzz.

We are heading south continuing our route along the North Coast of New South Wales. After Port Macquarie, here is Newcastle. Expectations are high as Newcastle was ranked 9th in the Lonely Planet's top 10 cities for 2011. It will take some time to prove it. Let's start with the most favorite activity of Australians: the beach. The city has a few. Bar Beach (photo) is a huge beach popular among families and surfers. It is located south of Newcastle City Business District. For a quieter time, you should climb some rocks to reach Susan Gilmore Beach, located below a large cliff at the northern part of Bar Beach.

What do you think? Have you been to Newcastle? What's your favourite beach in Newcastle area? Do you think Newcastle deserves its Lonely Planet ranking? Let us know in the comments below!

The Koala Hospital in Port Macquarie has koala admissions of between 200 and 300 each year. Sick or injured (from motor vehicles, dogs, bushfires etc.), koalas are now an endangered species. In the healing phase, after a stint in intensive care, these marsupials are moved into the outdoor yards of the hospital where you can witness their daily feeding. They are given eucalyptus leaves and a specially prepared milk supplement. If you would like to contribute, you can also adopt a wild koala for as little as 50 AUD.

On iPhoneography Oz we drive off the beaten track for you to experience every corner of Australia that is not necessarily found on Lonely Planet. And sometimes it is in a roadside snack bar, an old school restaurant without charm or glitter, that you will find authentic homemade burgers (not average burgers like here). Like in this fast food road stop in Bulahdelah (photo), somewhere between Port Macquarie and Newcastle (where they even have a free wifi hotspot!).

Port Macquarie is a small town on the east coast of Australia somewhere between Sydney and Brisbane. Some shops and restaurants. A port and a waterfront where life seems so pleasant. No extravagance, it is a simple place but still has its charms. The city is also home to the Koala Hospital, the only one of its kind worldwide, which you can visit every day. We like!

What do you think? Have you been to Port Macquarie? Which hotel or accommodation would you recommend there?

Amazement guaranteed at the Butterfly House in Coffs Harbour! To spend half a day there is a unique opportunity to admire nearly 400 Australian butterflies including the largest of them, the Cairns Birdwing whose wingspan can reach 20cm (photo). The establishment does not revolutionize the genre but the owner couple's dedication to their activity makes this educational visit really enjoyable. The metamorphosis of butterflies is certainly among the greatest mysteries of nature and we were very pleased to discover the miracle of the butterfly.

What do you think? Have you seen butterflies in Australia? What's your favourite activity in Coffs Harbour? Let us know in the comments below!

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Butterfly House.

The Big Banana is a worthy attraction during a visit in Coffs Harbour where you can easily spend half a day. It is a plantation of... wait for it... bananas which has been transformed into a tourist destination similar to Tropical Fruit World. Unlike the latter, The Big Banana also has additional activities for children: a water park, a toboggan and an ice skating rink. We know we are grown ups but we had a lot of fun being kids again. Even if The Big Banana is one of the big attractions in Australia, do not expect something as big as the Gold Coast's theme parks (but you certainly can not miss the big banana at the entrance of the park). The only downside, we would have liked a guided tour of the plantation after the video presentation.

What do you think? Have you seen many of the big attractions in Australia? What's your favourite thing to do in Coffs Harbour? Let us know in the comments below!

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of The Big Banana.

Love at first bite! Mavis's Kitchen welcomed us in its family restaurant located a stone's throw away from the Gold Coast and Tropical Fruit World, at the base of World Heritage-listed Wollumbin National Park – formerly known as Mount Warning National Park. The setting is magnificent: an old style Queenslander surrounded by beautiful gardens with a magical creek flowing through the property. The food is divine. Simple dishes, but the owners, Peter and Charlie, pay a great deal of attention to the importance of the selection of ingredients. And for good reason! All dishes are cooked on site using organic ingredients from the garden (wherever possible). Even the water served at the table is taken from the creek! If some products are purchased, they all come from local producers. It is impossible to know what you eat before arriving at the restaurant, the menu is updated daily based on availability at the time. Quick tip: between the main meal and dessert, enjoy a moment to digest by visiting the gardens and cottages. Not only is the food extremely good, but you can also stay overnight or for several days. Go ahead with your eyes closed, it is impossible to be disappointed! Every self-respecting cook should spend a weekend at Mavis's Kitchen to draw inspiration from their concept. In iPhoneography Oz's opinion every restaurant should take a leaf out of their book.

What do you think? What's your favourite Australian restaurant? Have you noticed a difference eating organic food? Let us know in the comments below!

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Mavis's Kitchen.

A tropical paradise is hidden in the hills of the Gold Coast. Located on the rim of the largest extinct volcano in the southern hemisphere, Tropical Fruit World is indeed a plantation containing the largest range of rare exotic fruits and tropical plants in the world. Its owners had the brilliant idea of ​​making a tourist destination of it. The tour includes a fruit tasting and a guided tour of the plantation aboard a tractor train. You can count on the passionate staff of the tropical fruit farm to be educated not only on common fruits but also on fruits that you never knew existed on the tropical fruit list. And if the tasting stimulates the appetite, the Rainforest Cafe and the fruit market located at the park entrance (both open to the public) will help to satisfy the taste buds. iPhoneography Oz gives you a tip: if you visit during weekdays (and outside of school holidays) you may be lucky enough to experience both a "private" tour and a fruit tasting which is certainly the best way to get the most out of your visit (and to sample a little more fruit!). Who wants a tropical fruit salad?

What do you think? What's your favourite tropical fruit? Do you know where are the seeds of bananas? What are your Gold Coast favourites? Let us know in the comments below!

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Tropical Fruit World.