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).

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.

Leeuwin Estate In The Stunning Margaret River


Margaret River is a popular destination in Western Australia. Internationally recognized for its majestic scenery and exceptional waves for surfers, the area is also famous for its local products including its white wines. It hosts many great wineries, some of which are also known for their restaurants. This is the case with Leeuwin Estate. This huge property produces excellent Chardonnay. The best wines of each vintage are grouped under the label "Art Series". The bottles are identified by paintings commissioned from contemporary Australian artists. Leeuwin Estate is also known for its restaurant located in a picturesque setting. Tempted by the "Wine and Food Flights", a fine selection of four appetizers associated with prestigious wines, is to celebrate the art of living well in true Leeuwin Estate style. Honoring the art in various forms, Leeuwin Estate hosts a series of annual concerts headlined by some of planet's biggest names such as Ray Charles and Diana Ross. Thousands of people flock from far and wide to attend the exclusive events. Tours and tastings are also offered to the public all year long.

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Leeuwin 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.

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.

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.

Staying At Norman Lindsay Gallery & Museum


At the entrance of the Blue Mountains shortly after Glenbrook, hides a small well-kept secret: Norman Lindsay Gallery & Museum located at the former property of the artist. We did not really know much of his work, but Norman Lindsday was a prolific artist. In addition to his etchings and paintings his most famous work is likely to remain The Magic Pudding, a children's book among the most popular of Australian literature from which an animated feature-length film adaption was released in 2000. That said, the real secret is a cottage where you can stay behind the palm trees a few metres from Lindsay's Cafe. To really enjoy the tranquility of the place spending the night there is the perfect way to do it. We were fortunate enough to experience it and highly recommend it to you.

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Norman Lindsay Gallery & Museum.