Every Friday, iPhoneography Oz invites one of our Instagram followers to cover a topic about Australian society. Today, meet @sweetocean_. She took this beautiful photo of a foggy morning on the Gold Coast.

iPhoneography Oz: Who are you in less than 140 characters?
sweetocean_: (145 characters, couldn't cut more!!!) I'm a lover of the ocean, passionate about our mother earth. I'm a dreamer, a free spirit. I'm a walker, a diver, a writer, a reader, a photographer. I'm a crazy mother and wife.

iOz: Your photo shows a foggy morning at Nobbys Beach (located south of Surfers Paradise). Isn't Queensland "where Australia shines"?
s: Queensland shines no matter fog, rain or wind! Today we had a 20 minutes of torrential rain; a combination of blue sky with grey clouds where mixing afterwards with a mega strong sunset light and a huge rainbow showed up, wide open, from one extreme to the other extreme of our 42 kilometres of beach, on top of the ocean... That's how Queensland shines!

iOz: It actually looks pretty spectacular. What's your favourite Gold Coast beach?
s: I would say Currumbin.

iOz: If you were stuck in Australia with an unlimited budget and a week in front of you, what would you do?
s: Without hesitation, I'll go to Lord Howe Island!

iOz: What was one of the best travel experiences you've ever had in Australia?
s: It was absolutely magical to see The Twelve Apostles at the Great Ocean Road, from above, in a tiny helicopter.

iOz: What's your favourite photo on the blog?
s: One of your photos at Coral Bay.... looks like such a dreamy place for snorkeling!

iOz: What kind of photos can our readers see on @sweetocean_'s Instagram feed?
s: Gold Coast beach culture.

iOz: Vegemite or Nutella?
s: 100% Nutella

iOz: We're switching roles, ask us anything!
s: How have you being able to travel for a year in Australia and around 20 other countries!?
Are you being sponsored or did you win the lotto? If you are being sponsored how did you make it happened?
iOz: It's all about saving money and spending it wisely. Of course you can't travel for free but it's possible to travel without spending a fortune. Do you know what? Travelling long term is most probably cheaper than living a "normal" settled life. Actually since you're asking, we might write an article and tell you exactly how we spent our budget.

iOz: A last word?
s: Love.

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

39,014 km, 340 days, nearly 4,800 photos captured with an iPhone including more than 800 photos edited via instagram. These are the standout figures of the iPhoneography Oz road trip around Australia which ended today in a Brisbane Airport parking space (photo)... where it all began on January 1st. From Brisbane to Cairns via Sydney, Melbourne, Hobart, Adelaide, Perth and Darwin, we traveled across the continent visiting Australia's landmarks and going off the beaten tracks too. We obviously have a lot of memories associated with this trip. We will need a little time to digest all these encounters, these discoveries, these idyllic and breathtaking landscapes. And all of the trials and tribulations that went with it too. In the end, like after any experience, we have grown, we are more open-minded and especially keen to continue our travels and visit more countries. Australia is a unique country and we hope that everyone gets the chance to visit Australia the way we did it for almost 12 months. We will not bore you with an endless thank you speech but we still want to express gratitude to all those who participated directly or indirectly to the realization of this great adventure: our partners who believed in the project and allowed us to have extraordinary experiences, and all of you who have been reading the blog and following us on social media. Note that you were doing all of this reading and following from 112 different countries!

Apart from fixed pages (About, Media, Contest, etc..), the most popular articles of iPhoneography Oz English version were:

• Running The Sydney Marathon In A School Dress, the challenge successfully taken up by Sarah our first guest-blogger
• Explore The Secrets Of Sydney Harbour, a memorable cruise the day before our participation in the Sydney Marathon
• Sydney Olympic Stadium Tour, where we walked on Cathy Freeman's steps
• Visit The Tamar Valley With Prestige Leisure Tours, a beautfiul day in the vineyard of Tasmania
• Bay of Fires: Tahiti Look Alike In Tasmania, the title speaks for itself
• One Of The Best Places In The World To See Migrating Whales, where we attended an amazing natural show
• Crime In Newcastle, one of our worst experiences in Australia
• Is Mission Beach The Most Beautiful Beach In Australia? What do you think?
• Bed & Breakfast In Scottsdale - Part. 1, a really lovely place to stay in Tasmania
• Gourmet Experience In The Grampians, when lost in the middle of nowhere, we stumbled upon the largest olive grove that we have ever seen.

In one year, iPhoneography Oz has created a community of nearly 4,000 fans interested in travel, photography and obviously Australia. It would be a huge shame to end it on that note, so we are determined to continue this adventure... powered by you from now on! Here's how:

1/ iOz on Facebook & #iOz on twitter: we plan to organize virtual recurring events to have conversations about travel, Australia and mobile photography. Travel to Australia? Immigrate, live and work in Australia? Study in Australia? Tips for customized holidays in Australia? Facts about Australia? Photography techniques? Together, we will answer all these questions and many more. Do not forget to use #iOz to tag your Australia-related tweets to get the attention of other #iOz community's followers. Share stories. Ask questions. Ask for travel related help. Join the fun, be social and let's tweet about our passion for Australia!

2/ #iOz on instagram: Are you in Australia? Do you have an iPhone? Then submit your own iPhone photographs through your instagram account using the hashtag #iOz. Every day, from all the submited photos, we will pick a winner and repost the "iOz of the day" on the different iOz accounts on social media. Its author will be invited to write an article or be interviewed on the iOz blog.

3/ Guest-Blogging: Do you have a blog? Do you have your visa for Australia, are you on a flight to Australia or are you already in Australia? Would you write a post on the iOz blog? If so, contact us soon!

4/ Promotion and Advertising: Would you like to promote your products and services through iOz? Whether it is for writing sponsored articles, running contests, press trips, ads banners or something else, please contact us immediately. We are particularly interested in tourism businesses (tourist activities, travel agencies, accommodation, restaurants) and event organizers based in Australia.

5/ Suggestions: since everything moves and everything changes all the time, we are always open to new opportunities. Know that we are always delighted to read your ideas and suggestions in order to improve your iOz experience. This community is yours too! Send us your comments at any time via this form.

Thank you for being there!

Join the iOz community on facebook, twitter or instagram.

We have already tried several water sports since the beginning of our adventure (which is nearing the end...), be it surfing, kitesurfing, surf kayaking, sailing and snorkelling. There was at least one more activity we did not want to miss on the Sunshine Coast. And this activity is riding a Jet Ski. Whoever has never tried it before should do it as soon as possible! In Maroochydore, Maroochy River Jet Ski Hire & Tours is a small family business yet one of Australia's most experienced water sports businesses. Their guided jet ski tours are for people of all ages and experience (no license or experience is required for jet ski rentals). Beginners can ride their Sea Doo through the Sunshine Coast hinterland on the beautiful Maroochy River (photo). The more experienced might prefer the thrill of the ultimate jet ski adventure on the Coral Sea. We have tried both and in all cases, it is a barrel of fun. Jet skiing allows you to explore the Sunshine Coast from a whole different angle. Maroochy River Jet Ski Hire & Tours will soon offer the Flyboard, a new insane activity! Unfortunately, we will not be able to attend this premier, the official launch which will be held on February 2. Is there anyone who would be kind enough to cover the event for iPhoneography Oz?

Have you tried Jet Ski or Flyboard before? What is your best Jet Ski memory? Your worst? Tell us your stories in the comments below!

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Maroochy River Jet Ski Hire & Tours.

We have been waiting for weeks and months to have an introduction to kitesurfing (or kiteboarding), this water sport is halfway between surfing and windsurfing. It is now something that we can tick off our bucket list after our recent return to Noosa on the Sunshine Coast, where we left in February (it also means that our adventure is coming to an end). But let's focus on the topic of the day! We had our first kitesurfing lesson with the experienced instructors of the Adventure Sports Kitesurfing School in Noosa (which is also a kite shop). This first lesson is an introduction to kiteboarding in order to learn the behaviour of the power kite, thus there is no board at this stage. But let us tell you something: even without the kiteboard, the sensations are excellent on the water when you start feeling the power of the wind (which can easily have you airborne in no time at all). The lesson takes place on a huge lake nearby which offers ideal conditions for kitesurfing (and the water is so warm!). Depending on your budget, a one on one lesson is preferable rather than a group lesson. With this option you have the kite for the entire lesson and do not have to wait your turn. Honestly, we just want more and cannot wait for our next session of kitesurfing training!

Have you heard about kitesurfing before? Which are the extreme sports that you want to try? What would you recommend to a beginner who wants to learn how to kitesurf? Let us know in the comments below!

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Adventure Sports.

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.

We have often talked about surfing on the blog (it was only yesterday that we mentioned our last surf lesson). Today we join 1770 Liquid Adventures to surf waves... on a kayak. A whole heap of great fun, that is what surf kayaking is! The tour also includes a more relaxed pace of cruising through the beautiful waterways of Seventeen Seventy and complimentary drinks and snacks on a wild secluded beach. 1770 Liquid Adventures offers a few different tours, but we highly recommend the Sunset Kayak Tour, which finishes by sea kayaking facing an amazing sunset (photo). Actually, it is the only place on the east coast of Australia, where you can actually watch an ocean sunset from a kayak! For a fleeting moment, we travel back in time imagining just what James Cook saw when he discovered Queensland...

Have you ever surfed on a kayak? What are the activities you have taken part in Seventeen Seventy? What would you recommend to do or see in the area? Let us know in the comments below!

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of 1770 Liquid Adventures.

Agnes Water, in addition to being a quiet and charming seaside community, is the most northern surf beach in Queensland. And as we have come from the north (Cairns), we could not pass up the opportunity to jump in the water and get back on a surfboard again (there are fewer dangerous jellyfish here). The conditions are ideal: beautiful weather, deserted beach and perfect waves to learn how to surf. So we head to Reef 2 Beach surf school for a 3 hours surfing lesson. The least we can say is that beach and surf culture are in the air! The look, the style, the cut, all leat to thinking that our instructors, real surf enthusiasts, are direct descendants of Patrick Swayze in the movie Point Break. From here, we would like to apologize to the other surf schools who introduced us to surfing in Australia, but Reef 2 Beach is by far our best surf experience (this is also the last, as our adventures are coming to an end). This is certainly the cheapest surf school in Australia too: $17 to learn to surf is somehow hard to beat. It is no wonder that Reef 2 Beach's reputation is the size of the continent. Someone in Perth (which is on the complete opposite side of Australia from Agnes Water) recommended the place to us! Book with your eyes closed, you will not regret it and you will have a great time!

What do you think? Did you book a surf lesson while in Australia? Which surf school would you recommend? Let us know in the comments below!

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Reef 2 Beach.

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!

We knew that Australia produces an abundance of surfers. After a road trip through Queensland, we now know that Australia is also a huge sugar producer. As far as vegetation goes, this region of Australia is not exclusive to tropical rainforests. There is an incredible amount of fields where sugar cane is grown (photo). There are so many sugar cane plants that sugar is, after wheat, the second largest export crop in Australia. In addition to this, part of the sugar production destined for the domestic market is used to produce rum. The Australian sugar industry generates more than 40,000 jobs. It could be a good opportunity to find a job in Australia for whoever is here on a Working Holiday Visa.

Have you worked in the sugar industry? What advice would you give to those who are looking for a job and want to work in Australia? Let us know in the comments below!

Before arriving in Airlie Beach, we have been told various things about the place that sounded comparable to some of the bad aspects of Cairns and the Gold Coast. "Consumerist town" and "the kind of place where people like to party non-stop" were just a couple of opinions that we have heard. That is the reason why sailing the Whitsunday Islands quickly became the best and most appealing option for us. As a result we joined Explore Whitsundays on a cruise around this unique paradise, between Whitsunday Island and the many others islands of the archipelago. We spent two days sailing on Siska, a yacht that won the Sydney Hobart Yacht Race. Two days of sun and white sand (Whitehaven Beach is probably one of the most beautiful beaches in the world). Two days snorkelling in the beautiful turquoise water, appreciating the amazing ecosystem of the Great Barrier Reef (there are so many tropical fish to be seen). Two magical days exploring peaceful and hidden inlets. Life can be tough sometimes! Eventually, we returned to Airlie Beach where we spent a bit of time in town and found the place quite pleasant with its shops and accommodation, its lagoon and its relaxed atmosphere, a far cry from what we were expecting. All that to say that any travel to Australia should always include a cruise in the Whitsundays. However, be well informed before booking the cheapest cruise or you might find yourself on a crowded boat with little room to sleep.

What do you think? Have you been on a cruise in the Whitsundays? Which islands of the Whitsundays would you recommend to go? Let us know in the comments below!

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Explore Whitsundays.

There are a few islands off the coast of Australia such as Fraser Island, Tasmania and Kangaroo Island just to name a few. And then there are the Whitsundays. This archipelago off the coast of Airlie Beach, consisting of 74 islands, is certainly among the very best on Earth as far as idyllic landscapes go (most probably high on the list of honeymoon destinations too). These islands are part of the Great Barrier Reef, UNESCO World Heritage listed site. People come from all over the world to spend their dream holidays here. As it occurs really often in Australia (except on the Gold Coast), nature has preserved all its rights in the area. Whitsunday Island is the largest of these islands. The most famous too, probably because it is home to Whitehaven Beach (photo). As for the rest, it is self-explanatory. It has taken our breath away!

What do you think? Is there another place than Whitehaven Beach you would rather be right now? Do you think Whitehaven Beach is the most beautiful beach in Australia? Let us know in the comments below!

Today we are talking about a place that we have not fully experienced, which is pretty rare on iPhoneography Oz. We spent just enough time to take a few pictures here. Being a bit rushed for time, we were not able to enjoy the place to its full extent. Why mention it then? Because this place is absolutely beautiful: Mission Beach situated at the southern end of Tropical North Queensland. Could this be the most beautiful beach in Australia? At first glance, nature is everywhere with its long unspoilt beaches, deserted islands and rainforest. Along the way, there are many road signs indicating the presence of a strange bird, the Southern Cassowary. Unfortunately, we did not cross the path of what seems to be a majestic creature. Mission Beach is located between two major tourism hubs in Australia (Cairns and the Whitsundays), which probably explains why there are not too many people here. Yet it seems that there is plenty of holiday accommodation available in the area (including luxury accommodation) as well as outdoor activities. Mission Beach is a famous spot for skydiving in Australia. In short, this place looks just like the perfect holiday destination.

What do you think? Have you been to Mission Beach? What would be the things to do in Mission Beach you would recommend? We want to know everything, let us know in the comments below!

During a trip to Tropical North Queensland, here is our advice as far as accommodation goes: go straight away to Port Douglas without paying too much attention to Cairns, the temple of mass tourism in Australia (you can read what we thought about it here). Unlike its neighbour, the charming village of Port Douglas is perfect for relaxing and ideally located between the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef. During our visit, we stayed at Reflections of Port Douglas. There are many resorts in Port Douglas, but these are luxury holiday rentals apartments (see photo gallery) situated in Macrossan Street. From this perfect central location, you are just a few metres away from the famous Four Mile Beach (if you are afraid of jellyfish, just swim in their relaxing pool). The fact that restaurants and shops are within walking distance too is a very attractive aspect. All holiday accommodation are fully self contained, exquisitely furnished with a large kitchen and everything you need for an unforgettable experience, including complimentary lush tropical gardens views (photo)! And as if all that was not enough, we were looked after by friendly on site managers, Carmel and John, who treated us like family. The place is well worth a 5 star resort. We are definitely falling in love with Port Douglas!

What do you think? Have you stayed in Port Douglas? Which hotels would you recommend in Tropical North Queensland? Let us know in the comments below!

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Reflections of Port Douglas.

The Great Barrier Reef and Tropical North Queensland beaches are beautiful. One can hardly resist going for a swim, especially when it is hot and humid. However, the experience would be much more pleasant if we did not have to be constantly on our guard. But this is for good reason! The Coral Sea is home to many types of jellyfish including the dangerous box jellyfish (or stinger), which is among the world's most venomous creatures. Its stings are extremely painful and often deadly to humans. The problem with this killer jellyfish (not exclusive to Australia) is that we can hardly detect it because it is almost transparent. But all is not lost if you still want to dive or snorkel the reef. You need to know that fatalities are not so common and, in the case of stings, treatments are available (starting by applying generous amounts of vinegar made ​​available to the public on many beaches). There are also stinger suits sold in stores or provided by tour operators. Admittedly, this is far from sexy, but we are not competing at the election of Miss Universe. On some beaches, like in Port Douglas, swimming enclosure operate during jellyfish season in the summer months. Finally, let us give you some friendly advice, always take the time to ask a local or better yet a lifeguard before venturing into the unknown where jellyfish live.

Have you made any dangerous wildlife encounters in Australia? What is the most venomous animal you came accross while travelling? Share your experiences in the comments below!

In Cairns area, a cruise to the Great Barrier Reef is a must. But brightening up a road trip on a three wheel motorcycle (photo) is rather unusual! This is what you get with Grub's Personalised Trike Tours in Port Douglas. Unlike many tour operators, here, you choose your own itinerary. Weather permitting, it is truly a unique way to discover the Tropical North Queesland, in particular its extraordinary coastline and the Daintree Rainforest. You almost get the feeling you are riding on a Harley-Davidson. Total freedom and nothing like the wind in your hair (well almost as the helmet is still required). The trike is very comfortable and incredibly stable. It does not lean in turns, for example. Trike tours are accessible to all. Grub, your guide, is a colourful character who brings value to your adventure. Contact him to create your scenic tour. It is definitely going to be an out of the ordinary experience to add to your things to do in Port Douglas.

Have you ever ridden a trike? What are the unique experiences you have taken part in? Do you have any others recommendations in the area? Waiting for your comments below!

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Grub's Personalised Trike Tours.

Postée dans Activities, Guided Tour, Port Douglas, Queensland, Sports and Recreation, Transports, Tropical North Queensland | Laisser un commentaire

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!

In Australia, WAGS might not have exactly the same meaning as what most of you might think. If for you, WAGS means Wives and Girlfriends (the way it is used by the media to describe the wives and girlfriends of professional athletes, who are generally very pretty girls), then you are about to be enlightened with Wednesday Afternoon Go Sailing. And no, you will not see any Australian cricket WAGS on iPhoneography Oz... contrary to this Daily Telegraph gallery!). So every Wednesday afternoon (weather permitting), Australian Yacht Clubs' members volunteer a little bit of their time and their yacht to take guests out sailing. The purpose? Socializing and having a good time. We experienced this activity in Port Douglas with the local Yacht Club's members. It is a very cheap way to cruise along Australia coastline. Depending on your skipper, the cruise might even turn into a free sailing lesson. In theory, it does not cost you anything. But in fact, when you arrive at the Yacht Club, it is highly recommended to make yourself comfortable and have a drink at the bar. You need to write down your name on a form as well to let the skippers know about your intention of sailing. Please note that once registered, there is no guarantee that you will be chosen to join a sailboat. In the end, the skippers choose their own "crew", and as part of the WAGS culture they do not like free loaders! Having a beer or two are a few well spent dollars that are going to boost your fund of good will (and your eligibility).

What do you think? Do you have other Australian tips to share? What was your best experience on Australian oceans? Leave your comments below!

Any good road trip will take you on a scenic route along the coast at some stage. The California State Route 1 on the west coast of the United States is certainly one of the world's most famous scenic drives. In Europe, the spectacular Antrim Coast Road on the Causeway Coastal Route in Northern Ireland and a few magnificent spots on the French Riviera (Côte d'Azur) in France have a substantial tourist appeal as well. But what about in Australia? We often hear of the Great Ocean Road or the Grand Pacific Drive, but there are some others roads running along beautiful coastlines too. It is the reason why a drive on the Captain Cook Highway is highly advisable. If you are planning a road trip to the Tropical North Queensland, you should add it to your itinerary right now. Imagining it is the only place in the world where two UNESCO World Heritage listed sites meet, the Wet Tropics of Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef, you will certainly understand why we recommend it. This short drive of about 75 kilometres that connects Cairns with Port Douglas, between the Daintree Rainforest and wild beaches of the Coral Sea, is simply one of the most scenic drive we have had in Australia (photo).

What do you think? Have you found some breathtaking roads in Australia? What are the spectacular coastlines you would recommend? Share your favourite with us in the comments below!

We are about to leave Cairns and we have not posted our opinion about the city yet. How come? Well, it is mostly because we are trying to get off the beaten track. Cairns is dedicated to tourism and that is sufficient reason to explain why we have not really liked the city itself (unlike its neighbour Port Douglas). Cairns surrounding areas are really amazing: the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics of Queensland just to name a few. But here is what you can really expect to find or to do in Cairns:

• Tourists, a lot of tourists (and not necessarily the high-class ones),
• Hotels, hostels and many more accommodation, to accommodate all these people (Cairns Waterfront Backpackers is to be avoided while Gilligan's seems absolutely brilliant),
• Restaurants, to feed all these people (and not necessarily those in which food is good but where one can relax in a good atmosphere sometimes),
• Shops, to make all these people spend their money (and not necessarily those in which products are of good quality),
• Bars and nightclubs, to entertain them (it has not worked for us),
• Tour operators in abundance, to embark all these people on Great Barrier Reef tours and scuba diving trips,
• No swimming beach, but an artificial lagoon located on the Esplanade (photo).

In other words, Cairns is a little bit like Disneyland. By comparison, Western Australia's coastline is just as magnificent (if not more) with a more authentic atmosphere, in Coral Bay for example.

What do you think? Have you been disappointed by Cairns? What are your recommendations on things to see or do in Cairns? Which Cairns attractions need to be avoided? Let us know in the comments below!

We have been visiting Cairns area on a boat, gondola, train, bus... we are still missing a scenic flight experience. A Hot Air coach picks us up early in the morning in front of our downtown accommodation (Cairns Waterfront Backpackers, which is to be avoided at all costs!). After a one hour transfer, we are dropped in a field where two or three hot air balloons are waiting for us. Wow! It feels like being part of a balloon festival! For our first flight, we are going to fly high above the Atherton Tablelands spending thirty minutes in our balloon. Longer rides are also available. When we take off, then later when floating in the air, the sensation is unique. Everything seems so peaceful down there. The day is just rising. The landscape is picturesque. We spot a few kangaroos and wallabies bursting out the bushes. It is a bit cool, but when the long flame used to lift the balloon is burning, it gets hot really quickly. At the end of the ride, we gently land in another field. If you have the chance to be part of the last flight of the day, you even get a little bonus fun in the basket just before packing-up. Back in town, it is time for a well-deserved breakfast. This is really a fun experience! Hot Air also operates on the Gold Coast, in Brisbane and Port Douglas.

Part of this activity was paid by Hot Air.