Market Shopping Experience In Sydney's Chinatown


Every week, iPhoneography Oz invites one of its Instagram followers to cover a topic about Australian society. Today, meet @miss_and shopping in the exciting Sydney's Chinatown. She posted this photo of Paddy's Markets, Sydney's biggest markets.

iPhoneography Oz: Who are you in less than 140 characters?
miss_and: Just a person who's interested in the world: people, places, stories. I work in radio broadcasting, make ceramics, take photos.

iOz: Your photo shows a part of the famous Paddy's Markets in Sydney. What can one find there?
m: You can find almost anything at Paddy's Markets. I like the food best, there's a lot of fresh fruit & vegies, spices, sweets, nuts, tea, more. Then there's the rest: clothes, bags, linen, CDs, mobile phone covers, jewellery, shoes... you get the idea. Today the markets have a distinctly Asian flavour as they're right next to Chinatown. They date back to the 1830s, and the name probably has an Irish connection.

iOz: What's your favourite part of Sydney's Chinatown?
m: The food! There's a wide range of Chinese cuisines, but these days many other wildly different Asian flavours too - Vietnamese, Japanese, Korean, Malaysian, Indonesian. You can spend up big or keep it cheap 'n' cheerful. For a moment's peace in the madness, visit Kimber Lane where the street art lifts you literally into the clouds.

iOz: If you were stuck in Australia with an unlimited budget and a week in front of you, what would you do?
m: A day and a bit at each at the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland, Cradle Mountain in Tasmania, and Uluru in the Northern Territory - to get a feel for all there is in Australia. Or maybe I'd just spend the week on the Ningaloo Coast in Western Australia swimming with the whale sharks...

iOz: What was one of the best travel experiences you've ever had in Australia?
m: Driving around Tasmania with a friend. Staggering natural beauty, lots of seafood and cheese, terrific wine in the Tamar Valley.

iOz: What's your favourite photo on the blog?
m: I love Kristina's pic and post about Melbourne's lane ways. If you opted not to spend a week swimming with whale sharks at Ningaloo, explore Melbourne's streets - they're full of street art, great restaurants and bars, and other surprises.

iOz: What kind of photos can our readers see on @miss_and's Instagram feed?
m: Whatever catches my eye: street art, buildings, alleyways, sky, clouds. Bright colours. Lots of pictures from Canberra, our beautiful national capital and my current home.

iOz: Vegemite or Nutella?
m: Sorry to be unAustralian... but Nutella every time! Must be my European mum's influence.

iOz: We're switching roles, ask us anything!
m: Beer or wine?
iOz: Wine without hesitation. Especially since we visited a few amazing places in Margaret River, The Barossa, McLaren Vale, Coonawarra and many more along our travels. By the way if you have some Bundaberg Rum Royal Liqueur served with cream, we'll have some thanks!

iOz: A last word?
m: Gorgonzola. What a great word.

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

What To Do In Cairns


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!

Where To Have Fun In Cairns?


Waterfront terrace. Tropical atmosphere. Very affordable prices. Looking for a relaxing place in Cairns for a drink, your lunch or your dinner? Look no further and let The Pier Bar & Grill, located at the southeast end of the Esplanade, look after you. This restaurant bar is open every day. The place is famous for its Sunday Sessions and its delicious pizzas ($5 pizza on Sunday night, what else?). This is certainly not a key place of Australian cuisine, but its great atmosphere will help you to forget about that. And we just like it the way it is!

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of The Pier Bar & Grill.

Unique Stopover On The Stuart Highway


A few weeks ago we came accross the William Creek Hotel and the North Star Hotel in South Australia. This time, on the Stuart Highway between Katherine and Tennant Creek, we spotted the Larrimah Hotel, in the tiny hamlet of the same name. As for the other two, you have to stop in this pub. You will have no problem to recognize it: the Pink Panther is sitting outside along the highway. The Larrimah Hotel is a hotel, a camping, a pub, a museum, a zoo... but also one of the many unusual places that give the Outback part of its charm. There are certainly dozens of them scattered around the country. Feel free to share your own discoveries with us!

Beer And Crocodile Meat In The Tropics


It is almost by chance that we crossed paths with Matso's Broome Brewery. What a great discovery! It is possible to visit this micro-brewery (under renovation during our stay) but you need to taste its beer and food. We are not necessarily big fans of beer but we could not resist the invitation. Be aware that they have a great selection. If like us, you can not make up your mind when faced the wide selection offered, opt for a tasting. You will receive five beers of your choice on a tray. After the tasting, our preference swayed towards the mango beer and the ginger beer. The chilli-out beer, a wheat beer with a bold chilli statement, is also standout. The terrace restaurant is located in a tropical atmosphere. But know that the exotic atmosphere is not only in the gardens around you, there is crocodile meat on the menu! If you're looking for an excuse to get to Broome, Matso's is a very good one!

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Matso's Broome Brewery.

Fremantle Is So Special


Fremantle is located at the mouth of the Swan River. This bustling port city is a rich cultural destination only 30 minutes away from Perth. Although geographically close, the two cities are different in many ways. "Freo", as called by Australians, is a fishing port that appeals to casual artists, hippies and other eccentric characters. You could almost compare it to the suburb of Venice Beach in Los Angeles. Fremantle has one of Western Australia's richest cultural and historical heritage, which has not prevented its many cafes, bars and restaurants to attract a young and dynamic crowd. Recently we have discovered what appears to be the best Indian restaurant in Australia. On weekends, the streets, parks and terraces located on the quays are crowded. Whether for sunbathing or enjoying a local beer and a seafood plate, tourists and locals love to spend time in its relaxed atmosphere. During your stay, do not forget to add a visit to the Fremantle Prison to your schedule!

Ghostly Tour In Fremantle


A rather special bus drives through Fremantle's streets every day: Fremantle Tram Tours. This replica-tram offers guided tours of the city. So far nothing too unusual. However, every Friday night, you can join The Ghostly Tour which is a torchlight tour of Fremantle's oldest buildings. As often is the case, the driver is a human encyclopedia who entertains you through his stories and tales of some of Fremantle's earliest residents. Along the way the tram stops at Cicerello's, considered to be the best Fish & Chips in Perth and Western Australia (supper and a soft drink included). But the highlight of the evening is undoubtedly the Torchlight Tour at the Fremantle Prison. Accompanied by a guide, over one and a half hours you explore the darker side of this historic building (featuring the Main Cell Block, solitary confinement, whipping post, the gallows and even the morgue!). Expect some surprises along the way. This great activity lasts for four hours in total. It is an unusual experience, ideal if you are a small group. Bookings for this tour are essential.

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Fremantle Tram Tours.

The Best Indian Restaurant In Australia?


Perth, like all Australian capital cities, is a foodies destination. The multiculturalism of its inhabitants is reflected in the diversity of its restaurants. Fremantle, the port city located 30 minutes away from Perth central business district, is famous for its cafés, pubs and its dynamic atmosphere. In amongst it all we have found an unusual indian restaurant: Maya Indian Restaurant. Forget the clichés about Indian restaurants! Here, no Taj Mahal or traditional Indian music. The atmosphere is much more inspired by the Fremantle lifestyle. It is for good reason that the restaurant's slogan is Food - Fun - Fashion. It is located in a historic building in the heart of Fremantle. The dishes on the menu, adapted to Western taste buds (hence being less spicy than in India) are delicious. According to the recommendations on Trip Advisor, Maya Indian Restaurant is one of the best restaurants in the city and one of the best Indian restaurants in Australia. We understand why! Remember to book as it is often full, especially on weekends.

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Maya Indian Restaurant.

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!

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.

Training For The Sydney Marathon


As part of our training for the Sydney Marathon (Blackmores Sydney Running Festival) taking place on September 16th, we participated in the Boston Bay Wines Half Marathon organized by Port Lincoln Triathlon Club. This race which starts and finishes at Boston Bay Wines is, beyond the sporting event, an original way to discover the bay of Port Lincoln, one of the world's largest protected natural harbours, on the southern tip of Eyre Peninsula. Friendly atmosphere, setting new personal bests over the distance, views of the ocean all followed by a pasta party at the Boston Bay Wines restaurant: a challenging and successful day!

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Port Lincoln Triathlon Club.

Unique Stopover In The Desert


In the desert, at no surprise to anyone, it is a vastness of nothing. So, we are somewhere in South Australia in the middle of nowhere, far from Adelaide, on the famous Oodnadatta Track. All of the Outback is occupied by the void ... All? No! A small town of indomitable Australians maintain their mark within the nothingness. With a permanent population estimated at between three and ten people, William Creek is the smallest "city" of Australia. Ironically, it is located on Anna Creek Station, the world's biggest working cattle station: 23,777 sq km (larger than Israel!). If we are talking about William Creek it is because you must go there once in your lifetime to visit the William Creek Hotel. Dating from 1887, this bar, hotel, camping, restaurant, gas station, made ​​of timber and corrugated iron is a legend. Inside it is like a giant visitor's book decorated with business cards, words scrawled on bank notes, caps and other random pieces of memorabilia left by its visitors. The atmosphere is very warm. The restaurant serves hearty food of the Outback. Unique experience guaranteed!
William Creek has its own airport, departure point for scenic flights over Lake Eyre. To follow our trip in the desert, visit our facebook page where more photos await you.

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of William Creek Hotel.

Australian Cuisine Of The Outback In The Flinders Ranges


The Flinders Ranges as a backdrop. A rustic barn. Steaks on the menu. No doubt, you have just entered The Woolshed Restaurant at Rawnsley Park Station. The atmosphere is warm and leaves a good first impression of the Australian outback. It is for good reason that this is one of the best restaurants in the area. The impressive collection of awards at the restaurant entrance attests to this. The dishes are a rich mixture of local cuisine and modern Australian cuisine. A highlight of the menu: all desserts are homemade! Do not miss the sticky date pudding with butterscotch sauce and double cream. Tested and approved by iPhoneography Oz!

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of The Woolshed Restaurant.

Marion Bay And Its Gems


Marion Bay is the last town at the end of the Yorke Peninsula before entering the Innes National Park. We should also mention locality because out of season, Marion Bay is very quiet. The isolation is what gives it its charm though. There are many places in Australia where the environment is preserved. Marion Bay is one of them. Its beach is absolutely beautiful. In good weather it is even possible to see Kangaroo Island off the coast. Locals are very proud of their town, this peaceful paradise for fishermen, and it is in their hearts to keep it well away from any urbanization for as long as possible. Lovers of fine food, during a visit to the region, be sure to stop at the Marion Bay Tavern. This unpretentious restaurant serves excellent innovative cuisine. The portions are very generous and composed of fresh produce. Marion Bay Tavern is famous for its wood-fired pizzas but make sure you also try its seafood. Purely delightful, sea view dining!

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Marion Bay Tavern.

Australian Fine Dining In McLaren Vale


We visited another restaurant in McLaren Vale before leaving the Fleurieu Peninsula on our way to Kangaroo Island. Coterie is the restaurant of Woodstock Wine Estate. What is really impressive when you arrive, is the architecture. The building of twenty years old has been designed in a semicircle to blend with the shape of the land, so much so that not one tree was cut down during construction. The windows of the restaurant offer a beautiful view of the lush gardens of the property. The slogan of the house at the entrance of the restaurant says it all: great food, good company and finest wines! The atmosphere is really friendly. The food is actually excellent contemporary fine Australian cuisine. You will not want it to end! The products are fresh and seasonal. The vegetables are from the garden. The fish is caught an hour before being cooked. Our favourite: oven baked hand made pumpkin and mushroom cannelloni (although char-grilled kangaroo tenderloin with quenelle dark chocolate ganache seemed very appetizing too!). As for the chocolate soufflé, served with Spanish churros and thick dark chocolate dipping sauce, it alone is worth the trip! Note that you can enjoy a tasting in the cellar door whilst waiting for your meal: a great idea to help you choose the wine that will accompany your food experience! Finally we suggest you go for a walk around the wildlife sanctuary of the property to digest everything.

The writers were guests of Woodstock Coterie.

Dinner In Currency Creek


Currency Creek is located about twenty minutes northeast of Middleton. This small town in the Fleurieu Peninsula is famous for having been proposed as a potential site to house the state capital of South Australia, a role which is played today by Adelaide. Nowadays, the region is known for its vineyards. Currency Creek Winery is perhaps the most famous of them. On site, in addition to wine-tasting, you can dine in the restaurant or stay in one of the six luxurious villas of the property. The a la carte menu offers an appetizing selection of local produces. On Friday night, the chef offers the "T" Night which consists of a three-course meal including two glasses of wine from their vineyard for just over $30. This seems to be a very popular choice and hopefully you will get the chance to try it for yourself.

The writers were guests of Currency Creek Winery.

Fine Dining Restaurant With Amazing Views


Our culinary discovery of the day takes us to Star of Greece restaurant, located ten minutes away from Willunga and McLaren Vale. If one of the first determining factors of success in hospitality is location, then this place is already a huge success! Star of Greece is located on the edge of a cliff overlooking the bay of Port Willunga, which apparently appears in the top 20 destination beaches in the world. Contrary to what its name might suggest there is no pita or baklava but sophisticated Australian cuisine with Asian and Mediterranean inspiration. Here they do not rely on the service and decor to impress you, it is the food that does the dazzling! Unfortunately the quality of the photo does not reflect the outstanding quality of the cuisine. The food is fresh and seasonal. The chef sources ingredients directly from local producers, breeders and growers in the region of the Fleurieu Peninsula and more widely in South Australia. Our favourites: duck doughnuts, whipped goat cheese, seared duck breast and the inevitable chocolate pavé. Go there for lunch not to miss the view. We certainly recommend this place!

The writers were guests of Star of Greece.

McLaren Vale: Dream Destination For Foodies


South Australia, with its many wine regions, is a dream destination for foodies. We visited the Coonawarra region a few days ago. In the coming days we will spend some time in McLaren Vale. This region, in the Fleurieu Peninsula south of Adelaide, is home to over 60 wineries. It produces very good Shiraz, Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. For our first tasting, we stopped at The Kitchen Door, the restaurant at Penny's Hill Winery. With a menu that changes every two months, you are sure to enjoy seasonal produce. We recommend the tasting menu, a four-course menu that offers an excellent selection of local produce. Dishes can be, at your convenience, married with the best wines of the vineyard. The dining experience is heavenly and the variety, quality, taste and presentation of the products is second to none. If you like cheese and desserts, you will not be disappointed either. Taste the frozen chocolate mousse and give us your opinion! The Kitchen Door restaurant is a culinary delight that we highly recommend.

The writers were guests of The Kitchen Door.

Playing Golf In Tasmania


We have fallen in love with Tasmania over the past days. The island is quiet all the time, has a temperate climate and its landscapes are simply beautiful. Playing golf is an activity that allows you to enjoy each of these qualities. Tasmania hosts over 80 golf courses, some ranked among the best courses in the world. We practiced our swing on the Country Club Tasmania's driving range, located a few minutes away from Launceston. For your information, it is the only undercover driving range in Northern Tasmania. It is open every day of the week. The complex also hosts an 18 Hole Championship Golf Course, villa suites & hotel, venues for live entertainment, a casino and a few restaurants. We were invited to try the Terrace Restaurant, one of the best of the area. Unfortunately we did not know that it was only open for dinner. So we had lunch at the Links Restaurant, whose variety and quality of a la carte dishes are certainly not up to the standard of Terrace Restaurant's menu. Links Restaurant also offers a buffet that we did not have the chance to try.

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Country Club Tasmania.

Eleonore's Restaurant At Chateau Yering


At iPhoneography Oz we do not claim to be food critics. It is also not the purpose of this blog. But lately we must admit that we have tried a few fabulous Australian restaurants. This time we had dinner at Eleonore's Restaurant at Chateau Yering. Do you remember our visit to Max's Restaurant? Well, Chef Mathew Macartney's cuisine at Eleonore's Restaurant is simply a class above, which certainly makes the restaurant one of the finest restaurants in Australia. It is only located 45 minutes away from Melbourne in the Yarra Valley. The Chef lets his creativity flow while paying particular attention to product selection, flavour blending and dish presentation: an art fully mastered! It seems also important to note that you leave Eleonore's Restaurant fully satisfied (which is not always the case for a fine restaurant). Unfortunately the photos of food do not always honor the dishes at fair value. This is especially true when the picture is taken with an iPhone. This Wagyu Fillet (photo) is simply the best piece of meat that we have eaten in our lives. To wet your appetite, take a look at the menu! Note that it is also possible to stay overnight in one of the 32 suites at Chateau Yering. If talking about cuisine with an Australian Chef catches your interest, you can follow Mathew Macartney on Twitter (he is pretty active there so do not hesitate): @Chefmatmac.

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Chateau Yering.