The Green Rolling Hills Of South Gippsland


Every week, iPhoneography Oz invites one of its Instagram followers to cover a topic about Australian society. Today, meet @domblissleese on the side of the road in Gippsland.

iPhoneography Oz: Who are you in less than 140 characters?
domblissleese: I'm a city girl who married a country boy & mum of two teenagers. I am obsessed with photography and good coffee and I'm constantly seeking the art & beauty in everyday life.

iOz: Your photo shows a really lovely green countryside where life seems so peaceful. Where is it exactly?
d: This photo was taken by the side of the road near a small town called Korumburra, in South Gippsland, Victoria, approximately 100 kilometres south-east of Melbourne. It is usually a place of green rolling hills, but a lack of rain has left these beautiful hills looking rather dry and brown at the moment. It is a very peaceful part of the world, the silence only broken in the early mornings by the sounds of magpies chortling and cows mooing as they head back out to their paddocks after the early morning milking session.

iOz: What to do in South Gippsland?
d: Without a doubt South Gippsland is a place of natural beauty. It is home to Wilsons Promontory National Park, which has some of the most beautiful beachfront you will ever see. There are also the stunning beaches of Sandy Point, Walkerville and Waratah Bay. There is native wildlife around every corner, kangaroos, koalas, echidnas, wombats and lots more. There are plenty of outdoor opportunities such as hiking, surfing and bike riding, as well as the gorgeous locally produced food and wine to indulge in. There is a strong local slow food culture which can be explored at the local farmers markets held every weekend at the small towns of Korumburra, Koonwarra, Foster and Inverloch. The town of Loch is the place to go for antique shopping and the town of Meeniyan is home to some great galleries and fabulous cafes. If you are planning a holiday, come visit South Gippsland, you won't be sorry!

iOz: If you were stuck in Australia with an unlimited budget and a week in front of you, what would you do?
d: Only a week?! Well I think I would have to say I'd go to Broome in Western Australia. The beaches, shopping for fabulous pearls, dining on amazingly fresh seafood under the stars. It would be my idea of paradise.

iOz: What was one of the best travel experiences you've ever had in Australia?
d: Without a doubt, our best travel experience was when we travelled from our home in South Gippsland across to Western Australia. We travelled with another family for 6 weeks, towing our caravans across the Nullarbor. We saw some amazing things, but the highlight would be seeing around 25 whales; mothers and calves frolicking in the waves under the cliffs at the Head of Bight on the Nullarbor. They were so close we could hear them breathing! It was life changing for us and my kids still talk about it to this day. Lucky Bay in Esperance and also the Margaret River region were also favourite's places.

iOz: What's your favourite photo on the blog?
d: Well I actually have 2. The first is one taken on your sunset kayak tour at 1770. It is a stunning part of the world there and my kayaking obsessed husband would love to do this. The other is the photo taken at Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island. It is breathtakingly beautiful and somewhere I'm yet to visit.

iOz: What kind of photos can our readers see on @domblissleese's Instagram feed?
d: My IG feed is definitely a snapshot of my life; the way I see it and more importantly with whom I share it. Expect lots of scenery shots of the beautiful area I live in, as well as a fair amount of food shots. I'm a passionate home cook, and I like to share my creations with my IG friends. I often add my addiction to caffeine to my feed with odd coffee shot thrown in as well!

iOz: Vegemite or Nutella?
d: Definitely Vegemite. No good Aussie girl would choose otherwise!

iOz: We're switching roles, ask us anything!
d: Travelling Australia for a year would have brought about your own life changing moments. Can you share one with us?
iOz: Not having access to clean water for a couple of days get you out of your comfort zone. Then you suddenly have access to clean water and find yourself enjoying a cold shower. That was one of the greatest life changing moments of our adventure. We came to the conclusion that all you need to be happy is water!

iOz: A last word?
d: Beauty and art is everywhere. Look at life through a lens and from a different angle. You will be amazed at what you soon see.

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

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.

Port Douglas, A Tropical Saint-Tropez


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!

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!

Kuranda, The Big Open Air Market


Kuranda is a town nestled in the middle of the Wet Tropics of Queensland, 25 kilometres from Cairns. We suggest you take either the Kuranda Scenic Railway or the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway to get there. Its atmosphere reminds us of Nimbin in New South Wales (minus the joints), with its many visitors, its local arts community and its many shopping opportunities. Actually Kuranda is a real open-air market. They certainly know how to deal with tourists there, but not sure about this mens collection made of kangaroo skin (photo). If you visit our facebook page, in the Queensland: The Complete Series album, you will find the latest bikini collection!

Shopping In Perth


If you are looking for entertainment, head to the Perth centre. This is where you will find some of the cultural institutions of Western Australia's capital. Part of the district - Murray Street Mall and Hay Street Mall - are pedestrian only streets. Very popular on weekends and nice sunny days! In this area there are a multitude of shops and several malls open seven days of the week. On King Street, choose between Louis Vuitton, Prada, Gucci or other international brand designers in this charming neighbourhood that is strongly reminiscent of Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills and SoHo in New York City. If you are looking for more popular brands at factory prices, you need to go to Harbour Town. In short, everything is situated within walking distance and there is something for everyone. If you are afraid of getting lost, check for the blue and green shirts of the city volunteers that will happily point you in the right direction.

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!

Waking Up Among Margaret River's Vines


The Margaret River region offers a variety of vineyards, from the most impressive in the style of Leeuwin Estate to the family estates as it is the case of Adinfern Estate. Conveniently located just minutes away from Margaret River, Adinfern Estate is an old farm which produced fine wool and prime lamb before starting to produce quality wine nearly 20 years ago. But as you can see from this photo, the sheep are never too far away. They are used to "clean" and fertilize the vines. That is green! Besides the traditional wine tasting, it is possible to stay in the heart of the vineyards in one of the two cottages on the property. We love waking up, literally, in the vineyards! A very nice destination to consider when traveling in the region.

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Adinfern Estate.

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.

Divine Taste Experience In Adelaide Hills


Adelaide Hills are located about twenty minutes away from Adelaide city centre. Even if it is only for a day trip this short drive allows you to experience the stunning contrast of the city life. The region is home to orchards and vineyards and numerous picturesque villages including the charming Hahndorf made ​​famous by the artist Hans Heysen. It is absolutely imperative to stop at Hahndorf Hill Winery. Here is why: every day they propose ChocoVino, a divine taste experience. This is a tasting of some of the world's best chocolate (including Amedei Chuao which is regarded as THE best in the world) matched to the vineyard wines, all in an exceptional setting. The true decadence of this experience lies in the authentic and unique delivery of the tasting. You will learn that chocolate is not eaten, but savored. Undoubtedly ChocoVino at Hahndorf Hill Winery is one of our best foodies experiences since the beginning of this adventure! It is for no other reason than excellence that the vineyard is rated one of the Top 10 cellar doors in Australia by Wine Business Magazine and the ChocoVino experience was listed in CNN's 10 Global Adventures for chocoholics.

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Hahndorf Hill Winery.

Winter Wine & Chocolate Tasting In Coonawarra


Coonawarra, an hour's drive north of Mount Gambier, is a little piece of paradise. The kind of paradise that foodies of the world love. Coonawarra has long been recognized as one of the best wine regions of Australia. With its mild climate and the unique composition of its soil, premium red wines with intense fruit character have been produced there for over a century. Cabernet Sauvignon, the local speciality, along with Shiraz represent 80% of the total regional production. Along the way, we stopped for a tasting at Zema Estate which is currently hosting its annual Winter Wine & Chocolate tasting. The marriage of these two indulgences is surprisingly complimentary. Enhancing the wine's already fine taste, it is a pleasure for the palate. We particularly enjoyed it. The property is reknowned for producing delicious red wines. Greg Clayfield, its winemaker, won the 1998 IWSC International Winemaker of the Year.
The "little" Coonawarra (less than 10% of the South Australia's wine production) might not be present in every single guidebooks, but we strongly recommend it to you!

Win 1 bottle of 2008 'Cluny' (Cabernet Merlot) or 2008 Shiraz from Zema Estate Wines!

Sydney In Winter: A Shopping Destination


Sydney is arguably the fashion capital of Australia. The city also hosts twice a year the famous Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia. If looking for internationally renowned or Australian designers, no matter what your style, you will love to shop in Sydney. The Fashion & Shopping section on Sydney website (really helpful and well made website) will guide you depending on what you are looking for. In Sydney, and in any little town, do not miss the famous Op Shops which are an institution in Australia. These thrift stores are made to raise funds for charities that manage them. Because the items for sale were donated, prices are extremely competitive. And this also applies for brands of the biggest international fashion designers! You are guaranteed to stumble across a bargain or two!

The writers were guests of Destination NSW.

Sydney In Winter: Hanging Out In Chinatown


It is always pleasant to walk in the streets of Sydney on a mild winter day. As in many cities around the world, the capital of New South Wales also has its Chinatown, located a fifteen minute walk from Circular Quay. Nothing better than to walk through this colourful and lively area with exotic scents in search of a menu to satisfy our appetites. Because there it is all about Yum Cha and street barbecues. Chinatown is a pedestrian zone full of shops and restaurants. Moreover, competition seems so high that you should not be surprised if the waiters pluck you out of the street and do their very best to entice you inside! A few steps away, be sure to walk through Paddy's Markets, the largest market in the city.

The writers were guests of Destination NSW.

What To Do In Hobart?


Hobart is the capital of Tasmania and, with over 200,000 inhabitants, its largest city. It is also the second oldest city in Australia after Sydney. The summit of Mount Wellington, which rises at 1,271 metres above sea level is certainly the best view of the city. Hobart is also internationally famous for being home to the finish line of the annual Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. But the state capital is also steeped in history. It is one of the cities in Australia with the largest number of superbly preserved old buildings (Georgian architecture). Salamanca Place, which hosts the famous Salamanca Market every saturday, is not to be missed. Hobart's historic center is easily walkable. We joined Hobart Historic Tours for a guided walk. The tour, extremely informative, lasts an hour and a half. Pam, our guide, passed on her passion for history to us, which makes the experience very rewarding. A great way to discover Hobart! The organization offers various walks according to your particular interests.

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Hobart Historic Tours.

Bay of Fires: Tahiti Look Alike In Tasmania


We have been talking about it for a few days now on iPhoneography Oz: the northeastern tip of Tasmania is a region not to be missed. We found absolutely beautiful places. North, in Bridport, is a golf course on the edge of the Bass Strait ranked among the finest in the world. Between Scottsdale and St Helens on the East Coast, you can admire Saint Columba Falls, among the highest in Tasmania. Just before reaching St Helens, in Pyengana, stop at the Holy Cow Café and sample locally produced cheeses in this cheese factory. Some of them have even won awards. But the highlight of the area, our favourite part, is Bay of Fires (photo). This huge bay is home to the whitest sand we have seen in Australia so far. The colour of the water is so blue. Our only regret: absolutely beautiful to look at but winter is coming so we were not brave enough to swim!

The World's Largest Lavender Farm


On the north coast of Tasmania, not far from Scottsdale, nestled between Launceston and the Bass Strait, we found a field of serenity. At Bridestowe Estate they grow lavender. This is even the world's largest privately owned farm dedicated to this plant native to southern France. Once you have parked your vehicle, stop by the shop and cafe. Allow yourself a cup of lavender tea or milkshake: sweet! Visit the distillery where the different oils are produced. But mostly go for a walk in the fields of lavender. It is almost winter in Tasmania. The flowers were harvested before Christmas, but it is still beautiful. If you can, visit just before the harvest. We can just imagine the colors and scents!

Visit The Tamar Valley With Prestige Leisure Tours


Yesterday we introduced Tasmania but forgot to mention one important aspect about the island: its vineyards! Tasmania has indeed a wide variety of wines. North of the island, the Tamar Valley is certainly one of the most beautiful areas to discover them. Chardonnay, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir are all varieties grown in this region. It is said that its sparkling wines are equal to Champagne and that some of its wines are among the best of the world. Nothing better than to be tempted by a day of wine tasting with Prestige Leisure Tours. The company has various options to offer. iPhoneography Oz took part in the most popular of them, the Platinum Tamar Valley Wine Tour which includes a wide and delicious selection of local Tasmanian produce at midday. We particularly liked the fact of not depending on a predetermined schedule. Here the taster is king and the tour goes at his own pace. In the morning you are picked up from your Launceston accomodation. In the evening you are dropped back at your place. In between, you are driven around the vineyards where you can taste the wines from the Tamar Valley during seven hours. Yes, life is good!

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Prestige Leisure Tours.