Natural rock pools (or tide pools) are located along many of the beaches on the coasts of Australia. These pools are filled with seawater at every high tide. When the tide goes out, the sun warms the water and transforms them into swimming pools ideal for avoiding the dangers created by waves, currents and sharks. The natural scenery is often amazing. The most beautiful that we have crossed are in Newcastle, Sydney (Bondi Beach) and Bermagui (photo).

The charming town of Eden is located on the border of New South Wales and Victoria. As always along the South Coast, there is beautiful coastal scenery. But the star of Eden is Old Tom, a killer whale well known by locals in the early twentieth century and was dedicated a museum, the Eden Killer Whale Museum, which is also dedicated to marine environment. It is interesting and you can learn a lot about whaling which played an important role in the area's economy. Note that the complete skeleton of Old Tom is on display at the museum. This is the only one in the southern hemisphere and the second in the world, the other being located at the Musée océanographique de Monaco.

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Eden Killer Whale Museum.

Many Australians live in the bush by choice, or because in distant lands they have no other choice. In all cases, living close to nature is quite fascinating. Australians are generally very environmentally friendly and when they live in the bush, they live in harmony with the elements. iPhoneography Oz was fortunate to spend several days in a house entrenched on the heights of Tanja State Forest not far from Bega, New South Wales. The nearest neighbour is ten kilometres away. There is no supply of town water, the only source is rainwater. Electricity and hot water are powered entirely by solar energy. A woodfire heats the house with wood collected from the land. Food scraps are turned into compost chicken feed, which in return provide eggs for breakfast. And in the evening, the property turns into a real sanctuary where kangaroos and parrots do not hesitate to approach the house in search of food. One might think that certain comforts need to be sacrificed to enjoy these aspects of nature, but this is not the case. The experience re-connects you to human values ​​that urban life sometimes takes away. It is relaxing for the body, mind and soul!

iPhoneography Oz likes going off the beaten track. This is a great way to travel and discover places that we did not suspect the existence of. Tilba Valley Wines, a winery located on the heights of Narooma, belongs in this category. The vineyard does not even have a road sign to indicate its presence. Peter, the owner, could tell you more about this. That said it was with pleasure that we discovered his hidden treasure. Peter is the master of all at the vineyard. Originally from London, his story could easily be made into a movie. After the traditional wine tasting, we recommend that you sit on the shady terrace of the restaurant for a taste of some true home style cooking. The dishes, some are French-inspired, are cooked by Peter himself. We were particularly charmed by the coq-au-vin (photo) and Baileys Crème Brûlée. A delight! This is not the Hunter Valley, but the family management maintains the authenticity of the place. We like it!

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Tilba Valley Wines.

If you become tired of the pristine blue waters of Narooma, which is highly unlikely, take the boardwalk along the coast for five or six kilometres to the north and visit Dalmeny! The landscape is absolutely beautiful along the way. For camping enthusiasts, Dalmeny's campground at the end of the walk is ideally situated at the rivermouth and directly above the beach. Surfers will love it!

Tuross Boatshed & Cafe is an establishment located a few kilometres north of Narooma in the town of Tuross Head. This is the kind of unpretentious place whose reputation spreads by word of mouth. After appearing in Getaway and Alive and Cooking, two popular Australian travel and cooking shows, Tuross Boatshed & Cafe received iPhoneography Oz in its temple of Fish and Chips (photo) and seafood. Burgers are also on the menu, including the famous Meat 'Lot' Burger, the traditional Australian burger with bacon, egg, beetroot and pineapple. Divine! The reputation of the snack extends beyond Australia and we understand why! It is simple and it is good, all served on the idyllic Tuross lakeside. On site, you can hire a boat to go fishing or canoe to explore the surroundings. There is also a shop where you will find everything you need for your fishing getaway. This is definitely a place to put on your to-do list while visiting the South Coast.

Note that the Tuross Boatshed & Cafe is currently for sale. Anyone interested to take up this flourishing business on one of the most beautiful spots along the Australian coastline?

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Tuross Boatshed & Cafe.

Narooma is a quiet and undeveloped town on the coast at the southern end of New South Wales. Its coastline, and those further south of Bermagui and Mystery Bay, is perhaps one of the most beautiful places on the South Coast. At
Narooma, do not miss the view overlooking the Wagonga rivermouth and Australia Rock, a rock with a hole in it replicating the shape of Australia in a rather surprising way. During our visit we had the chance to approach a family of seals that were having a nap on the rock wall. Finally, just off the coast, is Montague Island which we did not have the chance to visit, a nature reserve where penguins, sea lions and other sea birds nest.

After a detour inland to the Kangaroo Valley, we are back on the southern end of the Grand Pacific Drive. Batemans Bay is a charming town at the mouth of the Clyde River. The main activities of the region are obviously revolved around the ocean (including deep sea fishing). There are also beautiful beaches to discover around the city. Walking on the beach at sunrise in Batehaven is most refreshing. It would be better to stay during off peak season to avoid the swarm of tourists in summer from Canberra, located just two hours away. Not far to the north, it would seem that paradise lies in Jervis Bay where we find probably the whitest sand in the world. We missed it but will be returning in an upcoming visit to the area!

The Kangaroo Valley is located inland about an hour away from the Grand Pacific Drive. This is a gem of nature, not as imposing as the Blue Mountains but has still its charm. Greenery, mountains, cliffs, waterfalls, wild animals: all the ingredients for a relaxing day out! Though the name of the place might suggest, no kangaroos in sight during our visit. However we did come across a wombat... dead on the side of the road being eaten by maggots.

After a few days in the Blue Mountains we are continuing down the South Coast, a coastal strip south of Sydney which extends to the border of the state of Victoria. The region is crossed in its northern part by the Grand Pacific Drive. This scenic route of 140 kilometres follows one of the most beautiful coastlines of Australia. It reveals so many villages and points of interest on the seafront one being the famous Kiama Blowhole, the world's most powerful of its kind. The sea was calm during our visit so unfortunately we only witnessed a mini-splash (the highest is about 25 meters).