Jet Ski Tours On The Sunshine Coast


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.

Kitesurf Lesson On The Sunshine Coast


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.

Tiny Horizon Of The Sunshine Coast


One last shot of the Sunshine Coast before beginning an indefinite road trip across Australia. We promise you much more variety in the weeks and months to come (although we think the chances are high that there will still be some pictures at the beach). The months of January and February (summer in Australia) are probably not the best time to enjoy the climate of the Sunshine Coast as the there are many gray and rainy days. But tomorrow, all that will be behind us. Heading south to Brisbane!

What do you think? Have you planned a road trip around Australia? Do you use a trip planner? What is the best east coast road trip? Do you have cheap road trips ideas? Let us know in the comments below!

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: #tinyhorizon.

10 Free WiFi Hotspots On The Sunshine Coast


Australia does not seem to be an advanced country with telecommunications. Thus, it is difficult to obtain public WiFi access (whether free or not). Bars and restaurants rarely, if ever, provide internet service. We happened to come across a free hotspot at a branch bank. If you want to avoid the rather low speed connection McDonald's free WiFi, note that the Sunshine Coast Libraries (ten locations) are undoubtedly a sure bet to be able to have access to a free and high speed internet connection on the Sunshine Coast. Of course you depend on the opening hours of libraries but it is better than nothing we guess.

What do you think? Do you have other tips to share? Let us know in the comments below!

Being On The Front Page


iPhoneography Oz on the front page of a local paper, we admit that the choice of the photo of the day is somewhat subjective (a little self-promotion does not hurt). But not only. The Kawana Weekly (and its cousin the Maroochy Weekly) was an inspiration for the blog during our stay on the Sunshine Coast. This free newspaper, distributed every Thursday to over 10,000 households (because here free newspapers are delivered at home), is a great way to keep in touch with local news. You can always take a look in the Sunshine Coast Daily newspaper if you want to stay informed without having to wait a week. Check iPhoneography Oz Media section to read the article.

Is It The Best Australian Meat Pie?


The local cuisine is one of our favourite discoveries when we travel. We love eating. Big ray of sunshine in our stomach when we got the chance to taste the authentic Aussie Beefy's meat pies. This Australian national dish is topped with minced meat and gravy. Sometimes it also contains potato, onions, mushrooms or cheese. This is very similar to pies that are found in many English-speaking countries such as Canada (Quebec) and its famous tourtière.

"Bigger, Better, Beefier Meat Pies ... Guaranteed Or It's Free!"

Beefy's sets the tone. The brand from the Sunshine Coast has won many gold medals for its pies in recent years. Go have a look at one of its four stores while visiting the area. You will not be disappointed!

What do you think about meat pies? Would you say meat pie is the best Aussie food? What's your favourite meat pie? Would you share your best homemade meat pie pastry recipe? Let us know in the comments below!

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Beefy's.

The Ray Of Sunlight


We are finally about to leave the Sunshine Coast for an indefinite road trip around Australia. This should be the real takeoff of the iPhoneography Oz project across the continent. We have often spoken of the rain that falls in this region at this time of year. Does it really rain on the Sunshine Coast? Are there storm on the Sunshine Coast? When its legendary sun does come out, the Sunshine Coast certainly lives up to its name. Just an hour's drive from Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast is a collection of beach resorts where life is good. Make sure you check the weather forecast first, then book your accommodation on the Sunshine Coast!

What do you think? Have you been to the Sunshine Coast? What is the best time of year to spend your holidays on the Sunshine Coast? What would you recommend to do on the Sunshine Coast? Let us know in the comments below!

Barramundi Fishing On The Sunshine Coast


Have you heard about barramundi? It seems that it is one of the most sought after fish to catch in Australia. Suncoast Barra Fishing Park is a very friendly and quiet place where you will find everything you need to spend a good time fishing including rod hire, whether with family or friends. Located close to the beaches of the Sunshine Coast, it is open every day of the year. The staff are very welcoming and deliver valuable advice on fishing techniques. Pack a lunch and a couple of ice cold beers. Find your spot. Bait your hook. Cast your line. And wait for the big bite (and tell us how to catch a barramundi please)! Is your BBQ ready? Barramundi fillets are on the way!

What do you think? What are your best barramundi fishing tips? Have you tasted barramundi? What is your best barramundi recipe? Pan fried barramundi, grilled barramundi, steamed barramundi or baked barramundi? Let us know in the comments below!

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Suncoast Barra Fishing Park.

Team Spirit At The Rowing Competition


Since the beginning of this project in Australia, we have taken an interest in as many activities as we can to share with you on iPhoneograhy Oz. This is how we came to attend our first rowing regatta on the Sunshine Coast. As we had no knowledge about the teams competiting for this kind of university rowing championships, we found the races a bit boring to follow (meaning not really exciting). However we were pleasantly surprised and touched by the team spirit and solidarity shown by the young athletes. The war cry of every competitor before entering the water (photo), distant cousin of the All Black Haka, is quite impressive.

What do you think? How to create a good team spirit in a sport team? What is good team spirit in sports? Let us know in the comments below!

Health & Fitness Club On The Sunshine Coast


Water sports and athletics do not have the monopoly of wellbeing in Australia! You can stay fit by joining one of the many gyms you undoubtedly come across on your way (at least on the east coast). We have a feeling that sport is an institution in Australia (as well as Surf Clubs). We will tell you more about it when we have travelled a few more miles. We use Ezyfit Health & Fitness Club facilities for the duration of our stay on the Sunshine Coast. We can say without hesitation that this is the best fitness centre we have ever worked out in. The premises are huge (but also very well maintained). We are not fans of courses, but there is a wide range of them (you can check the group fitness classes on their website). Gym equipment is clean and in excellent condition. The staff are dynamic, warm and welcoming. It feels like home. For all these reasons, we recommend it to you hands down! You can always opt for a free seven-day test run if you are not totally convinced.

What do you think? How do you stay in shape while traveling? What are your ideas for working out on the road? Share your tips with us in the comments below!

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Ezyfit Health & Fitness Club.

David And Goliath


Australian insects and spiders are one of the most unusual facts of our adventures in Australia so far (we said "unusual" and not "exciting" eh!). Every day we discover new ones or nearly. Sometimes they are not completely unknown to us, but their color or size seem to be very different from what we are used to in the northern hemisphere (remember the cockroach?). This giant wasp is a proof (photo). In your opinion, who was the winner of this battle? Ants! The spider has actually ended up giving up but the wasp was never able to carry it and therefore left its trophy. Ah! Exciting ... uh ... unusual we told you!

What do you think? What are the most fun or amazing facts about insects in Australia? Tell us all a funny anecdote about your encounter with an insect or spider in the comments below!

Moonlight Jog On The Beach


Running on a beach by moonlight is not unique to Australia. But we tried it today for the first time on the Sunshine Coast (the triathlon of yesterday has certainly given us ideas) and we found barefoot jogging on the beach interesting. Firstly because the beach belongs to you: no surfer, no kids, no ball, no dog. Then, because beach jogging allows you to observe in the front-row the race of crabs flowing into the ocean. You are now an integral part of the environment. Finally because jogging on beach at night has something quite unreal. Distances and perspectives at night seem different. So when the waves come up to get your feet, the foam in motion gives the impression that the ground is moving. We are a little disappointed with the result of this photo. The visibility was much better to the eye because it was not dark yet. The camera of the iPhone clearly shows its limits when the light decreases. In the background, you can see part of the freighters dance that sail every day to and from Brisbane.

What do you think? What are your running on sand benefits? Running shoes or barefoot? Do you wear jogging shoes for running on the beach? Have you experienced jogging barefoot? Where are your best running beaches? Let us know in the comments below!

Australia, A Triathlon Story


We are quite surprised by the number of triathlon events in Australia! It is perhaps no coincidence that the sport also became olympic in Sydney at the 2000 Olympics Games. The Caloundra Triathlon is held in early February. It is part of the Gatorade Queensland Tri Series which consists of seven races distributed between October and April along the Sunshine Coast. If you wish to attend such an event, pay attention to advertisements published in local newspapers (most of which are distributed free by the way).

If we discuss this subject, it is also to explain to Tourism Queensland how @iclo would boost his "Vitamin Me" levels if he won a $5,000 holiday voucher. In collaboration with Nuffnang Australia, Tourism Queensland is organizing a contest in which you can win a $5,000 holiday in Queensland. @iclo had planned to participate in the TriStar Monaco in September with two of his best friends. Unfortunately his plans have changed and the distance ensures that it will not be possible for him to join them. So why not invite them to participate with him in a triathlon held in Queensland? In addition to that he will make sure that their stay will be as friendly and stressfree as possible. He is sure they will be able to release the pressure of their European life by having a few surf and kite-surf lessons on the Sunshine Coast beaches. Levels of Vitamin Me recharged to 110% for the three of them!

Alternative Beach In Currimundi


This is not the ocean. This is not a river. This is not a lake (despite its name). It is a bit of all three. But it is especially an excellent alternative to the beach if looking for a quieter place for the whole family (without sacrificing the beauty of the landscape). There are so many water bodies similar to this along the coast in Australia. Like many places, you just need to know where to go. Currimundi Lake (Kathleen McArthur) Conservation Park is adjacent to Currimundi Beach, between Caloundra and Maroochydore on the Sunshine Coast.

What do you think? Have you been to Currimundi Lake? What are the things to see and do that you would recommend in the area? What is your favourite family holidays destination on the Sunshine Coast? Let us know in the comments below!

Reading The Waves As A Basic Rule To Surfing


Did you know there are several types of ocean surface waves? We recently learnt first hand while having our first surf lesson in Australia. What is important when starting to surf, even when you go for a swim in the ocean as well, is to recognize them. Spilling waves (photo) are the safest surfing waves (and generally the most frequent) contrary to breaking waves which can be dangerous for beginners. Unsure of the potential danger that awaits you? Watch for warning signs and flags on the beach!

What do you think? Do you know how to read waves for surfing? According to you, what are the basic rules to surfing to be safe in the surf? Let us know in the comments below!

Peter Lik Noosa Gallery


We discovered the work of Peter Lik by accident two years ago. It was in his photography gallery in Miami Beach. Over the years the self-taught Australian photographer has become one of the uncontested masters of landscape photography. The nature through his eyes is breathtaking. We came across, again by mere chance, one of his galleries (which are more like nature photography museums you can visit for free than shops where to buy posters and prints) on the Sunshine Coast. He now has over a dozen worldwide. Smaller than the one of Miami, Noosa Gallery is nevertheless a highly recommended checkpoint for photography lovers (no matter what, his fine art and luxury photography may well have been a source of inspiration for iPhoneography Oz!). For those who unfortunately do not have the chance to travel to admire his landscape pictures, visit his photography website online, you will not be disappointed!

Do you know Peter Lik's photography portfolio? According to you, who are the best landscape photographers? Do you have other nature photographers to recommend? Which photography galleries are worth a visit in Australia? Let us know in the comments below!

Sunset Cruise In Noosa


Noosa, Sunshine Coast. A one hour scenic river cruise at the end of the day. A boat gliding amongst yachts and luxury homes. An absolutely amazing sunset view, even on cloudy days, if the clouds are not too low (photo). That is what you experience when you attend the Sunset Cruise offered by Noosa Ferry Cruise. The boat departs every night from the Sheraton Noosa's jetty. Even if it is not a boat party or a dinner cruise, you can bring your own drinks to top the experience off. The skipper provides the glassware and ice! After this perfect activity for relaxing in the evening, why not experiencing one of the best restaurants in Noosa?

What do you think? Have you been to Noosa? What is your favourite activity in Noosa? What is the best sunset view on the Sunshine Coast? Let us know in the comments below!

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Noosa Ferry Cruise.

The End Of The Tunnel


Yesterday we were telling you how easy it was to have access to a "private" beach. It is still necessary to find it because the ocean is not always visible from the road. But that is not really difficult. You just need to know where to look. Often the shore of the Sunshine Coast is protected. Therefore the beach access consists of a few hundred metres path zigzagging through a nature reserve.

Let us know which beach on the Sunshine Coast is your favourite in the comments below!

Pristine Solitude On The Sunshine Coast Beaches


Having access to a "private" beach is a dream easily accessible in Australia. And when we say "private", we are not referring to the crowded Mediterranean beaches for which you have to pay to access. Indeed we mean a beach where you feel alone in the world, almost (except on a few dog friendly beaches). It is very easy to have access to this privilege no matter where you are in Australia. On the Sunshine Coast, between Noosa and Caloundra, the beaches stretch out of sight. If you are really missing the crowd, you can always opt for the Gold Coast, two hours south.

What do you think? Do you prefer a crowded beach or a more private beach? What is your favourite beach of the Sunshine Coast? Let us know in the comments below!