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!

Tasmania is an Australian island and state located 240 kilometres south-east of the mainland's coasts. It is only slightly smaller than Ireland, and internationally known for its Tasmanian devil, featuring Looney Tunes cartoons from Warner Bros. Pictures (Taz). But it is much more than that. The island is a gem that has a rich, natural and preserved environment part of UNESCO World Heritage List. There are many prejudices, including weather, on this island. It was feared that we would have rain and cold during our visit. But we have had beautiful and mild weather, even if winter is coming. Some landscapes are breathtaking (photo). Some of the Tasmanian beaches are very similar to parts of Polynesia. Tourism plays a major role in the economy of the island. Do not expect to find all-inclusive resorts, and happily! Here you stay in bed and breakfasts or cottages. We had initially planned to spend two weeks in Tasmania. We just extended our stay for an extra week!

The most popular place of the Blue Mountains is certainly the view of the famous Three Sisters rock formation in Katoomba. It is beautiful but the development that caters for the tourism of the place robs them of their natural charm. This said a few miles away, further south in the town of Leura, the perspective offered by Sublime Point Lookout (photo), which is aptly named, is breathtaking. It feels immediately amazing, at the same time as feeling like King of the World you also feel so small gazing into the vast and deep valley. This is quite an experience!

Breathtaking landscapes. Cliffs everywhere. Waterfalls, from the smallest to the highest. Welcome to the Blue Mountains! This mountainous range (highest point at 1,111 metres) at a hundred kilometers away from Sydney is part of the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2000. For the record, the name of these mountains is derived from the blue reflection returned by the remote mountain views, the reflection is generated by the volatile oils of eucalyptus forests which abound in the valleys. It is spectacular and it is not to be missed!

Love at first bite! Mavis's Kitchen welcomed us in its family restaurant located a stone's throw away from the Gold Coast and Tropical Fruit World, at the base of World Heritage-listed Wollumbin National Park – formerly known as Mount Warning National Park. The setting is magnificent: an old style Queenslander surrounded by beautiful gardens with a magical creek flowing through the property. The food is divine. Simple dishes, but the owners, Peter and Charlie, pay a great deal of attention to the importance of the selection of ingredients. And for good reason! All dishes are cooked on site using organic ingredients from the garden (wherever possible). Even the water served at the table is taken from the creek! If some products are purchased, they all come from local producers. It is impossible to know what you eat before arriving at the restaurant, the menu is updated daily based on availability at the time. Quick tip: between the main meal and dessert, enjoy a moment to digest by visiting the gardens and cottages. Not only is the food extremely good, but you can also stay overnight or for several days. Go ahead with your eyes closed, it is impossible to be disappointed! Every self-respecting cook should spend a weekend at Mavis's Kitchen to draw inspiration from their concept. In iPhoneography Oz's opinion every restaurant should take a leaf out of their book.

What do you think? What's your favourite Australian restaurant? Have you noticed a difference eating organic food? Let us know in the comments below!

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Mavis's Kitchen.

We've been repeating it for the last few days, Fraser Island is the largest sand island in the world. We already put the focus on its beaches (here and here) and its incredible wildlife. But where are the sand dunes? Actually there are several of them, mainly concentrated on the east coast of the island. The wind forms and move them very quickly, at a rate of one to two metres per year. Nothing seems to stop them. They cover everything in their path. A disaster? Not exactly. It helps the creation of breathtaking landscapes on Fraser Island. In the middle of the rainforest, the sandy surroundings give an impression similar to that of the Sahara desert (photo). At the foot of this dune stands Lake Wabby, one of the world's rarest dune lakes. Therefore walk the few hundred metres separating 75 Mile Beach from this oasis. Take a deep breath. Take pictures too. Otherwise, you will regret it. As outlined by UNESCO, it is "the combination of shifting sand dunes, tropical rainforests and lakes" that makes Fraser Island "an exceptional" Word Heritage site.

What do you think? Have you ever walked in the desert? What is the natural phenomenon that impresses you the most? Let us know in the comments below!

World Heritage listed Fraser Island hosts a unique flora which grows in contradiction with the laws of nature. Amazingly enough, its rainforest is the only one in the world to grow on sand (Fraser Island is the world's largest sand island). That's the way it has been off the coast of Hervey Bay for the past 800,000 years! The flora of the island includes rainforest plants dating from prehistoric times and gigantic trees (photo) whose wood was used for the construction of the Suez and Panama Canals. On a Fraser Island tour, we noticed that the landscape changes drastically from one place to another which can sometimes be very surprising. Wildlife encounters occur quite often on the island which provides protection to a rich fauna made of mammals (wallabies, possums, echidnas, dingoes, etc.), reptiles (snakes, goannas, frogs, etc.) and birds (there are over 350 different species of birds on the island). Never feed the wildlife though (heavy fines apply) and be dingo-aware. When we realize the richness and variety of Fraser Island flora and fauna, it is not surprising to learn that academics from all around the world land on the island each year to study it.

What do you think? Have you been to Fraser Island? Which plants of Australia do you find the most amazing? How did you feel when you came across a dingo? Let us know in the comments below!

The ferry departing from Rainbow Beach, 3 hours drive north of Brisbane, dropped us on our second World Heritage site. Fraser Island: here we are! Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1992, Fraser Island is the largest sand island in the world spanning more than 120 kilometres in length. The island has so many outstanding natural wonders to write about, including dune lakes and tall rainforests, that there is nothing better than experiencing it by yourself. Make sure you get a map of Fraser Island not to miss a thing! As the off-road 4WD are the only vehicles able to navigate the slopes and sandy beaches on the island, we highly recommend booking one of the numerous Fraser Island tours available. If you are experienced you can still hire a 4WD on the Fraser Coast, but joining a tour will allow you to focus on Fraser Island beautiful landscapes, unique fauna and rich flora (in addition to feeling like a Dakar competitor without worrying much about getting bogged down in the sand or worse, killing yourself). Camping and beach accommodation are available on Fraser Island and you must be insane not to spend at least a night on the island. Since being on Fraser Island, evolving in the wild and connecting with nature is our new definition of relaxing holidays.

What do you think? Have you been on Fraser Island? What are your best island vacations? Would you have any recommendations in the Fraser Coast area? Let us know in the comments below!

There are a few facts about Australia that we were not really aware of before coming here (travel guides do not always mention them). One of these facts is the presence of 19 UNESCO World Heritage sites. At the same time, it has given us the opportunity to learn about what a world heritage site exactly is (if interested, read about the criteria for selection). That is how we have agreed to add these not so famous places in our list of things to do in Australia. After having left our cheap accommodation in Coffs Harbour, the first one we explored is the Waterfall Way. This scenic drive route winds more than 150 kilometres through the Country New South Wales, between the Pacific coast and Armidale west in the hinterland. The landscapes that one can admire during this lovely road trip are recognized to be among the most beautiful in New South Wales. As its name suggests, this road is lined by numerous waterfalls (photo), some among the highest in Australia (Wollomombi Falls). Many national parks within close proximity form what is called the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia, located in southeast Queensland and northeast New South Wales. It is nothing less than the most extensive area of subtropical rainforest in the world (inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1986) which is host to many threatened species of plants and animals. Beside that, the Waterfall Way also passes through picturesque villages. Bellingen is worth a look and is a perfect stop for lunch.

What do you think about the Waterfall Way? Have you visited a few World Heritage sites along your travels? Which are the ones you would recommend? Let us know in the comments below!