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.