Agnes Water, in addition to being a quiet and charming seaside community, is the most northern surf beach in Queensland. And as we have come from the north (Cairns), we could not pass up the opportunity to jump in the water and get back on a surfboard again (there are fewer dangerous jellyfish here). The conditions are ideal: beautiful weather, deserted beach and perfect waves to learn how to surf. So we head to Reef 2 Beach surf school for a 3 hours surfing lesson. The least we can say is that beach and surf culture are in the air! The look, the style, the cut, all leat to thinking that our instructors, real surf enthusiasts, are direct descendants of Patrick Swayze in the movie Point Break. From here, we would like to apologize to the other surf schools who introduced us to surfing in Australia, but Reef 2 Beach is by far our best surf experience (this is also the last, as our adventures are coming to an end). This is certainly the cheapest surf school in Australia too: $17 to learn to surf is somehow hard to beat. It is no wonder that Reef 2 Beach's reputation is the size of the continent. Someone in Perth (which is on the complete opposite side of Australia from Agnes Water) recommended the place to us! Book with your eyes closed, you will not regret it and you will have a great time!

What do you think? Did you book a surf lesson while in Australia? Which surf school would you recommend? Let us know in the comments below!

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Reef 2 Beach.

We have to admit that British explorer James Cook had a job that was not too bad at all. Not only was he behind the discovery of Australia, but during his northward journey along the east coast that followed, he also became the first "tourist" to set foot in Queensland. On this occasion, Cook discovered a treasure (for the eyes at least). It is partly thanks to James that today, we can explore the charming twin seaside communities of Agnes Water and Seventeen Seventy (named after Lieutenant - not Captain yet - James Cook who came ashore on 24 May 1770). We are about a hundred kilometres north of Bundaberg. Being here, it would be apt to read Captain Cook's Journal During the First Voyage Round the World. The setting is perfect. The Great Barrier Reef is off the coast. The beach in front of us is rather picturesque and particularly appreciated by surfers (Agnes Water is the most northern surf beach on the East Coast of Australia). The climate is perfect today (as well as most of the year with nearly 300 days of sunshine). This location certainly has a high tourism potential. However, there is no commercialization and the area's natural beauty has been preserved, just like at Mission Beach. Ah, it feels so good being here! Only the sound of helicopters landing at nearby luxury villas might disturb our tranquility. We heard through the local grapevine that the passengers are Quiksilver and Billabong's founders who own a holiday home in the area. No matter who they really are, we must be right in thinking that Agnes Water and Seventeen Seventy are, in their own way, a dream destination.

What do you think? Have you ever been to Agnes Water and Seventeen Seventy? What is your dream destination? Let us know in the comments below!

We knew that Australia produces an abundance of surfers. After a road trip through Queensland, we now know that Australia is also a huge sugar producer. As far as vegetation goes, this region of Australia is not exclusive to tropical rainforests. There is an incredible amount of fields where sugar cane is grown (photo). There are so many sugar cane plants that sugar is, after wheat, the second largest export crop in Australia. In addition to this, part of the sugar production destined for the domestic market is used to produce rum. The Australian sugar industry generates more than 40,000 jobs. It could be a good opportunity to find a job in Australia for whoever is here on a Working Holiday Visa.

Have you worked in the sugar industry? What advice would you give to those who are looking for a job and want to work in Australia? Let us know in the comments below!

Before arriving in Airlie Beach, we have been told various things about the place that sounded comparable to some of the bad aspects of Cairns and the Gold Coast. "Consumerist town" and "the kind of place where people like to party non-stop" were just a couple of opinions that we have heard. That is the reason why sailing the Whitsunday Islands quickly became the best and most appealing option for us. As a result we joined Explore Whitsundays on a cruise around this unique paradise, between Whitsunday Island and the many others islands of the archipelago. We spent two days sailing on Siska, a yacht that won the Sydney Hobart Yacht Race. Two days of sun and white sand (Whitehaven Beach is probably one of the most beautiful beaches in the world). Two days snorkelling in the beautiful turquoise water, appreciating the amazing ecosystem of the Great Barrier Reef (there are so many tropical fish to be seen). Two magical days exploring peaceful and hidden inlets. Life can be tough sometimes! Eventually, we returned to Airlie Beach where we spent a bit of time in town and found the place quite pleasant with its shops and accommodation, its lagoon and its relaxed atmosphere, a far cry from what we were expecting. All that to say that any travel to Australia should always include a cruise in the Whitsundays. However, be well informed before booking the cheapest cruise or you might find yourself on a crowded boat with little room to sleep.

What do you think? Have you been on a cruise in the Whitsundays? Which islands of the Whitsundays would you recommend to go? Let us know in the comments below!

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Explore Whitsundays.

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!

During a trip to Tropical North Queensland, here is our advice as far as accommodation goes: go straight away to Port Douglas without paying too much attention to Cairns, the temple of mass tourism in Australia (you can read what we thought about it here). Unlike its neighbour, the charming village of Port Douglas is perfect for relaxing and ideally located between the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef. During our visit, we stayed at Reflections of Port Douglas. There are many resorts in Port Douglas, but these are luxury holiday rentals apartments (see photo gallery) situated in Macrossan Street. From this perfect central location, you are just a few metres away from the famous Four Mile Beach (if you are afraid of jellyfish, just swim in their relaxing pool). The fact that restaurants and shops are within walking distance too is a very attractive aspect. All holiday accommodation are fully self contained, exquisitely furnished with a large kitchen and everything you need for an unforgettable experience, including complimentary lush tropical gardens views (photo)! And as if all that was not enough, we were looked after by friendly on site managers, Carmel and John, who treated us like family. The place is well worth a 5 star resort. We are definitely falling in love with Port Douglas!

What do you think? Have you stayed in Port Douglas? Which hotels would you recommend in Tropical North Queensland? Let us know in the comments below!

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Reflections of Port Douglas.