39,014 km, 340 days, nearly 4,800 photos captured with an iPhone including more than 800 photos edited via instagram. These are the standout figures of the iPhoneography Oz road trip around Australia which ended today in a Brisbane Airport parking space (photo)... where it all began on January 1st. From Brisbane to Cairns via Sydney, Melbourne, Hobart, Adelaide, Perth and Darwin, we traveled across the continent visiting Australia's landmarks and going off the beaten tracks too. We obviously have a lot of memories associated with this trip. We will need a little time to digest all these encounters, these discoveries, these idyllic and breathtaking landscapes. And all of the trials and tribulations that went with it too. In the end, like after any experience, we have grown, we are more open-minded and especially keen to continue our travels and visit more countries. Australia is a unique country and we hope that everyone gets the chance to visit Australia the way we did it for almost 12 months. We will not bore you with an endless thank you speech but we still want to express gratitude to all those who participated directly or indirectly to the realization of this great adventure: our partners who believed in the project and allowed us to have extraordinary experiences, and all of you who have been reading the blog and following us on social media. Note that you were doing all of this reading and following from 112 different countries!

Apart from fixed pages (About, Media, Contest, etc..), the most popular articles of iPhoneography Oz English version were:

• Running The Sydney Marathon In A School Dress, the challenge successfully taken up by Sarah our first guest-blogger
• Explore The Secrets Of Sydney Harbour, a memorable cruise the day before our participation in the Sydney Marathon
• Sydney Olympic Stadium Tour, where we walked on Cathy Freeman's steps
• Visit The Tamar Valley With Prestige Leisure Tours, a beautfiul day in the vineyard of Tasmania
• Bay of Fires: Tahiti Look Alike In Tasmania, the title speaks for itself
• One Of The Best Places In The World To See Migrating Whales, where we attended an amazing natural show
• Crime In Newcastle, one of our worst experiences in Australia
• Is Mission Beach The Most Beautiful Beach In Australia? What do you think?
• Bed & Breakfast In Scottsdale - Part. 1, a really lovely place to stay in Tasmania
• Gourmet Experience In The Grampians, when lost in the middle of nowhere, we stumbled upon the largest olive grove that we have ever seen.

In one year, iPhoneography Oz has created a community of nearly 4,000 fans interested in travel, photography and obviously Australia. It would be a huge shame to end it on that note, so we are determined to continue this adventure... powered by you from now on! Here's how:

1/ iOz on Facebook & #iOz on twitter: we plan to organize virtual recurring events to have conversations about travel, Australia and mobile photography. Travel to Australia? Immigrate, live and work in Australia? Study in Australia? Tips for customized holidays in Australia? Facts about Australia? Photography techniques? Together, we will answer all these questions and many more. Do not forget to use #iOz to tag your Australia-related tweets to get the attention of other #iOz community's followers. Share stories. Ask questions. Ask for travel related help. Join the fun, be social and let's tweet about our passion for Australia!

2/ #iOz on instagram: Are you in Australia? Do you have an iPhone? Then submit your own iPhone photographs through your instagram account using the hashtag #iOz. Every day, from all the submited photos, we will pick a winner and repost the "iOz of the day" on the different iOz accounts on social media. Its author will be invited to write an article or be interviewed on the iOz blog.

3/ Guest-Blogging: Do you have a blog? Do you have your visa for Australia, are you on a flight to Australia or are you already in Australia? Would you write a post on the iOz blog? If so, contact us soon!

4/ Promotion and Advertising: Would you like to promote your products and services through iOz? Whether it is for writing sponsored articles, running contests, press trips, ads banners or something else, please contact us immediately. We are particularly interested in tourism businesses (tourist activities, travel agencies, accommodation, restaurants) and event organizers based in Australia.

5/ Suggestions: since everything moves and everything changes all the time, we are always open to new opportunities. Know that we are always delighted to read your ideas and suggestions in order to improve your iOz experience. This community is yours too! Send us your comments at any time via this form.

Thank you for being there!

Join the iOz community on facebook, twitter or instagram.

Any good road trip will take you on a scenic route along the coast at some stage. The California State Route 1 on the west coast of the United States is certainly one of the world's most famous scenic drives. In Europe, the spectacular Antrim Coast Road on the Causeway Coastal Route in Northern Ireland and a few magnificent spots on the French Riviera (Côte d'Azur) in France have a substantial tourist appeal as well. But what about in Australia? We often hear of the Great Ocean Road or the Grand Pacific Drive, but there are some others roads running along beautiful coastlines too. It is the reason why a drive on the Captain Cook Highway is highly advisable. If you are planning a road trip to the Tropical North Queensland, you should add it to your itinerary right now. Imagining it is the only place in the world where two UNESCO World Heritage listed sites meet, the Wet Tropics of Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef, you will certainly understand why we recommend it. This short drive of about 75 kilometres that connects Cairns with Port Douglas, between the Daintree Rainforest and wild beaches of the Coral Sea, is simply one of the most scenic drive we have had in Australia (photo).

What do you think? Have you found some breathtaking roads in Australia? What are the spectacular coastlines you would recommend? Share your favourite with us in the comments below!

Australia is one of the best countries for road trips. Those who have already experienced it know very well that having a breakdown comes with the fun of a road trip (we have experienced it ourselves when crossing the Nullarbor). Here in Australia, distances are sometimes so huge between the location of the breakdwon and the nearest garage, that towing can cost more than abandoning your vehicle along the road and buy a used one in the next city. Then, one can find curious trophies (photo) in the scenery along the highways. We even met some people whose job is to drive for hours to rid the landscape of the old rusting cars!

Moving away from major Australian cities is driving mostly on sand tracks with all the surprises that await you at the next turn. Dust is one of many of these not so pleasant surprises. Desert regions are often very dry, which does not help the situation. It is difficult in these conditions to maintain a clean vehicle. But it does not deserve a post on iPhoneography Oz if we would stop here. Know that while driving, vehicles create so much fine dust that a large quantity seeps into cars, even with windows closed and fan off. In Western Australia, it is mainly the red dust that is on the menu. This is due to the presence of iron in the sand, the oxidation by the action of sunlight gives it this red color. One could almost believe to be at the French Open, on Roland Garros center court's clay. The good news is that it adds a little color to your interior and your complexion.

Well, it is no big secret, but Australia is a vast country. As soon as one takes to the road, especially when traveling inland, the distances are huge and Australia becomes a dreamland for a road trip. Hazardous road conditions are common though so always be cautious. If the main roads linking the capitals and major cities are in excellent condition, most of the other roads are still unsealed and in a random condition. Thus in remote areas one can find roads ranging from asphalt to gravel and tracks. Many are feasible with a conventional vehicle, but in the more remote areas, the use of a 4WD is highly recommended and even mandatory in some places. It is important to check with local authorities before hitting the road. Of all the dangers of frequent road surface changes, the more annoying for passengers and more challenging for your car is probably found on corrugated roads. To give you an idea, imagine driving on corrugated iron for hundreds of kilometres in the middle of the outback. Unfortunately, it is difficult to prevent this from happening. However, it can be temporary solved by regrading the road (photo). Safe travels!

Australia is the country of travel par excellence. If you are a regular reader of iPhoneography Oz, you will have been able to grasp the diversity of this continent. Many, like us, choose to take their time to visit this country. If some choose to travel by plane, others (let's say the majority) travel by road. The accommodation can quickly become a big part of your budget, even when choosing to camp. Unless we are talking about free camping. But this does not mean camping anywhere. The police (in cities) or the rangers (in national parks) make sure you respect the rules and fines can be really expensive if you camp in prohibited areas. However, there are free camping areas available along the roads. You should think about getting a guide which tells you where they are. The main advantage is the cost: free. But at this price, the facilities are primitive. Often it only has picnic tables and garbage bins, toilets sometimes. But not always. Choosing this kind of travel is also going to make you an expert on knowing where the hot showers are! Forget the comforts of home or a luxury bed & breakfast. But after all, is this not the essence of a successful road trip that will be remembered for a lifetime?

We are used to having shoulders on the side of highways in the western world. This lane is normally used as an emergency lane in the case of a breakdown or by emergency vehicles in the case of road congestion. They exist in Australia too. But in the most remote areas of the Outback, the emergency lane can sometimes occupy the entire width of the road... and become an emergency airstrip! It has not happened to us yet, but we can only imagine the surprise at suddenly being overtaken by an aircraft that lands in front of you.

Even in the middle of nowhere on the Nullarbor Plain, the border entry into Western Australia is a checkpoint. Here it is not the passports or stowaways that are checked but the presence of ... fruits and vegetables (and a whole list of prohibited items available here) which must be disposed of at the border. Officially, it is a measure to protect the agricultural industry of the state by preventing the transportation of some insects, weeds and diseases present elsewhere in Australia. It is understandable not to import fruits and vegetables just in case they are contaminated. Yes, but a question remains. What about the insects? Don't they ever cross the border on their own? We had already experienced this kind of quarantine arriving in Tasmania. In this case though it made more sense as it is an island.

Before crossing the Nullarbor Plain, you inevitably ask yourself the following questions:

• Will we have enough fuel?
• Will we have enough water?
• Will we have enough food?
• Is there any places to stay along the way?
• And what if we break down?

Just as we thought we had made it across unscathed, we were faced the last question. Explanations? More than 200 kilometers before reaching Norseman, the town at the western end of the plain, we got a flat. Never doing things by half, within minutes of putting the spare on... Bam... another flat. Luckily we were close to a roadhouse. What is this? They are your best friends when crossing the Nullarbor Plain, the magical answer to all the questions above. They are petrol stations which often offer catering services. So neither you or your vehicle will run out of fuel. Some of them provide accommodation to spend the night with comfort that varies from very poor to very good. However, as unlikely as it may seem, there is not necessarily a garage. If you break down and it is serious, often towing and repair costs are more expensive than abandoning your vehicle on the side of the road and buying a used one in Perth or Adelaide. If your problem is minor, you have access to, thanks to the previous category, one of the world's largest free auto parts self-service. And if you do not find what you are looking for, there is always the solution to get help from road trains which will drop at the roadhouse what you need and that you have previously purchased by phone in the "closest" town. This is what we have tested. Expect random delivery delays.

Crossing the Nullarbor Plain: the long awaited moment, if not feared, has arrived. The Nullarbor is a whole lot of














In other words, nothing. Rien. Nada. Niente. A long journey of over 700 km in a setting more deserted than the desert itself. Not a single tree in sight, hence its name (if you have some knowledge of Latin, you would have already guessed). This plain occupies a total area of 200,000 sq km almost as big as Victoria. Aside from nothing, there is still the presence of Australia's longest straight road (145.6 km) and that of the world's longest golf course. The Nullarbor Links, a unique 18 holes - par 72 for the purists - extends over 1,365 kilometres from Ceduna to Kalgoorlie. Crossing the Nullarbor Plain linking South Australia to Western Australia is an adventure to experience once in a lifetime!

Today we take you to the western Flinders Ranges, where the mountains meet the desert to live our first real Outback experience. We spent a few days at Beltana Station, a fully working sheep and cattle station located on a property of more than... 400,000 acres! If Beltana Station was a sovereign state, it would rank just after Mauritius in the list of countries and dependencies by area. We can tell you that it is huge and that you will never be disturbed by the neighbours! The place is rich in history with most of its stone buildings dating from the nineteenth century. The farm was also the starting point for various expeditions including one made ​​famous by Ernest Giles in 1875. It is also in Beltana that Thomas Elder imported some of the first camels to arrive in South Australia. Among the many activities offered on site today, it is still possible to participate in a safari of several days with these magnificent creatures. A 4WD tour is also a must. From the summit of Mount Deception, which does not deserve its name, the view over the plains is breathtaking. Beltana Station offers a variety of accommodation options to meet different travelers needs ranging from camping to private rooms in the Shearers' Quarters historical buildings to the Overseer's Cottage. Whether for a weekend or long holidays on the farm, Beltana Station is a destination that will immerse you in the heart of the Australian Outback and will allow you to reconnect with the deepest human values​​. For those looking to work in Australia, make sure to contact Laura and Graham. They might have something to offer. We fell in love!

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Beltana Station.

The Flinders Ranges are a destination of choice in South Australia. A five-hour drive north of Adelaide and you arrive at Wilpena Pound, the giant natural amphitheater, which is marked with various hiking trails from Rawnsley Park Station where you can also stay and eat. It is also possible to take a scenic flight over Wilpena Pound or you can opt for the hot air balloon experience. In all cases, the view is sensational! To get the most out of your stay in the region, we recommend joining a guided Four Wheel Drive Tour. Supervised by experienced local guides, it is a great way to explore every corner of the Flinders Ranges National Park. Rawnsley Park Station has a various range of different tour options on offer including 4WD Tours, guided bushwalking and mountain bike hire. Bookings for scenic flights can be made through Rawnsley Park Station too.

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Rawnsley Park Station.

We have been told that Kangaroo Island was perhaps one of the most incredible places in the world to see wildlife in its natural environment. Since our arrival, except a few wallabies in Penneshaw, we have not seen that much. Feeling a little disheartened, we joined Kangaroo Island Wilderness Tours for a full day guided tour of the island. Our opinion was instantly changed: glossy black cockatoos, echidnas, wedge-tailed eagles and wallabies were just a start. Indeed, we can confirm, Kangaroo Island is home to an abundance of accessible wildlife. For the first time since the birth of iPhoneography Oz, we also spotted koalas in the wild. In Lathami Conservation Park on the north coast, we were able to get very close to wild kangaroos with some females nursing their joey in their pouch. Also a first! Our guide, a native of the island, masters her subject and makes the experience unforgettable. During our visit we also went to the dunes of Little Sahara in Vivonne Bay and the Parndana Wildlife Park. The tour, which runs from 9am to 6pm, may seem long at first, but rest assured, Kangaroo Island offers such a variety of incredible landscapes that you never notice the time passing. You are amazed and you want more! Note that a hearty lunch is included. Kangaroo Island Wilderness Tours is an excellent opportunity not to miss the richness of Kangaroo Island!

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Kangaroo Island Wilderness Tours.

The Great Ocean Road is a road in Victoria that follows the coast for over 200 kilometres. It is the Grand Pacific Drive's big sister. The road is located west of Melbourne, between Torquay and Warrnambool. Throughout the drive, the landscapes are absolutely beautiful. The cliffs and rock formations sometimes recall the Corniche d'Or in the Esterel Massif (France). Some coastal towns such as Lorne and Apollo Bay are quite charming. Over the next few days, we will post about places that caught our attention.

Yesterday we introduced Tasmania but forgot to mention one important aspect about the island: its vineyards! Tasmania has indeed a wide variety of wines. North of the island, the Tamar Valley is certainly one of the most beautiful areas to discover them. Chardonnay, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir are all varieties grown in this region. It is said that its sparkling wines are equal to Champagne and that some of its wines are among the best of the world. Nothing better than to be tempted by a day of wine tasting with Prestige Leisure Tours. The company has various options to offer. iPhoneography Oz took part in the most popular of them, the Platinum Tamar Valley Wine Tour which includes a wide and delicious selection of local Tasmanian produce at midday. We particularly liked the fact of not depending on a predetermined schedule. Here the taster is king and the tour goes at his own pace. In the morning you are picked up from your Launceston accomodation. In the evening you are dropped back at your place. In between, you are driven around the vineyards where you can taste the wines from the Tamar Valley during seven hours. Yes, life is good!

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Prestige Leisure Tours.

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!

By seeing this photo you are certainly asking yourself if we have been caught by the police. Yes! Have we been caught speeding? Yes, in the middle of nowhere (the bugger was driving on the opposite side and had a speed camera in his car)! And now you are certainly asking yourself: what is the cost of a speeding ticket in New South Wales? Expensive! How many driving penalty points for speeding? We have not lost any speeding points on our driving licence at least. Anyway it seems that you do not mess with speed limit and road safety (Australian states and territories use two default speed limits within and outside built-up areas, exceptions apply in the Northern Territory and Western Australia). Control radars, both fixed and mobile, are common and the police have zero tolerance in the case of speeding. Exceeding the speed limit by any amount results in a non negotiable hefty fine. If you want to know how to avoid speeding fines in Australia, read this carefully: 100 km/h means 100 km/h. Stick to the speed limit and do not go over it in any case! We have learned a lesson the hard way. We are going to pay our speeding ticket (our first big expense in Australia, how cute is that?) and we promess we are not going to contribute to speeding statistics anymore.

Have you been caught speeding? Drink driving? Could you recommend any traffic lawyers in Australia? What is your opinion on aussie speeding fines? Let us know in the comments below!