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.

The Great Barrier Reef and Tropical North Queensland beaches are beautiful. One can hardly resist going for a swim, especially when it is hot and humid. However, the experience would be much more pleasant if we did not have to be constantly on our guard. But this is for good reason! The Coral Sea is home to many types of jellyfish including the dangerous box jellyfish (or stinger), which is among the world's most venomous creatures. Its stings are extremely painful and often deadly to humans. The problem with this killer jellyfish (not exclusive to Australia) is that we can hardly detect it because it is almost transparent. But all is not lost if you still want to dive or snorkel the reef. You need to know that fatalities are not so common and, in the case of stings, treatments are available (starting by applying generous amounts of vinegar made ​​available to the public on many beaches). There are also stinger suits sold in stores or provided by tour operators. Admittedly, this is far from sexy, but we are not competing at the election of Miss Universe. On some beaches, like in Port Douglas, swimming enclosure operate during jellyfish season in the summer months. Finally, let us give you some friendly advice, always take the time to ask a local or better yet a lifeguard before venturing into the unknown where jellyfish live.

Have you made any dangerous wildlife encounters in Australia? What is the most venomous animal you came accross while travelling? Share your experiences in the comments below!

In Cairns area, a cruise to the Great Barrier Reef is a must. But brightening up a road trip on a three wheel motorcycle (photo) is rather unusual! This is what you get with Grub's Personalised Trike Tours in Port Douglas. Unlike many tour operators, here, you choose your own itinerary. Weather permitting, it is truly a unique way to discover the Tropical North Queesland, in particular its extraordinary coastline and the Daintree Rainforest. You almost get the feeling you are riding on a Harley-Davidson. Total freedom and nothing like the wind in your hair (well almost as the helmet is still required). The trike is very comfortable and incredibly stable. It does not lean in turns, for example. Trike tours are accessible to all. Grub, your guide, is a colourful character who brings value to your adventure. Contact him to create your scenic tour. It is definitely going to be an out of the ordinary experience to add to your things to do in Port Douglas.

Have you ever ridden a trike? What are the unique experiences you have taken part in? Do you have any others recommendations in the area? Waiting for your comments below!

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Grub's Personalised Trike Tours.

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Leaving Cairns for Port Douglas is raising one's standard. Quieter, classier, more authentic, less urbanized and less touristy than its neighbour (we are speaking about the mass tourism of Cairns here), Port Douglas is a small picturesque tropical Saint-Tropez where Bill Clinton is a regular. For the record, he was dining at a local restaurant in September 2001 when he was told about the 11 September attacks in New York. It is also off Port Douglas than "The Crocodile Hunter" Steve Irwin died from a stingray wound in 2006. A few movies have been filmed in Port Douglas, among them, Fool's Gold with Matthew McConaughey and Kate Hudson, and The Thin Red Line with Sean Penn and Nick Nolte. Most of the road from Cairns, which is only 70 kilometres away, is a breathtaking scenic drive. One of the first sensations we noticed when we arrived in town: we feel good here. At first glance, there are many nice shops, hotels and restaurants on Macrossan Street, the main street. There is also the beautiful Four Mile Beach that can be seen from Trinity Bay Lookout (photo). The only problem is the presence of box jellyfish. Swimming is strongly discouraged at certain times of the year (choose areas where a swimming enclosure operates). On the other side, there is Port Douglas Marina from where several cruises leave to the Great Barrier Reef. It is also where we joined the local yacht club's members for a sail. Before leaving town, there is one thing to do in Port Douglas that we do not want to miss: the seaside Sunday market. There might be a lot of people but the atmosphere is still very relaxed. We love Port Douglas!

Have you been to Port Douglas? What do you think of the atmosphere of Port Douglas? What activities would you recommend in the area? Let us know in the comments below!

In Australia, WAGS might not have exactly the same meaning as what most of you might think. If for you, WAGS means Wives and Girlfriends (the way it is used by the media to describe the wives and girlfriends of professional athletes, who are generally very pretty girls), then you are about to be enlightened with Wednesday Afternoon Go Sailing. And no, you will not see any Australian cricket WAGS on iPhoneography Oz... contrary to this Daily Telegraph gallery!). So every Wednesday afternoon (weather permitting), Australian Yacht Clubs' members volunteer a little bit of their time and their yacht to take guests out sailing. The purpose? Socializing and having a good time. We experienced this activity in Port Douglas with the local Yacht Club's members. It is a very cheap way to cruise along Australia coastline. Depending on your skipper, the cruise might even turn into a free sailing lesson. In theory, it does not cost you anything. But in fact, when you arrive at the Yacht Club, it is highly recommended to make yourself comfortable and have a drink at the bar. You need to write down your name on a form as well to let the skippers know about your intention of sailing. Please note that once registered, there is no guarantee that you will be chosen to join a sailboat. In the end, the skippers choose their own "crew", and as part of the WAGS culture they do not like free loaders! Having a beer or two are a few well spent dollars that are going to boost your fund of good will (and your eligibility).

What do you think? Do you have other Australian tips to share? What was your best experience on Australian oceans? Leave your comments below!

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!

We are about to leave Cairns and we have not posted our opinion about the city yet. How come? Well, it is mostly because we are trying to get off the beaten track. Cairns is dedicated to tourism and that is sufficient reason to explain why we have not really liked the city itself (unlike its neighbour Port Douglas). Cairns surrounding areas are really amazing: the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics of Queensland just to name a few. But here is what you can really expect to find or to do in Cairns:

• Tourists, a lot of tourists (and not necessarily the high-class ones),
• Hotels, hostels and many more accommodation, to accommodate all these people (Cairns Waterfront Backpackers is to be avoided while Gilligan's seems absolutely brilliant),
• Restaurants, to feed all these people (and not necessarily those in which food is good but where one can relax in a good atmosphere sometimes),
• Shops, to make all these people spend their money (and not necessarily those in which products are of good quality),
• Bars and nightclubs, to entertain them (it has not worked for us),
• Tour operators in abundance, to embark all these people on Great Barrier Reef tours and scuba diving trips,
• No swimming beach, but an artificial lagoon located on the Esplanade (photo).

In other words, Cairns is a little bit like Disneyland. By comparison, Western Australia's coastline is just as magnificent (if not more) with a more authentic atmosphere, in Coral Bay for example.

What do you think? Have you been disappointed by Cairns? What are your recommendations on things to see or do in Cairns? Which Cairns attractions need to be avoided? Let us know in the comments below!

We have been visiting Cairns area on a boat, gondola, train, bus... we are still missing a scenic flight experience. A Hot Air coach picks us up early in the morning in front of our downtown accommodation (Cairns Waterfront Backpackers, which is to be avoided at all costs!). After a one hour transfer, we are dropped in a field where two or three hot air balloons are waiting for us. Wow! It feels like being part of a balloon festival! For our first flight, we are going to fly high above the Atherton Tablelands spending thirty minutes in our balloon. Longer rides are also available. When we take off, then later when floating in the air, the sensation is unique. Everything seems so peaceful down there. The day is just rising. The landscape is picturesque. We spot a few kangaroos and wallabies bursting out the bushes. It is a bit cool, but when the long flame used to lift the balloon is burning, it gets hot really quickly. At the end of the ride, we gently land in another field. If you have the chance to be part of the last flight of the day, you even get a little bonus fun in the basket just before packing-up. Back in town, it is time for a well-deserved breakfast. This is really a fun experience! Hot Air also operates on the Gold Coast, in Brisbane and Port Douglas.

Part of this activity was paid by Hot Air.

Waterfront terrace. Tropical atmosphere. Very affordable prices. Looking for a relaxing place in Cairns for a drink, your lunch or your dinner? Look no further and let The Pier Bar & Grill, located at the southeast end of the Esplanade, look after you. This restaurant bar is open every day. The place is famous for its Sunday Sessions and its delicious pizzas ($5 pizza on Sunday night, what else?). This is certainly not a key place of Australian cuisine, but its great atmosphere will help you to forget about that. And we just like it the way it is!

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of The Pier Bar & Grill.

Dear readers, especially if you are a backpacker, open your eyes and read this (it works too even if you are not a backpacker)! Do you want to have fun in Cairns? We have found one of the best tours ever. Well we are not the only one since Barefoot Tours has been ranked TripAdvisor's #1 Activity in Cairns in 2010, 2011 and 2012! We do not want to spoil anything here, so we are not going to reveal all you have to expect from this really cooool day... What we can tell you is that with Matty, the colourful Captain, there is no time restrictions. You can enjoy throughout the day the beauty of the nature around you. Have you ever swum in volcanic crater lakes? Do you fancy washing your hair with a shampoo under a waterfall, just like on TV commercials? In the morning you can enjoy a tropical breakfast (included). Then you can have lunch mixing with the locals at a proper local Aussie pub (not included). No matter what, while staying in Cairns, you would be a fool to miss out on this adventure. Nevermind if you have forgotten your smile at your accommodation, Matty will bring a few of them back on your face.

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Barefoot Tours.

It has been a long time since we planned to be in Cairns on 14 November 2012. Why? Because Cairns and Great Barrier Reef region is the only place in the world where the total solar eclipse can be seen on 14 November. Although, after having read this article, you will understand that Cairns was not the best place to see it... Seeing this natural phenomenon is rare, especially from land. It is only the eighth total eclipse of the twenty-first century. It is supposed to be visible along a strip of land about 200 kilometres wide which crosses the top of eastern Australia and the Coral Sea. Many eclipse-watchers took a flight to Cairns from all over the world. We are talking about 70,000 people coming for a two minutes glory of darkness. Special events such as Eclipse 2012, a huge hippie festival, and the Solar Eclipse Marathon in Port Douglas have been planned in the area to celebrate. But wait a minute, the sky is heavily overcast in Cairns! It might be 5 or 6 in the morning but the clouds are already up (are Mayans behind this one too?). Not the kind of eclipse we were expecting. We thought that a solar eclipse occurs when the Moon (not the clouds) passes in front of the Sun. Suddenly, a break in the clouds. We can see for the first (and the last) time the dark disk of the Moon obscuring the intensely bright light of the Sun. Asian tourists are hysterical and engage in an "Eclipse Style" dance (a dubious variation of Gangnam Style). A few minutes later, we experience a magic moment when the eclipse reaches its totality (even if we can not see it directly). It looks like someone somewhere just turned the light off. At this particular moment we understand why seeing a solar eclipse is an extraordinary privilege. Total darkness. Birds are lost. Then a few minutes later, they start to sing like they do in the morning. It is dawn again and the day can actually begin. So when is the next eclipse? 20 March 2015.

The original Kuranda Scenic Railway winds its way on a journey of approximately 1 hour 45 minutes from Cairns to Kuranda, the village in the rainforest where a rich assortment of interesting attractions and unique shopping experiences awaits you. This famous train experience will allow you to admire unsurpassed views of dense UNESCO World Heritage listed rainforest, steep ravines and picturesque waterfalls. Constructed between 1882 and 1891, it is still considered an engineering feat of exceptional magnitude. In the morning, the Kuranda Scenic Railway can be joined at Cairns Railway Station or Freshwater Connection. Journeys from Kuranda Station to Cairns run in the afternoon. The journey includes an English commentary which makes the experience really instructive. On the same day, it is possible to board the Kuranda Scenic Railway, shop in Kuranda, jump aboard the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and visit the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park. To discover all that the area has to offer, check these tour packages.

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Kuranda Scenic Railway.

Kuranda is a town nestled in the middle of the Wet Tropics of Queensland, 25 kilometres from Cairns. We suggest you take either the Kuranda Scenic Railway or the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway to get there. Its atmosphere reminds us of Nimbin in New South Wales (minus the joints), with its many visitors, its local arts community and its many shopping opportunities. Actually Kuranda is a real open-air market. They certainly know how to deal with tourists there, but not sure about this mens collection made of kangaroo skin (photo). If you visit our facebook page, in the Queensland: The Complete Series album, you will find the latest bikini collection!

The Wet Tropics of Queensland are renowned for their exceptional scenic features, their natural beauty and their magnificent sweeping landscapes. They are recognized as one of the most fascinating natural areas in the world from an ecological point of view. These parks stretch along the north-east coast of Australia for some 450 kilometres, occupying ​​approximately 900,000 hectares (0.26% of the total land mass while they used to cover all of Australia a million years ago). Despite their small size, they are home to an incredible diversity of plant and animal species, including nearly 700 plants species found nowhere else on earth. Dating back more than 120 million years, they are the world's oldest continually surviving tropical rainforests which even were home to the dinosaurs! To ensure these world's remarkable natural wonders are protected and preserved, these rainforests were UNESCO World Heritage listed in 1988. Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, located a few kilometres north of Cairns, is the most scenic and environmentally sensitive way to visit Australia's Tropical Rainforests.

Skyrail Rainforest Cableway is a unique rainforest experience ten minutes away from Cairns and less than an hour from Port Douglas. Jump aboard a gondola cabin which takes you on an unforgettable journey over and through UNESCO World Heritage listed Tropical Rainforests. The view is spectacular. From there you can also see the Coral Sea and lush Cairns Highlands (photo). This adventure includes time at two mid-stations, where you can walk on these ancient tropical forests alone or with a guide. Allow up to 90 minutes to complete a one-way experience which ends in the picturesque village of Kuranda. It is possible to enjoy a return experience, but we suggest that you experience the Kuranda Scenic Railway for your return to Cairns. Skyrail opened in 1995 and has since won numerous international, national and regional tourism and environmental awards. Located a few metres from the Tjapukai Aboriginal Culture Park, we recommend that you book one of the Tours & Packages offered to visit both attractions.

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Skyrail Rainforest Cableway.

A few months ago, we stayed amongst an Indigenous Australian community when we were in South Australia. If you have not had the chance to experience it but you still want to learn more about Aboriginal culture, here is your chance. On the outskirts of Cairns, the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park is an attraction not to be missed. The park managed by Indigenous Australians showcases different aspects of Aboriginal culture through dynamic presentations in which the public takes part. You will discover the medicinal value of bush tucker, learn how to throw a spear and a boomerang and you will enjoy professional theatre incorporating traditional Aboriginal culture with dancing, fire making and storytelling (photo). It is quite modern and touristy, but it is a great way to be introduced to the rich Aboriginal culture.

Part of this activity was paid by Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park.

There are a few islands found off Cairns that one can very easily visit for a day. Snorkeling and enjoying life without stress are on the menu, but know that the sun does not always show up in the area (photo). Raging Thunder offers a daily excursion on Fitzroy Island which is only 45 minutes from the port of Cairns. You can walk on this little paradise to explore its flora and wildlife (it is where we came accross a giant goanna!). The 360° view from Summit Island will take your breath away. The laziest of you can rest on beautiful unspoiled and uncrowded beaches, weather permitting. The tour operator offers various activity packages. We strongly recommend you to snorkel right off the beach to explore the amazing coral reef (stinger suit provided, it is sometimes better to look ridiculous than to risk your life). There are many turtles in the area. It is most likely that some of them would come and say hi. Not to miss any part of the show, you can also jump aboard their glass bottom boat tour while the kids enjoy the popular ocean trampoline. Going to Fitzroy Island is the perfect day trip, far away from the bustling city life!

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Raging Thunder.

Goanna (known as Australian monitor lizard) is probably one of the most iconic creatures in Aboriginal mythology and Australian culture. Roughly speaking, it is a large carnivorous lizard found in almost all parts of Australia except Tasmania. A goanna has a powerful jaw along with five sharp claws at the end of each member. Feeling threatened, it could mistake you for tree and attempt to climb off the ground to safety. So be aware! Apart from that, it is not dangerous and will not attack you. That being said, we put our pride aside when we met this goanna (photo) on Fitzroy Island near Cairns. It was not far from measuring three metres (which is pretty huge) and did not seem to deviate from our path! Rather than challenging it, we walked off the beaten path!