It is always pleasant to walk in the streets of Sydney on a mild winter day. As in many cities around the world, the capital of New South Wales also has its Chinatown, located a fifteen minute walk from Circular Quay. Nothing better than to walk through this colourful and lively area with exotic scents in search of a menu to satisfy our appetites. Because there it is all about Yum Cha and street barbecues. Chinatown is a pedestrian zone full of shops and restaurants. Moreover, competition seems so high that you should not be surprised if the waiters pluck you out of the street and do their very best to entice you inside! A few steps away, be sure to walk through Paddy's Markets, the largest market in the city.

The writers were guests of Destination NSW.

Taronga Zoo is the largest animal park in Sydney. It is a city icon recognized internationally, as well as Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. It hosts, on an area of ​​21 hectares, over 2600 animals including a variety of native species. The zoo is located on a hill along the north shore of Sydney Harbour. This offers visitors a different yet amazing view of the city centre. Visiting the park in winter has the advantage of not being amidst a swarm of tourists, while enjoying the mild temperatures. Speaking about climate, you must know that Sydney has an average 300 days of sunshine a year and a mild winter. The best way to go to Taronga Zoo is embarking on a ferry from Circular Quay. The crossing of the bay offers magnificent views and takes only ten minutes.

The writers were guests of Destination NSW.

We had the pleasure of experiencing Vivid Sydney, the annual Festival of Light, Music and Ideas. It is the biggest festival of its kind in the southern hemisphere attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. After sunset the city takes on a spectacular transformation through colour, light projections, interactive installations, music and innovative ideas. See how loud you can scream at the Screaming Rapture installation or play a game of tic tac toe on the biggest digital board you have ever seen! And of course one of our favourites is watching the incredible precision of the creative 3D digital light projections onto the Sydney Opera House itself, see it like you have never seen it before! It is a hive of activity, creativity and entertainment, the whole of Circular Quay is absolutely buzzing with excitement. There is so much to see and do at Vivid Sydney that attending this festival is among many of the reasons to visit Sydney in winter.

The writers were guests of Destination NSW.

iPhoneography Oz has already visited Sydney since the project began. We are back for a few days as guests of Destination NSW. Many cities around the world envy the capital of New South Wales for its beautiful beaches and mild climate. But in winter, when temperatures drop, Sydney shines. There are many indoor and outdoor activities, day and night. The city is bubbling with a vibrant energy that we will share with you in the coming days. For more information on what to do in Sydney in winter, go to www.sydney.com.

We visited a rather unusual place today: Hanging Rock. This rock formation, created over six million years ago, is located in Victoria, 70 kilometres northwest of Melbourne. This is certainly not as majestic as the Blue Mountains, but with 718 metres above sea level and 105 metres above plain level, the view from the top is still interesting. Without being too technical (after all we are experts in discovering must do places in Australia, not in geology), the rocks were formed from magma. Climbing to the top takes only twenty minutes. It is only once at the summit that you can truly appreciate Hanging Rock and its pinnacles shaped by the elements over time. The site is well known by Australians. This is where a group of schoolgirls mysteriously disappeared in the film Picnic at Hanging Rock, directed in 1975 by Peter Weir (Dead Poets Society). Sofia Coppola was also inspired by the atmosphere of this film for The Virgin Suicides.

Back on the mainland after traveling to Tasmania, we have visited a natural wonder. The Wilsons Promontory National Park is located three hours drive south east of Melbourne. This vast peninsula is the southernmost part of Australia. The "Prom", as locals call it (not to be confused with La Prom' in Nice), is one of Victoria's most-loved places. Granite cliffs, forests and white sandy beaches: the scenery is magnificent. Hiking is the main activity of the park. Tidal River is the only camping ground in the park. It is also where you can find a grocery store and a take-away restaurant. It does not matter if you spend just a day or a few of them, pay close attention to the wildlife as the Prom is home to many native animals. During our visit, we met several wombats, a first since the beginning of iPhoneography Oz project!

A few days ago we gave you some ideas on what to do in Hobart. It was missing a must do: MONA (Museum of Old and New Art). And when we talk about a must do, we mean not to be missed at all. As far as museums go this is definitely our best and most intriguing experience. Really. If you are not a fan of museums a visit to MONA could quite easily convert you. David Walsh, the owner, is a genius who made his fortune in gambling. He is an art collector whose pieces suggest an eccentric character. He designed his museum in such an innovative way with the intention of challenging the visitor's idea of a conventional museum. That is why he has installed... a tennis court at the entrance. Once inside... we do not want to say any more, you will form your own opinion! After all, David wants everyone to experience the place through their own eyes. Caution, some of the more controversial exhibits may offend. Bars, library, cafe, brewery, winery, restaurant and pavillions (hotel) are some of the services that are available on site.