Trips

WESTERN AUSTRALIA:

THE KIMBERLEY

Dates (2021): April 02-09; April 16-23

Cost: $3 200

This trip to the majestic Kimberley promises to expose you to some of Australia’s most ancient landscapes. You will visit many of the Kimberley’s most iconic sites as well as off-the-beaten-track secret locations where you can take fascinating, unique images of little-known subjects.

Itinerary:

Day 1 – Kununurra

Plan to arrive in Kununurra around lunchtime (12pm), where you will be greeted by our tour leaders. Check-in to your accommodation at the award-winning Country Club Resort. We will have lunch, where you can get to know the tour leaders and group members. This will be followed by a short briefing session to cover trip details and give you the opportunity to ask questions. At mid-afternoon, we will travel a short distance from town and shoot sunset into astronomical twilight at a location where the main feature is an ancient 1500-year-old Boab tree. We will enjoy a pe-ordered dinner under the Boab tree and Milky Way galaxy for an unforgettable first night in the Kimberley. 

Day 2 – Camel Rock

After breakfast at the Country Club Resort, your photographer guide will conduct an instructional workshop with the focus on field techniques designed to help you make the most of your photo opportunities in the Kimberley. This will be followed by a picnic lunch at a local outlook spot where you can capture a few images. As early afternoon approaches, we head to the mouth of the Ord River to shoot Camel Rock. This is one of the most spectacular rock formations in the Kimberley. You will be one of only a handful of people that visit Camel Rock in a year and one of few people to have ever photographed it. Later that night, we will roll out the swags on a salt pan marsh for an incredible night sleeping under the stars – 1 billion star accommodation!

Day 3 – Lake Argyle (Jewel of the Kimberley)

After shooting Camel Rock at sunrise, we will travel to Lake Argyle. A 45-minute drive from Kununurra, Lake Argyle is known as the Jewel of the Kimberley. We will check in at an eco-lodge and then head to one of the grandest gorges the Kimberley has to offer, Ord Gorge. We will shoot sunset into astronomical twilight and then return to the eco-lodge for dinner. We will then head to a terrific vantage point at Lake Argyle to shoot the Milky Way. 

Day 4 & 5 – Purnululu National Park (Bungle Bungles)

Very early in the morning we will head out onto Argyle Lake for a sunrise shoot, breakfast, and a swim in the invigorating fresh water (yes, it’s crocodile-free!). We will then take a five-hour adventure drive (partially on a gravel road and with a few creek crossings) to Purnululu National Park, where we will check into the luxurious Savannah Lodge.  Over the next two days we will explore and photograph the stunning Bungle Bungles at Purnululu National Park. The Bungle Bungles are World Heritage listed and considered the 8th natural wonder of the world.

Day 6 – Diggers Rest (Boab Heaven)

After breakfast at the eco-lodge, we will travel back to Kununurra and check-in at the Country Club Resort once again. You will have a few hours to relax after the long drive, after which we will head out to Diggers’ Rest in the early afternoon. Diggers Rest has the most concentrated population of Boab trees in the Kimberley. The light here is incredible and the photo opportunities are simply stunning! We will shoot sunset through to night to get some striking images of Boabs and the Milky Way galaxy, stopping to eat a sumptuous outdoor dinner pre-ordered from the eco-lodge. 

Day 7 – Cockburn Ranges 

After breakfast we will take a 45-minute drive to the Cockburn Ranges, a magnificent sandstone escarpment that rises 600m above the surrounding plains and dominates the landscape. We will cross the Pentecost River and travel on to Home Valley Station. This is an outback adventure playground with breathtaking combinations of towering gorges, sparkling waterfalls, billabongs, and ancient landforms and ranges. This is a fine art photographer’s dream landscape! We will have a sumptuous picnic lunch (you can relax and swim) and then head to a special vantage point where you can shoot the Cockburn Ranges at sunset. The escarpment is particularly spectacular at sunset when it is lit up in a red glow. We will spend the night in lovely eco-cabins at nearby Emma Gorge, where you can swap trip stories with group members and say your farewells.

“Thank-you Doug and the team for a fantastic photographic trip to the Kimberley. It was truly a great adventure! What a place to visit! I shot some amazing images and I had a great time with the group members. Can’t wait to do the trip again!”  Jerry J, Sydney NSW, Australia     

NORTHERN TERRITORY:

KAKADU/TOP END 

Dates (2021): May 07-14; May 21-28 

Cost: $4 500 

This trip to Kakadu and the Top End promises to expose you to one of the most pristine and photogenic regions in Australia. It is a bird-watcher’s paradise (280 species!) that features pristine and remote waterfalls, unique flora and fauna, vast wetlands, spectacular gorges, amazing sunsets, wide open spaces and ancient Aboriginal rock art.

Itinerary:

Arrival in Darwin

Plan to arrive in Darwin around midday, where you will check into our centrally located accommodation. You can relax for a few hours. We will have a group dinner at 6pm where you can meet the group leaders and your fellow travellers. The trip leader will run through the itinerary and other details and you will have the opportunity to ask questions

Day 1 – Litchfield National Park and Mt Bundy Station

After breakfast, our professional photographer will present a workshop which will help to prepare you to make the most of the photographic opportunities on the trip. Mid-morning, we will head south to the beautiful Litchfield National Park. You can explore and shoot the amazing magnetic and cathedral termite mounds in the vicinity of Wangi Falls, Florence Falls, and Buley Rockholes. We will have a tasty picnic lunch where you can relax and swim or take a short riverside hike. Mid-afternoon, we will head to Mt Bundy Station and check into the lovely eco-lodge accommodation. The station is set in a picturesque bush setting and attracts a multitude of wildlife, making it an ideal photography spot. Dinner is an Outback barbeque around the campfire at Racecourse Billabong. We’ll get there early enough to explore the area and shoot some sunset images.

Day 2 – Katherine and Nitmiluk Gorge

It’s up early this morning to photograph the wildlife around Mt Bundy – you will find wallabies, water buffalo, horses, peacocks, donkeys, and guinea fowl. We depart from Mt Bundy mid-morning and head south to the township of Katherine, with a stop en-route in the historic town of Pine Creek. At Katherine, we will check into lovely eco-lodge accommodation and then make our way to Katherine Hot Springs. We will picnic at these natural thermal springs, where you can have a dip in the warm waters or take a short walking trail. After lunch, we depart for nearby Nitmiluk Gorge, home to 13 spectacular gorges carved out of the rock by torrential summer rains over millions of years. We will take a sunset cruise through the gorge, where you can capture stunning images. The cruise includes a sumptuous candlelight dinner.

Day 3 – Leilyn (Edith Falls) and Kakadu

We depart Katherine early morning, heading north to Leilyn (Edith Falls) which is well-known for its picturesque waterfalls, pools, and a large variety of birds. We will explore and photograph the area then take the Leilyn Trail to the top of an iconic waterfall where you will get views of the waterfalls and Edith River from specially chosen vantage points. We will stop for a tasty picnic lunch here, where you can swim in the upper rockpools. After lunch, we make our way into World Heritage listed Kakadu National park through the southern entrance. We will check into the lovely eco-lodge park cabins. We then drive to a specially chosen location in the park where you can start to savour the many photographic wonders that Kakadu holds. We will then have a sumptuous outdoor buffet dinner at the beautiful eco-lodge setting.

Day 4 – Gunlom and Nawalandja

For those who want to watch the sunrise, we will hike a short distance to Home Billabong and photograph a variety of birds and wildlife. After an early breakfast, we travel to Gunlom in the very south of the park. After a scenic drive on an unsealed dirt road, we reach a large plunge pool at the base of the waterfall. We will explore and photograph the area and then walk to the top of the waterfall where pristine rockpools and a spectacular view await you. We will stop for lunch here and enjoy a well-earned swim. After lunch, we travel to Nawalandja lookout and the beautiful Angbangbang Billabong where we will hike the loop walk around the billabong. This is a fantastic photographic opportunity as there is a magnificent view over the Arnhemland escarpment. We will then check into the beautiful Kakadu Lodge and enjoy a campfire dinner.

Day 5 – Bowali and Ubirr

We start today with a two-hour sunrise Yellow Waters Billabong cruise. Located at the end of Jim Jim Creek the billabong is home to at least 60 bird species, saltwater crocodiles, and water buffalo. After breakfast at the eco-lodge, we depart for Bowali Visitor Centre for a look around and a short briefing by park staff. We then check into our lovely eco-lodge accommodation. After lunch at the lodge, we drive to Ubirr in the very north of the park. Here we walk through galleries of ancient Aboriginal rock art, which a local guide will interpret. At the end of the walk we reach the top of the plateau, where you can photograph the spectacular view over the floodplains and the Arnhemland escarpment and the abundant wildlife (the short-eared rock wallaby is prolific) and birds (the Chestnut-Quilled Rock Pigeon is prolific) in the area. After sunset, we head back to the eco-lodge for a sumptuous buffet around the campfire.  

Day 6 – Nourlangie Rock and Cannon Hill

After an early breakfast, we travel to the ancient Aboriginal shelter of Nourlangie Rock. Here we explore and photograph the area. The rock art here is a fine art photographer’s dream! The local guide will take us to off-the beaten track locations that visitors rarely get to see and interpret the rock art. After lunch, we travel north to Cannon Hill where we are guests of the Buniti Clan who are the traditional custodians of the region. We will check into the Hawk Dreaming safari camp, an exclusive Aboriginal-owned camp located in a restricted and culturally significant area of Kakadu National Park. The local guide will take us to remote rock art sites and a billabong or an exciting photographic afternoon. At sunset, we will hike to a special vantage point to photograph a spectacular sunset on the escarpment and over the wetlands. Dinner is local fare at the camp.

Day 7 – Cahills Crossing and Corroboree Billabong

After an early breakfast, we travel to nearby Cahills Crossing. This river crossing is notorious for the large number of crocodiles that live in the area. We will view the crossing and crocodiles from the safety of the lookout! This is a spectacular wildlife photography opportunity. Mid-morning, we start our journey back towards Darwin. En-route we will stop for lunch at the beautiful Mamukala Wetlands, which can be viewed from the observation platform. We then depart Kakadu and travel to Corroboree Billabong in Mary River region. We will check into a lovely eco-lodge. We then take a sunset cruise on the Mary River. There are many amazing photos to be captured as the area is teeming with wildlife. Keep an eye out for saltwater crocodiles, water buffalo, wallabies, and dazzling birdlife. We will have a sumptuous farewell dinner at the eco lodge where we will swap trip stories and bid our farewells. We leave early the next morning for Darwin, driving directly there and arriving around midday. 

“There were so many highlights on the Kakadu trip. My fellow travellers were fun. The food and accommodation were superb. The photo instruction was great. Best of all, my photos were incredible.”  Willem J, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Forthcoming Trips

We are currently organising several trips for later in the year. Please register your interest by e-mail and we will send you the full trip itinerary and details as soon as they are finalised.

QUEENSLAND

Dates (2021): June 04-11

Cost: $3 500

This photographic adventure is set against the backdrop of an ancient land of desert landscapes and provides a glimpse into Outback Queensland history, offering a host of spectacular fine art photography opportunities.

We will visit the Outback desert landscapes of the iconic Channel Country and Simpson Desert (perfect for shooting spectacular sunrise, sunset, and star trails). The trip starts and ends in Birdsville. We will visit the Outback towns of Windorah, Boulia, Winton, and Longreach – all famous for their legendary hospitality and colourful characters. Photographic highlights include desert landscapes, wildlife, fossil sites, and architecture from a bygone era. Sunset river cruises are a specialty of this trip.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Dates (2021): June 18-25

Cost: $3 500

This photographic adventure encompasses rugged landscapes and historical sites of significance in Outback South Australia, offering a host of spectacular fine art photography opportunities.

We will visit the Outback mountain formations of the iconic Flinders Ranges (perfect for shooting spectacular sunrise, sunset, and star trails). The trip starts and ends in Adelaide. We will visit Port Augusta (Australian Arid lands Botanic Gardens), the famous opal fields of Coober Pedy, the Legendary Oodnadatta track to Coward Springs, the Painted Desert, Lake Eyre, mountain gorges (Parachilna, Brachina, Bunyeroo), and the Barossa Valley. Photographic highlights include mountain formations, desert landscapes, wildlife, and mining sites from a bygone era. Helicopter flights over the Flinders Ranges are a specialty of this trip.

NEW SOUTH WALES

Dates (2021): July 02-09

Cost: $3 500

This photographic adventure takes in a landscape of majestic natural beauty and introduces you to the fascinating history of the Outback New South Wales, offering a host of spectacular fine art photography opportunities.

We will visit the Outback inland water wonderland of the iconic Darling River (perfect for shooting spectacular sunrise, sunset, and birdlife). The trip starts and ends in Lake Cargelligo in Central NSW. We will visit Menindee Lakes, Kinchega National Park wetlands (birdwatchers’ paradise!), historic Kinchega Woolshed, ancient Mungo National Park (home of the famous Mungo Lady and Mungo Man), Willandra Lakes (World Heritage area), and Corynnia Station (a 17 000 acre working farm). Photographic highlights include wetlands, wildlife, birdlife, archaeological sites, and cultural sites both historical and contemporary. Boat excursions to off-the-beaten wetlands locations are a specialty of this trip.

“My Queensland trip was a retirement gift from my wife and it is the best present she has ever given me. It was wonderful.”  Harry B, Hobart, TAS, Australia    

The Fine Print

Transport to and from starting point of all trips is not provided and participants need to organise and pay for such transport. However, upon request we will gladly assist with these arrangements.

A non-refundable deposit of 20% of the full cost of the trip is required upon booking. Full payment is required 60 days prior to trip start date. Once booked, we cannot accept cancellations. However, in the event of genuine emergencies (e.g., medical, family-related) and pandemic-related border closures by government we will refund all monies paid. 

A medium level of fitness is advisable for trips as there are many activities involved (e.g., short incline walks, short bush hikes). However, options will be made available if an activity is too difficult for the person concerned. We suggest bringing gear that would be suitable for a multi-day bushwalk as we will spend most of our time in the outdoors. Especially, this includes good protective clothing and shoes.

Please note that care of your photographic equipment is your responsibility. However, we will provide plenty of specially prepared protective space for your equipment in our transport.