A cold wind was blowing as about 25 members of the Southern Suburbs Photographic Society and Nepean Camera Clubs attended a dawn shoot with me. Everyone braved the chilly air and descended the steps to photograph the early light at Cape Schanck on the tip of Western Port Bay. We were greeted by some lovely colours in the sky as the sun appeared through the broken clouds and everyone had a great time capturing this first light of the day. Hot Latte’s and refreshments were gladly consumed when we met afterwards at the Flinders Bakery and Cafe.

Easter this year was spent with another wonderful bunch of keen photographers on the wild and rugged Flinders Island. Weather was a mixed bag but the light was great nearly all the through the days we spent down there. We spent time up on Walkers Lookout and nearly got blown away for our troubles… but a momentary burst of sunlight cast an amazing glow on the nearby ranges. Trousers Point had squalls of light rain that nearly blew us off the rocks but we all persevered and got some great images. Coastlines in glorious colours were the favourite but old abandoned buildings came a close second…..Everyone had a wonderful time and we were once again spoilt by our wonderful hosts Ken and Carolyn at Vista’s Lodge. Scrumptious food, including healthy breakfasts, picnic hampers morning teas and superb dinners, which were all provided in abundance and they went down a treat, as we were all ravenousness after so much photography.

My good friend Ewen Bell is once again conducting this outstanding workshop …… and as you know Ewen and I have conducted a workshop together recently… I only wish I could join him on this tour but I will be in the UK at the same time photographing Scotland. This is a seriously wonderful adventure and Ewen is a great teacher! This workshop comes highly recommended!!

Come and see the real Australia in the most exclusive journey you’ll ever experience. An epic adventure through The Outback that traverses the southern states on the way to the Red Centre, Uluru, Kakadu, Tiwi Island and The Kimberley. Meet indigenous people of the Northern Territory and cattle farmers in the remote regions of Western Australia. We have our own private aircraft with just enough room for eight lucky photographers, tour leaders and a pilot, stunning aerial views between stops and two weeks of sunsets, wilderness and wildlife. This is easily my best photography tour ever, get in early for the 2013 departure.

2013 June 2-15
2014 June 1-14
Maximum group size is 8 people, priced at AU$16,990

Itinerary
Day 1: Coober Pedy
Our adventure begins in Melbourne, departing by light aircraft for the moonscapes of Coober Pedy. This town is the heart of Opal mining in Australia, and we spend the night in a typical lodging deep underground.
Days 2-3: Kings Canyon
Early morning we take a tour to explore the Breakaways, one of the locations for the filming of Mad Max. We fly onwards to Kings Creek Station to spend two nights in the Red Centre. This is a working cattle station complete with camels, stockmen and landscape scenes at the gorge.
Days 4-5: Mary River Wetlands
A big travel day that sees us flying over the varied terrain of Kakadu National park. That afternoon we arrive at our exclusive lodgings at Point Stuart, a wildlife bonanza along the Mary River Wetlands, to the west of Kakadu. We have two days of wetlands tours, sunset cruises and opportunities to photograph saltwater crocodiles, Jabiru, Brolga and more. Barramundi fishing on the Mary River can also be accommodated in the schedule.
Day 6: Tiwi Islands
We fly north to Bathurst Island to meet some of the locals and get face to face with indigenous culture in Australia. The Tiwi Islanders are famous for their unique crafts, artwork and friendly faces.
Day 7-8: Faraway Bay
The flight path heading west takes us over the Kimberley coastline, arriving in the remote jewel of Faraway Bay. During our stay we’ll make a day trip to the King George Falls, explore Australia’s oldest known collections of rock art and get familiar with traditional bush tucker.
Day 9-10: Home Valley Station
We fly further into the wilderness to reach Home Valley, one of the major locations for the filming of “Australia”. For two days we’ll be treated to photographic inspiration with cattle, cowboys, horses and boabs – plus dramatic views of the Cockburn Range.
Day 11: Bungle Bungles
We fly inland for aerial views of Lake Argyle, arriving at the Bungle Bungles in time to shoot the domes at sunset – when colours are at their best.
Day 12: Uluru
We head south in our aircraft to arrive at Uluru, formerly called Ayers Rock. We’ll have the afternoon light on the first day, and then morning light on the next. There is no more iconic symbol of Australia’s Outback than this.
Day 13-14: Parachilna
We catch the sunrise upon Uluru, drive a little further out to shoot the Olgas and then head back to the plane for the last stopover. Parachilna is a dusty town where The Outback meets the Flinders Ranges. We have a final night together to enjoy the hospitality at the Prairie Hotel, and enjoy the sunset, saddles and shiraz. The final day of the trip sets a course over Wilpena Pound for stunning aerial views, before heading all the way back to Melbourne.