12.28.08
Melbourne Twilight
Took an evening walk along the Yarra River, and setup for the hourly fireballs from the Crown Casino.
12.21.08
Koala on Great Ocean Road
Taking the beautiful Great Ocean Road back to Melbourne, came across a forest of Eucalyptus trees. Immediately saw these cute Koala very close to the road edge.
12.20.08
London Bridge, Australia!
The London Bridge (now officially London Arch) is just a few kilometres west of Port Campbell. Arriving well into dusk, only managed a few shots.
The second arch collapsed in 1990
Self portrait
Port Campbell
Port Campbell is right in the heart of the Great Ocean Road, and just ten minutes away from the Twelve Apostles. With no time to venture back out to one of the coastal features, a simple sunset against the towns pier was all that was needed.
Great Ocean Road, Victoria
The Great Ocean Road offers some of Australia’s best scenic coastline drives. During the weekend, spent much of it driving along this beautiful 243km stretch of road between Torquay and Warrnambool.
Port Fairy – as a yacht sets sail
Surfer at Warrnambool
Floating over the surf – Bay of Martyr
Josh, previously featured
The Grotto
Stormy Apostle Sunrise
Following from the previous night trip to the Twelve Apostles, headed back in the morning to catch a glimpse of the sunrise. Clouds obscured it, until later in the day when they dissipated and the temperature rose up.
12.19.08
Twelve Apostles Sunset
The stunning twelve apostles are a collection of limestone stacks, located just offshore in the Port Campbell National Park, Victoria. Large crowds covered the good viewing platforms along the cliff entrance, however beach access is no longer available through Gibson Steps, and Thunder Cave.
Erosion caused the collapse of a stack in 2005
Looking East along the rugged coastline
Great viewing platforms along the length of cliff edge
Sunset over Twelve Apostles
Penguins after dark, using cameras maximum abilities
Penguins in the surf
12.18.08
Hobart to Melbourne – Circle Rainbow
Just departing Hobart over Seven Mile beach
Circle rainbow only seen from above, with moisture in the air and the sun behind you
12.17.08
Cradle Mountain Ascent
The imposing Cradle Mountain, standing 1545metres (5069ft) tall looked like a formidable peak to climb. Rising to the challenge, decided to head up via the Marions lookout track, packed with camera gear, water and a heavy tripod (quite possibly the silliest idea of 2008!). The total trek took over eight hours, including the final hour of ascent of Cradle Mountain, scrambling over large boulders on the very steep slope.
A few hours later the next morning, Cradle Mountain comes into view
Lake Lilla, during the ascent of Marion’s lookout
Cradle Mountain and Dove Lake
Climbing dangerous loose rocks overlooking Dove Lake
And the view left
Ascended the very steep rocky area to the left
Looking South with Mark atop a safer platform
Valley behind Cradle Mountain
The actual summit was further West along the range, however didn’t provide views over Dove Lake and the valley below. Rather than keeping to the path, many climbers including myself went straight up, which was steeper, more dangerous, but provided far superior views.
Following the edge track back, provided good views over Dove Lake
Eight hours later, the light has changed over the boat shed
12.16.08
Dove Lake, Cradle Mountain
After a long days drive from the Freycinet National Park, arrived in Cradle Valley, featuring Cradle Mountain and Dove Lake – a popular trekking spot. Being so late in the evening, and the weather conditions damp, chose to complete the short 2-3 hour Dove Lake circuit.
The Boatshed on the Dove Lake walk
Forest Raven
After the walk, took a drive up to Devonport to get food, as everywhere local was shut
Cape Tourville Sunrise
Cape Tourville on the East coast of the Freycinet National Park overlooks Wineglass Bay and the Hazards.
Wide angle straight down the cliff edge as the sun rises, 5:21am
Sun catching the cliff edges
Moon high above the sunlit coast
12.15.08
Freycinet National Park & Wineglass Bay
The arrival into the Freycinet National Park is marked with some spectacular views and pristine clear waters. After breakfast on the shore of Coles Bay, headed for the main carpark at the base of the Hazards (620m). Chose to complete the 11.5km walk over the Hazards, down through to Wineglass Bay, and across the isthmus to Hazards Beach, before finally zipping around the base of Mt Hazard on the coastal track.
The first 45min walking uphill is rewarded with some spectacular views across Wineglass Bay
Wineglass Bay with the approaching surf
Plenty of Wallabies around, as well as snakes, frogs and spiders!
Glorious Hazards Beach
Idyllic Hazards Beach
Northern end of Hazards Beach
Honeymoon Bay with stunning clear water
Rain clouds on their way in, blocking the sun
Sun briefly comes out again to light up the Hazards
Swansea Beach
Swansea is Tasmania’s oldest seaside settlement, with views stretching outwards over Great Oyster Bay and the Freycinet National Park.
The highest land on Freycinet Peninsula, marking where the next destination was
Tasman Peninsula Sunrise
Just beyond the Tasman Arch, is this stunning scene, looking further South East along the Tasman Peninsula
Sunrise at 5:25am just below the stormy skies