PHOTOGRAPHY

Crowdy Bay National Park, NSW: This image was taken at Diamond Head beach in the Crowdy Bay National Park on the North Coast of NSW. The national park abounds in pristine long stretches of beaches and this particular area has a surplus of colourful rock formations, many covered in lichen. The cloud formation first attracted my attention for this image and I used the colourful rocks for foreground interest and to break up the wide expanse of sea and beach. I used a Nikon D5000 with polarising filter and a Tamron 18-270mm lens at 18mm 1/90 at f16 and iso200. I...

One of the great perks of working at Australian Traveller magazine is that I get my hands on some of the latest technology and get to play with it. And I get paid for it. But truth be told, I would probably do it for free. And sometimes something comes along that is so special, and such good value, that I have to share it with you. In this case I must share with you my thoughts on Tamron's new 24-70 lens that I have been playing with for about a month now. I am not going to give you a...

Our staff writer Alissa Jenkins and photography intern Rebecca Taylor took time out of their recent road test of the Northern Territory's  newest luxury accommodation offering, Cicada Lodge, to explore the nearby Nitmiluk Gorge (formerly known as Katherine Gorge). Here are a few of our favourite images of the stunning landscape. You'll have to keep an eye out for Australian Traveller's next edition (out June 5) for images of the lodge itself. Certainly worth the wait. Traditional owners of this area, the Jawoyn people, have given their consent for the publication of all photographs featured, including sacred sites. Enjoy.

It's interesting how cameras are becoming more like computers. Every 6 months seems to bring along some new models. Each model is faster than the previous, and each one seems to have more megapixels and higher ISO levels. It's great for photographers. But don't forget. The point of photography is to have great images. Not the latest gear. That my friends is a thankless task. I was reminded of this this week when I was asked the "what camera should I get" question from a colleaugue. Which was interesting because I have been playing around with our old Canon 5D...

Photographer Ignacio Palacios uncovers a piece of paradise in the middle of the Outback.   "It’s the best-kept secret of the Outback,” nods Ignacio Palacios, before I’ve even finished the question. “It’s just a little gem.” I’m here to talk to this photographer – a Spanish native who travelled the globe for 10 years, before settling in Australia – about his “very special” trip to Karijini National Park, a place that, for the most part, mass Australia has no idea even exists. “It was so beautiful,” he says, with a shake of his head. “For me, it is the most...

Above the buzz of lively Darlinghurst is this lavish little gem, boasting front row seats to Sydney’s iconic harbour... and uninterrupted views of a certain harbour bridge. Suitably named Sky Loft, this contemporary, three-bedroom apartment has been expertly styled; with rich timber flooring, designer furnishings and Italian marble. From the dreamy beds, draped in plush linen, to the sleek bathrooms stocked with Aveda toiletries, the interior is as impressive as the view. The fully-equipped kitchen is fit for any budding chef with Electrolux appliances and a large island bench perfect for entertaining, as is the adjoining living area, furnished with...

This is what daydreams are made of. A sparkling infinity pool, sandwiched between waterfront views and native bushland. Welcome to Bora Bora House, tucked away in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park in Sydney’s north. Perched on a point, this is prime territory to sit, soak, sip and watch as local yachts come and go. And if you tire of the view from here, just below the pool deck is direct access to a private beach, complete with boatshed and jetty – of course. Moving indoors, this Balinese-inspired abode dishes up serious wow factor with an eco-friendly design, crafted from sandstone, timber, glass and...

And the winner of our 'Your Shot' reader photo competition this issue is.... STUNNING SILHOUETTE "Riding the famous camels along Cable Beach is a unique event that is experienced by so many and remains embedded as a wonderful holiday highlight. There are multiple teams of camels providing rides and the most popular of all are the sunset tours along the pristine beach. The train of camel riders traverse the sand northwards past a multitude of 4WDS parked on the beach, while locals sipping on coldies in deck chairs watch on. As the sun was setting over the Indian Ocean I...

Each issue Australian Traveller captures a stunning Aussie location. This time, we look at Spicers Hidden Vale in Grandchester, Qld. It’s not hard to imagaine reclining back in this poolside sunbed, local drop in one hand, good book in the other. But if that’s too much effort for your likings, just slip off the end and into the view-hogging rock pool below. All the while watching as the sun sinks behind this Lockyer Valley vista. We are of course at Spicers Hidden Vale, Grandchester, 75km south-west of Brisbane’s CBD. Set on a 12,000 acre farm, the property boasts luxurious colonial-style...

 TWO LINES “I took this photo while travelling through Victoria’s Murray River Valley (about 20km north-east of Corryong) during a solo road trip. As I drove over a hill, I was greeted by this scene - the sun was in the perfect position, the colours were so vibrant and I loved how the road seemed to go on forever. There were no other vehicles on the road so it was the perfect opportunity to capture the moment. Looking at it now, I love how the grass casts shadows across the bitumen adding texture to the shot, and the way the...

Steve Batten gets snap-happy around the outskirts of Alice Springs and shows why the local andscape is so special. // Steve Batten is a member of our Virtual Internship Program. If you’re a photographer or writer looking to break into travel journalism, we’re here to help you get a leg up. To find out more, email us at   interns@australiantraveller.com    ...

The winner of this issues Your Shot  competition goes to Tammara Stewart, taken of a syrfer on the NSW Central Coast. WINNING PHOTO: "Surfing Soldiers" Taken: January 2012 “This was taken in January this year at the beach between Norah Head Lighthouse, which can be seen in the image, and Soldiers Beach on the NSW Central Coast. I shot it using my Canon 1000D and its various lenses!” – Tammara Stewart, Mannering Park, NSW CALLING ALL AUSTRALIAN TRAVELLERS! Think you’ve got a winning reader photo? Send us the best Australian travel image you’ve ever captured for your chance to win a great...

Australia’s favourite landscape photographer shares his tips and tricks on photographing remote areas – from getting friendly with the locals to capturing fast-flowing waterfalls and getting up at the crack of dawn, it’s all in a day’s work. Interviewed by Elisabeth Knowles. TIP ONE: CREATE DIMENSION God’s Marbles, Wauchope, NT This lovely scene depicts the Devils Marbles (Indigenous name: Karlu Karlu), south of Tennant Creek, but, says Ken, “Why would you give the devil the credit for something so beautiful?” This is the central panel of an image that would take four Australian Traveller pages laid side by side to...