Celebration Photo Essay: The Essence of an Australian Summer

Pointing a lens towards all that is sun-drenched and sensory – from bleached-out beaches to afternoon cocktails and seafood feasts washed down with a glass of sparkling – Kara Rosenlund captures the essence of an Australian summer celebration rooted in landscape, culture and place on her island home of Minjerribah.

For Kara Rosenlund, the concept of an Australian celebration means connecting with the natural elements of the outdoors by stirring all of her senses. “I love to feel the anticipation and excitement of summer’s arrival, a faint fragrance of a eucalyptus tree mixed with sunscreen on the coastal breeze, and hearing the nearby waves of the ocean crash and fizz on the shoreline," she says.

surfers enjoying the waves — A sun-drenched beach filling with surfers. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)

Here, the fine art photographer and stylist captures the quintessence of this feeling by casting her lens on Queensland’s Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island) over the course of a long, languorous day.

a scenic view of Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island) — Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island) on a fine sunny day. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)

Morning swims, picking up freshly caught fish, oysters and prawns and secluded beach picnics are followed by sundowners on the deck, a seafood feast and a glass of sparkling or two. Over the following pages, Kara takes us on a journey to her island home and shares tips and recipes for a perfectly pitched Aussie summer celebration that’s simple, sensory and always connected back to nature.

Day in the life

I love to rise early and make the most of the vibrant blue skies on the island. The kookaburras start early and always get me out of bed at sunrise. A morning swim is the perfect way to start the day. I love to see what the wind and water are doing by visiting a couple of beaches at Point Lookout.

swimming and surfing on North Stradbroke Island — It’s a perfect day to swim and surf. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)

My favourite swimming beaches are Cylinder and The Gorge, the atmosphere of both on a blue-sky day feels iconic. I then like to head to The Prawn Shack to pick up locally caught fish, oysters and prawns.

a close-up photo of tree branches on the beach — Feel the warm ocean breeze. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)

Going into this cute weatherboard shop is such an experience. All the produce is laid out so beautifully and the blackboards are chalked up with the catch of the day. I love that connection to knowing where your food comes from.

fruits and veggies on display at The Prawn Shack — Drop by The Prawn Shack to pick up locally caught fish, oysters and prawns. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)

Just before lunch, I usually pack an easy picnic of fresh crabs and 4WD to the other side of the island to avoid the crowds on the surf side. There are many secret spots on the island along the coastline where you can easily throw a towel down under a breezy she-oak and not see a soul. That’s pure luxury to me, and I crave doing it.

surfboards on the wooden floor — Get your surfboards ready for a ride on the waves. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)

A towel on the beach filled with a hat,,camera and magazine. — The perfect setting for a day on the sand. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)

The art of celebration

My biggest tip for a great celebration is to keep things lo-fi, natural and fuss-free. I love to make the most of summer by eating outdoors and serving food that can be easily enjoyed with your hands.

a picnic under a yellow umbrella by the beach — Lay a picnic blanket by the beach. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)

This creates a laid-back atmosphere and puts everyone at ease. There’s nothing that screams summer more than the ritual of cracking and twisting a crab claw with your hands. Or peeling prawns and shucking oysters.

crabs on a yellow blanket — Crack and twist crab claw with your hands. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)

Fresh mangoes are also a sensory pleasure for dessert. It’s the simplest of things that create memorable moments and add an air of nostalgia.

ripe mangoes in a basket — Enjoy fresh mangoes. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)

Rituals and recipes

My family have, for as long as I can remember, always had a prawn sandwich when celebrating on the weekends. This sandwich isn’t flash or fancy, but always has a way of feeling special. Freshly peeled prawns and zingy lemon taste like the spirit of summer on a plate. I use either fresh bread or rolls. Both work.

prawn sandwich on a plate with sparkling wines on the table — The perfect prawn sandwich makes the perfect celebration. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)

The Perfect Prawn Sandwich

1 kg of medium-sized prawns, cooked and freshly peeled

4 tbs of Kewpie mayonnaise

1 tbs of fresh chopped dill

1 tbs of lemon juice

1 avocado

4 fresh rolls or 8 slices of bread

2 tbs of salted butter, softened

4 cos lettuce leaves

Salt and pepper to season

Chop half of the prawns into bite-sized pieces. Place the chopped prawns and the remaining whole prawns into a bowl together. Add the mayonnaise, dill and lemon juice to the bowl and stir until the prawns are fully coated. Season well.

Scoop out the flesh of the avocado and smash it into a bowl using a fork. Add some more salt and pepper to taste.

Butter your rolls or bread and add a layer of avocado and a cos lettuce leaf. Top with a generous serve of the chopped prawns and garnish with the whole prawns.

When the holidays come around, evenings are spent on the deck. I create the tone by making a sundowner, such as the ‘Pineapple Paloma’. Refreshing, juicy and tart, it’s perfect for an uplifting summer’s night; plus it’s super easy-peasy.

Pineapple Paloma

90 ml pineapple juice

30 ml dash of freshly squeezed lime juice

60 ml tequila

1 pinch of sea salt

120 ml of sparkling pink grapefruit juice

Dehydrated pineapple
to garnish

Add the pineapple juice, lime juice, tequila and salt to an ice-filled carafe.

Fill the carafe with pink grapefruit juice and stir. Pour into individual glasses garnished with dehydrated slices of pineapple.

a seafood feast with oysters — Spend laidback afternoons with seafood feasts and glasses of sparkling. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)

From the moment you arrive in Moreton Bay, stunning natural vistas, fresh and tasty dining, history and more invite you to stay and play.

Untouched national park, mirror-like lagoons and endless stretches of beaches all make Moreton Bay experiences feel like you’ve stumbled across a secret Queenslanders collectively vowed not to tell. Yet it’s easily accessible. Explore further and discover hinterland farms, ancient rainforest, fresh seafood and more: there’s something on offer for every pace, interest and generation.

Just 20 minutes from Brisbane Airport, it’s hard to believe how underrated this Queensland getaway is. Here’s your ultimate guide to rediscover play with unmissable experiences in Moreton Bay.

1. G’Day Adventure Tours, Bribie Island

G’Day Adventure Tours’ Sea to Table Experience should be your first agenda item in Moreton Bay. Take a 4WD journey through the sandy tracks of Bribie Island’s beaches to the still, glassy waters of the island’s lagoons. Glide over perfect replicas of paperbarks and fluffy blue clouds mirrored in the lagoon waters in your kayak. Listen as native birdsong echoes around you.

Then, it’s on to Fort Bribie. During the Second World War, these concrete bunkers – now slowly being enveloped by the dunes – were the last line of defence for Moreton Bay.

End the day with a sun-dappled beach picnic of locally caught Queensland prawns and famous Moreton Bay bugs. As you head home, watch the dolphins playfully dart in and out of the surf.

2. Morgan’s Seafood at Scarborough

Right on the Scarborough Boat Harbour, you’ll find Morgan’s Seafood . Between the luxury yachts, you’ll also spot trawlers and fishermen delivering their day’s catch right to Morgan’s. The family-owned and operated spot is one of the best places to try the region’s eponymous Moreton Bay bug. Or, sample more of the area’s direct-from-the-boat seafood fresh at their oyster and sushi bar. If you’re lucky, your visit might coincide with a day they’ve caught tuna.

Picture fish caught that day, prepared and then served to you as fresh sashimi as the sun sets over the unique silhouette of the Glasshouse Mountains.

3. Woorim Beach, Bribie Island

On Bribie’s eastern coastline, you’ll find Woorim Beach : aka the closest surf beach to Brisbane. Find a place on the sand by the patrolled area or wander further south to find a quiet spot and while the day away between the shaded dunes, the pages of your book and the peaceful sound of rolling waves.

Ask any local where to grab lunch, and they’ll direct you to Bribie Island Surf Club Bistro . Tuck into a fresh, local seafood platter, just metres from the beach.

4. D’Aguilar National Park

D’Aguilar National Park is a 40,000-hectare slice of greenery that stretches from urban Brisbane right up to Woodford (home of the Woodford Folk Festival). The vast expanse of park is home to ancient rainforests, eucalypt forests and shaded swimming spots hidden within gorges and under waterfalls. The area is significant for the Jinibara and Turrbal people, with ceremonial bora rings and dreaming trails all found within the park.

Carve out some time in your itinerary to explore the park’s many trails. The Maiala day-use area is the perfect starting point for walks for all levels of ability.

5. Arcade Wine Bar

arcade wine bar moreton bay — Sit down to a menu inspired by Italy.

Opposite the Redcliffe Jetty and down a laneway, you’ll find an unassuming wine bar. Venture inside and quickly fall in love with Arcade Wine Bar , one of the region’s most beloved local haunts.

Owners Danilo and Matt have a combined 50 years of sommelier experience, which they have poured into the menu, styling and wine list. More than just a hole-in-the-wall wine bar, Arcade Wine is an enoteca (a wine repository), whose walls are lined with bottles upon bottles of Italian wine varietals from every corner of Italy.

Settle in with a wine and work your way through the menu inspired by Danilo’s native Italy: traditional meatballs, their quick-to-sell-out terrine, or a selection of Italian cheeses, charcuterie and arancini.

6. Wamuran & Loop Rail Trail

Away from the ocean, tucked in the hinterland, is the Wamuran & Loop Rail Trail . Perfect for cyclists or walkers, the trail was built to showcase the history of the Caboolture to Kilcoy rail corridor (last operating in 1964) and makes for the perfect family day out. The trail runs for 10.5km and connects Wamuran and Caboolture via an accessible path.

Pass through former railroad, bridges and shaded bushland as you cut from A to B. Plus, visit in winter for a detour along the way to one of the many pick-your-own strawberry farms.

7. Farm Visits

Beaches, mountains and history make an enticing combination. But Moreton Bay also brings hinterland, family-friendly farms to the table. Trevena Glen is one of the area’s most loved, with bunnies, ponies, sheep, alpacas (and more) available to visit for the kids. For the adults, book a horse-riding session and be treated to a grazing platter as you watch the sun set over the mountains of D’Aguilar National Park.

At White Ridge Farm , find camels, putt-putt, train and tractor rides and all kinds of animals. The entire farm is paved, making it accessible for all.

8. Miss Sprinkles

Miss Sprinkles Gelato moreton bay — Pick your scoop at Miss Sprinkles Gelato.

An ice cream at the beach is one of life’s most perfect pleasures. While in town, stop by Miss Sprinkles for the locals’ pick of homemade gelato on the Scarborough foreshore.

The gelato here is made the authentic Italian way and scooped up just across from the beach. Or, settle in at their kitschy pink wooden tables for traditional gelato in the sunshine. Aside from the homemade gelato, you’ll also find tarts, pies and even doggie gelato.

To start planning your Moreton Bay trip, or for more information, head to visitmoretonbay.com.au.

You’ll want to recreate this perfect Aussie summer celebration