Australia Travel Guides for Photographers - Landscape + Travel

Where Rolling Hills Meet Rainforest: A Visual Retreat at Beechmont Estate

Lisa Michele Burns — Tue, 17 Jun 2025 12:00:52 +0000

Visual Hotel Review – Beechmont Estate, Queensland There’s a place where morning mist drifts through tall gums and the sound of birdsong carries across open paddocks. A place where you can wake slowly, breathe deeply, and let time unfold at a more relaxed pace. Nestled in the hinterland of Queensland’s Scenic Rim, Beechmont Estate sits quietly on a ridge surrounded by ancient rainforest and farmland. Though just an hour from the coast, it’s remote enough to feel off-grid, yet close enough to slip away to for the weekend. I recently spent two nights here with my family, surrounded by nature and good food with a gentle rhythm that brought us back to the joy of appreciating the beauty of downtime and the great outdoors. A Setting That Invites Stillness Set on 75 acres of rolling hills in Yugambeh Country and bordered by World Heritage-listed Lamington National Park, Beechmont Estate feels far removed from city life and invites guests to relax and retreat. Surrounded by open paddocks, ancient Gondwana rainforest, and views that change with the light, it’s an ideal place for a creative reset, hiking, and indulging in some culinary delights. Upon waking on our first morning, we saw kangaroos grazing...

The post Where Rolling Hills Meet Rainforest: A Visual Retreat at Beechmont Estate appeared first on Photo Tips, Creative Photography + Travel Guides - The Wandering Lens.

A Guide to Photogenic Landscapes + Locations in the Whitsundays

Lisa Michele Burns — Wed, 03 Jan 2024 00:25:53 +0000

Your Photography Guide to The Whitsunday Islands, Australia In the calm waters of the Coral Sea, a collection of 74 Whitsunday islands await visitors with their fish filled waters, snorkelling hot spots and lush coves aplenty ready for sailors to float on in. The magical Whitsundays were first visited by Captain Cook in 1770 when he noted ‘Indeed the whole passage is one continued safe harbour,’ on the morning of Sunday, 3 June. Its sparkling seas are now infamous for the annual Hamilton Island Race Week and of course for tourists travelling on boats, seaplanes, helicopters and kayaks as they explore the endless dive and swimming locations amongst the myriad of islands. For photographers, the reef formations, vibrant underwater world and sandy shores offer a playground of opportunities to take that perfect tropical landscape shot. Having lived on Hayman Island for five years I’ve used these special spots over and over again in all seasons and can safely say you won’t leave the Whitsundays without your own series of amazing photos. This destination guide is my way of sharing one of my favourite places in the world, a collection of photogenic experiences and locations for you to visit whether you’re...

The post A Guide to Photogenic Landscapes + Locations in the Whitsundays appeared first on Photo Tips, Creative Photography + Travel Guides - The Wandering Lens.

The Stockton Sand Dunes – Stories + Camera Settings

Deb Newton — Wed, 12 Jul 2023 03:32:41 +0000

Let’s take a stroll through the sand dunes of Stockton with Deb Newton of Lens and Muse, local photographer and contributor of The Wandering Lens. Powerful, breathtaking and ever-changing, the Stockton sand dunes located on the Worimi Conservation Lands in Port Stephens, New South Wales, Australia are an ever-changing kaleidoscope of sweeping curves, textures, unique patterns, colours and dynamic contrasts of light and shadow. Quite simply put, these masses of shifting sand are a photographer’s dream. The Port Stephens area, located a short drive from Newcastle, is in and of itself, a photogenic paradise. From azure blue bays and surf beaches, to the towering headland of Tomaree National Park, and an abundance of walking trails snaking through nature reserves dotted along the coastline, there are plenty of landscapes to be inspired by. It’s easy to see why so many photographers have Port Stephens on their list of places to capture. Another inspiring landscape located in the Port Stephens area is the Stockton Sand Dunes located on the Worimi Conservation Lands. At a length of 32km, the Stockton Sand Dunes are the longest moving sand dunes in the Southern Hemisphere, and at their peak, can reach up to 50 metres high....

The post The Stockton Sand Dunes – Stories + Camera Settings appeared first on Photo Tips, Creative Photography + Travel Guides - The Wandering Lens.

Creative Escapes – The Coastal Haven of Yamba

Lisa Michele Burns — Fri, 20 Jan 2023 09:48:01 +0000

Exploring the Coastal Beauty of Yamba, Australia Photographing sunrise, hiking, picnicking, swimming and spending your days close to nature. If this sounds like your ideal beach escape, look no further than the quiet, coastal haven of Yamba in New South Wales. Better yet, drive 5mins south to experience the surfers retreat of Angourie. Angourie, meaning ‘tail-feather of a seagull’ sits on the northern edge of Yuraygir National Park, an immense area covering 60km of coastal reserve stretching as far south as Red Rock. This special seaside town is home to surf lovers and sun seekers, providing plenty of space to get away from crowds and soak up the beach lifestyle. It’s many hiking trails and beach options pair with plenty of surf breaks, some suited to beginners, and others like the ‘Life or Death’ shelf break suited for the daring and experienced. This region is actually somewhere my family visited annually when I was a little kid. Spending a few weeks each year with our tiny dinghy, paddling up and down the Clarence River discovering fishing and swimming spots. Having spent most of my adult life abroad, it was such a pleasant surprise to return some 17years later and see...

The post Creative Escapes – The Coastal Haven of Yamba appeared first on Photo Tips, Creative Photography + Travel Guides - The Wandering Lens.

Photographing Australia’s Landscapes with the OM System OM-1 Mirrorless Camera

Lisa Michele Burns — Mon, 12 Dec 2022 14:03:43 +0000

Photographing Australia from Coast to Coast – Colour Palettes and the OM-1 OM SYSTEM Mirrorless Camera When it comes to trusty sidekicks in the outback, you want plenty of water, a hat and reliable equipment that can handle the elements. As someone who isn’t a massive fan of camping, squirms at the idea of spiders within 100m and can’t change a tyre (I know!), I did a lot of research to ensure I’d survive driving into the centre of Australia. Despite travelling to some of the world’s most remote regions, from glaciers and deserts, Greenland to Chile, there’s something about my home country of Australia that always makes me worry about what could go wrong, even though the destination is always worth the effort and prep required! One thing I didn’t need to stress about was my camera gear. Having used the Olympus system since 2017 (see my Global Ambassador profile + gear info here), travelling with the E-M1 MKII, E-M1X + E-M1 MKIII, I was excited to use this adventure around Australia to test out the new OM-1, the new OM SYSTEM camera since their rebrand. I knew based on the previous models it would handle the weather and...

The post Photographing Australia’s Landscapes with the OM System OM-1 Mirrorless Camera appeared first on Photo Tips, Creative Photography + Travel Guides - The Wandering Lens.

Photographing the Capital – A Creative’s Guide to Canberra

Lisa Michele Burns — Thu, 10 Nov 2022 10:31:47 +0000

A Creative’s Guide to Canberra, Australia Let’s paint a picture. As the sun rises, gentle ripples start to sparkle as they hit the shores of Lake Burley Griffin. The day ahead will be filled with gallery hopping, history, cafes and nature walks, ending with a sunset stroll along a path lined with blossoms and birdsong. Welcome to Canberra, Australia’s capital. For photographers, Canberra is a creative hub blending natural wonders with architectural spaces celebrating our nations talents, both past and present. The peaks of the snowy mountains rise to the south, coastal coves and beautiful beaches 90mins to the east and there’s stunning countryside and vineyards in all directions. My family is from Canberra and the nearby South Coast, so I thought it only fitting after so many visits over the years, to compile a guide to my favourite places to photograph and get inspired. Before we get started, I wanted to mention one thing that enhances my love for Canberra. It’s planned. Back in 1912, a drawing by architect Marion Mahoney Griffin, on behalf of her husband Walter Burley Griffin, also an architect, won an international competition to design the city. The design was based on the natural topography of...

The post Photographing the Capital – A Creative’s Guide to Canberra appeared first on Photo Tips, Creative Photography + Travel Guides - The Wandering Lens.

Regional Retreats – 6 Relaxing AirBnb’s from Armidale to Evandale

Lisa Michele Burns — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 04:18:31 +0000

Explore six of the best AirBnb’s in NSW, VIC and Tasmania Regional Australia has so much to offer with photography opportunities ranging from wide open plains and desert wonders, to coastal coves, endless beaches and world-heritage rainforests. When photographing a recent roadtrip from Brisbane to Tasmania, we stayed in some pretty special places and I wanted to share them with you here. Every photo trip needs a good base, somewhere close to sunrise and sunset spots, somewhere you can relax, edit, unwind and plan your adventures for the following day. These six Airbnb’s are my recommendations for the locations noted, stay a night, stay a week and enjoy being surrounded by beauty and having that all important comfortable space to recharge. The Hangout, Port Campbell, VIC Having been to Port Campbell previously, I knew a holiday home would suit perfectly for our recent trip to photograph the coastline of The Great Ocean Road. Spying The Hangout on Airbnb, I booked it simply by the photos showcasing the hammocks and chill area. Upon arrival, I saw we were smack bang on the cliff tops, a short walk from cafes, pubs and restaurants and perfectly positioned to come and go as we...

The post Regional Retreats – 6 Relaxing AirBnb’s from Armidale to Evandale appeared first on Photo Tips, Creative Photography + Travel Guides - The Wandering Lens.

I know a place… Bushy Summers, Tasmania

Lisa Michele Burns — Thu, 25 Aug 2022 09:19:23 +0000

I know a place… Where you can spend your days gazing out the window, hot tea in hand as you watch waves gently lapping the shore and a dusk colour palette fill the sky. A place where ducks arrive on your doorstep to say good morning, where your creativity comes alive and somewhere you can completely relax, explore the natural surroundings then snuggle in a comfortable space in the evening. Welcome to Bushy Summers in Lettes Bay, Tasmania. This gem is the masterpiece of creatives Claire Lloyd and Matthew Usmar Lauder. A retreat that was lovingly restored over six months and built with all the comforts required to handle the chilly Tasmanian winter. Outside, windswept coastal scenery meets world heritage wilderness. Inside, is filled with inspirational textures, romantic tones, art and a bookshelf I wanted to take home. You can view the listing, maybe even book a stay and see more details via Airbnb here. It’s one of those special places you never want to leave. A place that helps you feel rejuvenated, restored and oh so far the rest of the world…in the best way possible! I was lucky enough to spend two nights at Bushy Summers last week,...

The post I know a place… Bushy Summers, Tasmania appeared first on Photo Tips, Creative Photography + Travel Guides - The Wandering Lens.

A Photographer’s Guide to Mungo National Park

Lisa Michele Burns — Tue, 23 Aug 2022 10:54:41 +0000

PHOTOGRAPHING + VISITING MUNGO NATIONAL PARK, NSW Where lunettes form a chiselled landscape of rugged formations and Australian wildlife and Aboriginal culture take centre stage, Mungo National Park is one location to put on your photography wish-list. The glow of sunrise illuminates dry lakebeds where kangaroo and emu are slowly starting their day, while golden sunsets and pastel skies create a stunning palette when photographing the other-worldly landscape. Carved and shaped over millions of years, Mungo National Park has so many stories to tell and on a recent visit, I was blown away by just how much I didn’t know about not only Australian landscapes, but our culture, people and history. Do yourself a favour, if you get a chance to visit Mungo, spend a few days here to really soak up the beauty and magic of this photogenic and significant part of Outback New South Wales. Where is Mungo National Park? Located in Outback NSW, Mungo National Park is roughly an 11hour drive west of Sydney or 7hours north-west of Melbourne. Resting near the centre of the Murray Basin, Mungo National Park comprises of 19 connected lakes (now dry), dunefields, sandplains, lunettes (more on these in the photography...

The post A Photographer’s Guide to Mungo National Park appeared first on Photo Tips, Creative Photography + Travel Guides - The Wandering Lens.

A Guide to Tropical North Queensland Photography Experiences

Lisa Michele Burns — Sat, 13 Aug 2022 22:59:46 +0000

Travel in Queensland – The Tropical North Rainforest to Reef – Experience the natural beauty of Queensland, Australia with this guide to the most photogenic outdoor experiences you can have from the Atherton Tablelands to Cape Tribulation. Growing up in Australia, there was this one children’s book I remember being obsessed with called ‘Where the Forest Meets the Sea’ by Jeannie Baker. It described everything dreams as a little future explorer were made of with tangled trunks of giant rainforest trees hiding Dinosaur shadows in a land where the lush green landscapes met clear blue seas. It was like Where’s Wally for nature lovers, and 8yr old me was hooked. Well, now that I’m a travel obsessed adult, I’ve finally visited the exact place this book spoke of all those years ago…Tropical North Queensland. Spoilt with year-round warmth, rich colourful vistas and natural wonders, this part of Australia is a photographer’s haven for all things outdoorsy and beautiful. From the waterfalls to the reef, there’s so many places to visit to get amongst nature whether you’re hiking, swimming or flying high over the scenery. To sum up the regions photography offerings, I’ve put together a little guide below to what I...

The post A Guide to Tropical North Queensland Photography Experiences appeared first on Photo Tips, Creative Photography + Travel Guides - The Wandering Lens.

Perspectives: Where to Photograph Sunset in Sydney

Lisa Michele Burns — Mon, 02 May 2022 08:58:43 +0000

SUNSET IN SYDNEY – WHERE TO CAPTURE SUNSET PHOTOS OF SYDNEY HARBOUR Sydney Harbour puts on its fair share of spectacular sunsets. I’ve been lucky enough to witness them while photographing both weddings and landscape photographs! One such sunset, was so incredible that the glow continued well after the sun had dipped below the horizon then continued by filling the sky with pastel pinks and purples toward the east. Crazy beautiful! The Sydney skyline with the Opera House and Harbour Bridge is ideal for composing sunset photos as the sun sets directly behind them. Find yourself a great place to watch sunset in Sydney, and you can almost guarantee if the weather is right, you’ll capture some beautiful images! Let’s take a peek at some locations you can photograph sunset in Sydney and also some tips on how to check the weather forecast and how to compose beautiful images of Sydney Harbour. Scroll down for a map to all the locations mentioned! *Just to note, since Sydney is huge, this guide will be focusing solely on some locations around the main sights of Sydney Harbour/Circular Quay. A more in-depth Sydney guide is in the works! 01 – From a boat...

The post Perspectives: Where to Photograph Sunset in Sydney appeared first on Photo Tips, Creative Photography + Travel Guides - The Wandering Lens.

Creative Escapes – Eden Health Retreat, Gold Coast

Lisa Michele Burns — Fri, 03 Dec 2021 01:13:11 +0000

Eden Health Retreat – A Visual Hotel Review If you could conjure up the perfect surroundings for relaxation and rejuvenation, what would they be? Perhaps a dash of morning birdsong, a sprinkle of lush rainforest, clouds rolling through a silent valley and the gentle hum of crickets as you drift off to sleep… I’ve found just the place. Cocooned within the Currumbin Valley, just 25minutes from the sun-soaked beaches of the Gold Coast, you can escape the everyday, and immerse yourself in a natural environment that instantly makes you breathe a little deeper. There are also gourmet meals prepared for you, spa treatments, beds that feel like a hug and big, bubble-worthy baths. Eden Health Retreat facilitates that perfect balance between doing absolutely nothing, whilst achieving everything you need. Rejuvenation, wellness, health, relaxation and inspiration. I recently ventured to Eden for a 3-night stay with the aim of boosting a little creativity, exploring the hikes and scenery with my camera plus indulging in some signal free time. Disconnecting from WIFI, TV, all devices and screens except my camera (I can never go without it, especially to somewhere this beautiful)! I wanted to see if the cliché statements like, ‘just disconnect...

The post Creative Escapes – Eden Health Retreat, Gold Coast appeared first on Photo Tips, Creative Photography + Travel Guides - The Wandering Lens.