I recently took another little power-break with the family and headed out of Melbourne to one of our favourite little spots, ‘Wood Duck Cottage‘ in Yea. We’re so lucky to be able to drive no more than an hour and have State Forests, bush walks and farm life to enjoy.

During our 4 day break and when on a little walk near the cottage, we came across this little fellow who was ambling along in the drain way by the unmade road. As you can see, he blends beautifully with the dry mud, leaves and grass. This was one of many photos we managed to get of the echidna but we also got one when he had his little nosed tucked up beneath him, in a tight ball and said “You can’t see me!”

Where Do We Suggest?

Image courtesy of lxsocon/flickr.com

Whether you’re an amateur or pro photographer, you can easily mix your hobby with pleasure while travelling the gorgeous landscape in Australia. From deep valleys and impressive gorges to jaw-dropping sunsets and beautiful wildlife, Australia is the ideal place for picture-snapping Aussies to get down under and capture the land’s innate beauty through the lens. Here’s a list of some of the best places in Australia where you can take a snapshot of Mother Nature’s treasures.

Hotspots for Amazing Sunrises and Sunsets

Lord Howe Island is an island where 70 percent of the land is protected reserve. All of the beaches along the island’s coastline offer superb vistas of the sun rising and setting out of the Pacific Ocean. Capture the rainbow of colours and ever-changing mood of sunrises and sunsets with vibrant pinks and hues of blue. Ned’s Beach is a popular haunt for photographers, and you can also enjoy a cool swim or scenic snorkel after you’re finished with your camera-happy shots. From sunrise to sunset, the colours of Uluru range include rusty orange and brown to inky purples and deep reds. The best shots are from a distance from the monolith, and there are also viewing platforms around this national park. In addition to photographing sunrises and sunsets, you can also take snapshots of this expansive sandy desert and Kata Tjuta. At the Three Sisters rock formation in the Blue Mountains, there are also magnificent sunrises and sunsets. These three peaks jut out from the bush and rise up to 900 metres above the valley. Light bounces off in multiple directions and creates sky shades of gold and pink. There is a visitor centre with great vistas of the Megalong Valley. You can even climb the Golden Staircase and get a bird’s eye view of the Three Sisters.

Best Locations for Landscape Photos

Nestled in Morton National Park, the Budawang Ranges are close to Canberra and Sydney. This location is a wonderland of photographic opportunity. You can capture impressive shots of the beehive-style monoliths, open heath, massive cliff faces and Tolkien-like ferny grottos. The best times to photograph are during the spring and autumn, and you’ll likely want to spend at least two days there to take in all the scenic sites. Stradbroke Island features a gorgeous coastline of impressive beaches, rocks and gorges. It’s truly a magical place for photographers. At the Gorge Walk, you can also get great shots of pods of whales as well as sharks, turtles, dolphins and rays.

Devils Marbles in Central Australia holds a special fascination for many photography geeks. The formations stretch around one square kilometre consisting of boulder clusters and granite tors that majestically emerge from ghost gums and spinifex. All in all, these formations are truly exotic and beautiful. Along the track to Devils Marbles, there are also worthy photos to be taken of footprints in the sandy ridge and dusty lines of corrugated track.

Native Animals at Kangaroo Island

There’s plenty to do and photos to take at Kangaroo Island. You can capture great shots of wildlife in their natural habitat. At Kingscote and Penneshaw, you’ll find kangaroos, brush-tailed possums and tammar wallabies. The little penguins waddling to the shore in Penneshaw are picture-perfect. Bushwalk past the waders and swans along Murray Lagoon and get pictures of over 200 species of birds. There are also great shots to be taken of the picturesque coastline and stunning sunsets. In addition to snapping your favourite scenes, you can also swim with the dolphins and enjoy some caving adventures at Kelly Hill Conservation Park.

Camera outings in Australia are filled with days of fun adventure, but did you ever consider what you would do if you lost your treasured camera or luggage while travelling? Even costly travel delays at the airport can cause you headaches and money. Having travel insurance is the best way to avoid problems that may arise from unforeseen circumstance. You can easily compare travel insurance rates online and select a package that suits your budget. Get smart and protect yourself and your gear so you can enjoy your picture-taking adventures with peace of mind.

From exploring geological mysteries to ogling gold at the Perth Mint, there are numerous attractions in Perth you can do with the family even on a tight budget. If you’ve been able to score some inexpensive airline flights to Perth, here are 10 fun, family-friendly things to do for under $50.

Aviation Heritage Museum

Aircraft on display include a Spitfire, Lancaster Bomber, DeHavilland Tiger Moth and an Avro Ansen. Apart from display aircraft, the Aviation Heritage Museum also features books, photographs and other types of memorabilia and aviation heritage artefacts. The collection is extensive, making the museum a great destination for all the family.

Cottesloe Beach

Probably the most popular beach in Perth, Cottesloe beach is easy to get to by train or car. You can choose to spend your time on the sand and in the water, perch on the grassed terrace or sitting in comfort in one of the many Cottesloe cafes and restaurants. If you want some peace and quiet, then just head a little way down either end of the beach.

The Swan River

Meandering right through central Perth, the Swan River is a great place to bring the family for a day’s fun. Whether you prefer to be on or off the water, there’s a lot to do along the Swan River. Take a boat ride or fishing trip, bike along the open, flat cycle tracks or picnic along the river bank under the trees.

Kings Park and Botanical Gardens

Only a short walk from the city centre, Kings Park is set on 400 acres of beautiful recreational and bush land. It offers views of the city and Swan River, and various restaurants and cafes to sit back and relax. If you’re feeling up to it, you can take a climb up the DNA Tower. The Botanical Gardens, with thousands of native plants and wildlife to explore, are not to be missed. A day at Kings Park and the Botanical Gardens will surely satisfy your whole family.

Western Australian Museum

With a great selection of artefacts, from dinosaurs to Aboriginal art, the Western Australian Museum easily fits in our top 10 list. The museum has regular travelling exhibitions that will keep you wanting to come back for more. Best of all, admission is free, making a day at the museum a bargain for your family.

Mettam’s Pool

If you happen to be visiting Perth in the summer, you’ll certainly be looking for somewhere to cool off. Mettam’s Pool is a great beach, located about 15 minutes from central Perth. A natural pool protected by a reef, Mettam’s Pool is a great place for young kids to swim safely. Also of interest is the abundant ocean life around the reef, making it a great place for the kids to learn to snorkel.

Fraser Avenue Lookout

Not far from the city, Fraser Avenue Lookout offers spectacular views of the Perth city centre and the meandering Swan River. This is a great place for a picnic during the day or head up in early evening to see the sunset and the city lights. If you want, you can always combine the sightseeing view with a meal at nearby Fraser’s Restaurant.

Kings Park War Memorial

Located in Kings Park, the War Memorial is an impressive structure dedicated to those who have fought and died in war. With beautiful views overlooking the Swan River, Kings Park War Memorial is a great place for a relaxing picnic or a walk through the park grounds.

Perth Mint

The Perth Mint is a stunning architectural building where you can spend an entire day with your family. With a range of exhibitions, demonstrations and activities for everyone to enjoy, the Perth Mint has guided talks, Australia’s largest natural nugget collection on display and the largest collection of gold bars to view. You can even watch gold being poured.

St George’s Cathedral

Situated in the heart of the city, St George’s Cathedral is an Anglican cathedral, and one of the few constructed using handmade bricks. With its beautiful jarrah roof trusses and arches, the use of Fremantle limestone, bluestone pillars and gorgeous stained-glass windows, this cathedral doesn’t disappoint. Whether you’re here for a tour or a service, St George’s Cathedral has a very peaceful and reverent feel to it.

About the Author: Born and bred in Perth, Janet Moore works as a travel guide for one of Perth’s popular city tour companies. She often contributes articles about the best ways to experience all that Perth has to offer.

Travel Photo of the Week: Sunset over Phillip Island

Much of Australia is currently experiencing very hot and dry conditions. This is resulting in outbreaks of many bush fires, some with devastating consequences. However, the smokey conditions are creating some beautiful sunsets. This one was taken from Phillip Island in the Gippsland region of Victoria.