Cape Hillsborough

Cape Hillsborough came as a recommendation to us from a fellow traveller. Not knowing anything about this region, we chanced the short detour from the Bruce Highway to see what all the fuss was about.

So, was the detour worth while? Steep forested hills meet the beautiful twin beaches of the cape in what has to be one of Queensland's best kept secrets. Hoop Pines grow right down to the shoreline, some sprouting straight from solid rock. Cape Hillsborough gets a unanimous thumbs-up!

Fraser Island

The short journey by barge from River Heads brings us to the world's largest sand island, Fraser Island. Subtropical rainforest, freshwater lakes, extensive sand blows, and a seventy five mile beach are just some of the reasons why this island is world heritage listed.

Lake McKenzie

One of the many ‘must see’ locations on Fraser Island is the pristine Lake McKenzie.

This perched dune lake contains some of the world's purest drinking water. The blues of this crystal clear lake contrast beautifully with the pure white sand that forms its base and perimeter. It’s no surprise that this lake has become one of Fraser’s main attractions.

The Meheno

The Meheno became an intrinsic part of the island back in 1935. Having broken its moorings in a wild storm, the vessel was marooned on 75 mile beach. Once a proud passenger carrying vessel, the Maheno’s rusting hull is now being claimed inch by inch by the surrounding ocean.

Waddy Point

Further to the North, the rocky outcrop that forms Waddy Point makes for a stunning vista. Views across the South Pacific Ocean, the headland and Binngih sandblow really shows off the diversity of Fraser Island’s coastline.

Subtropical Rainforest

Fraser Island also contains some of Australia’s most prolific subtropical rainforest. The best place to visit the rainforest is along Wanggoolba Creek and Pile Valley.

Noosa

My main aim whilst visiting Noosa was to find a beautiful side to this popular resort town on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. It didn’t take me long. A dawn visit to Sunrise beach didn’t disappoint. A hazy start to the morning allowed me to shoot straight into the sun as it made its first appearance over the horizon.

Any visit to Noosa wouldn’t be complete without a stroll along the town’s beach and into Noosa National Park. The forested walkways of the park are a great distraction from the busy streets of Noosa Heads, a great way to relax.

Glass House Mountains

The Glass House Mountains were given their name by Captain Cook on his journey of discovery back in 1770. An account in the ship's log tells of how the peaks reminded him of the glass manufacturing houses back in England. Remnants of the area's geological past, the Glass House Mountains really do make for an unusual sight.

Brisbane

Having trekked kilometres, clambered many peaks and rock hopped along beaches, it’s probably fitting that my final location should be at the roadside; right next to my vehicle; shooting the Brisbane skyline.

So, with the images from this final shoot safely bagged, it’s time to make our way back to the Central Coast to enjoy some of the long awaited comforts of home.

And what for the future? 2009 will hopefully see the opening of a new gallery on the Central Coast. New images will include the Victorian Alps in the autumn, winter in the Snowy Mountains, and Tasmania.

I hope you’ve enjoyed looking at my images as much as I’ve enjoyed taking them. Once again, thanks for taking some time out to read my dispatches.

All the best, Richard.