……You had me at road-trip and ‘history and culture.’  

And so, that’s how it happens. You’re standing alone on the other side of the world (again) ready to embark on a journey, to meet new people, to hit the asphalt with new lessons to unfold; as they always do along on the road.

The air is warm, the crescent beach is lined azure water and scattered with palm trees and a few dwellings. Timmy, the Traditional Owner of the land is smacking together his clapsticks and Uncle is playing the Didgeridoo as I watch the last light of the day sink below the islands dotting the horizon and begin to notice the heat from the fire as it licks my face.

We learn of skin names and of the Dhuwa and the Yirritja moieties and the yin and the yang of Yolngu culture. All the while, a saltwater crocodile named Nike lingers in the shore, he is a part of the family; everything is equal and balanced here in Bawaka homeland.

I laid down on my back and stared at the velvet sky of stars - observing and listening, into the dark night. I know that my time in East Arnhem Land with Lirrwi will stay with me for many years to come.

My second trip to South Africa was an assault to the senses of the best kind. So vividly I recall the colours, textures, sights, sounds, the fragrance of everything - evoking beautiful memories from years before. Albeit, no two journeys are ever the same or could be compared, but I as with my last visit, I spent the days with my head in a cloud. South Africa, as if from my dreams, is home to the most dramatic scenery and breath-taking coastlines and the most amazing and unique encounters with wildlife. 

We journeyed across the southern coast of the country, from Durban to Cape Town, sleeping under the stars and uncovering the diverse land and fascinating culture of the rainbow nation. An adrenaline filled ten days, which had me feeling less of a 30-year-old and more into my heart – as if seeing the world all over again with a child-like bewilderment and curiosity for everything surrounding me.

South Africa fills me with a deep sense of happiness that I’ve found very few places in the world.

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It has become apparent that I do not know how to take a true holiday, comfortable with the fact that wherever I travel my camera is an extension of my right limb. However, when December 2018 rolled around, I was in desperate need for a break and for once I actually had it penciled into my calendar: STAY HOME.

Little did I know that I would be booking a flight to the other side of the globe, packing my suitcase within two days and finding myself falling in love with the Irish way of life.

It wasn’t quite the break I had anticipated; yet, it was more than the break I expected.

When Parker Pens originally approached me about their Sonnet Special Edition Pens (a unique collection of 4 exclusive finishes: Atlas, Metro, Stratum and Impression), which are inspired by all things travel, we discussed the expressions of elegance and beauty of putting pen to paper—the conversation left me nostalgically inspired. I knew it aligned perfectly with not only my personal ethos, but with my business philosophies, as well. 

I live a life led by an unrelenting curiosity and desire to explore the unknown; to discover new places, both externally and internally. For all the global travel I do, I truly cherish moments of stillness in nature and make sure to take the time to let the creativity flow.

My first visit to Australia’s Capital took me by surprise. As a travel photographer, I’m often drafted to wide open spaces instead of cities. However, my first visit to Australia’s largest inland city was a great opportunity to explore and think outside everything I know a city to be.

Lord Howe Island represents the way the world is supposed to be.

Just a two-hour plane flight from mainland Australia (Sydney or Brisbane), to discover a volcanic island of picturesque crescent lagoons teeming with diverse life, palm-tree shaded streets and incredible mountains rising from the sea.

On Lord Howe shoes are optional, the mode of transport is a bicycle and the universal language is a wave combined with a smile found on the face of every person you cross paths with. Mobile reception here doesn’t exist and connecting to WIFI is the last thing you think about when you have the most pristine, untouched beach to yourself for hours.

Australia’s best kept secret, a world treasure, by far the one of the most stunning of them all -- A real Holiday destination.

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This year has been a really full on one for me and I've consciously tried to make an effort to do more things for myself (even whilst at work), to take the time off to spend enjoying the moment with and without my camera in hand. I’ve actively been trying to not have my phone permanently attached to my hand, stressed to reply to emails the same day I receive them or be over-worrying about the things I can't control.

To make each step count, each day count.

Tasmania is the perfect reminder of why I have been focused on this and advocating for our generation to re-connect with nature. The natural beauty, the wild landscapes and unpredictability of places which are filled with pure magic - it is worth savouring.

It’s been a few years since I life my life in Victoria behind and moved back to my home state of Queensland. Whenever anyone asks me if I miss the Victorian way of life, I must admit, I do miss my beautiful friends down there and the diverse range of National Parks within 3 hour radius of my old home.

I feel very fortunate that my job can provide the opportunity to re-visit some of the most beautiful places I have explored with my camera inside Australia.

Working for VIC Parks and Visit Melbourne was the first job in a stint of one month on the road, filled with four back-to-back jobs and a lot of travel (13 flights to be precise). It is now that I am sitting here to write about the journey, a month later, I am transported to the fresh feeling of spring lingering in the air and I can see the animals roaming freely on the greenest of grass, hear the firewood crackling of the evening and remember that crisp night sky.

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Peru.

Step back in time to a land of rich history and awe-inspiring ancient cities.

“I went around the world, because in the end, it was just a little further. Because time ceased to exist, and the fleeting moments of chance encounters along the way were the only thing that mattered.” - Anne-France Dautheville, 1970.

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I am captivated by the highlands of Tasmania.

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I’ve been fortunate enough to have the opportunity to visit Cradle Mountain multiple times for work. So, when it came to where I would celebrate 30 rotations around the sun, all I could picture was a dreamy little cabin in the woods – out of touch with the world and immersed in nature with my best friend by my side. Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge literally ticks all of those boxes and has become one of my favourite places to escape too.

I’m now starting to lose count of how many visits I’ve made to the beautiful outback of Australia, a place I sincerely love exploring – it’s alluring charm and magic is never lost on me. Each time I visit I leave feeling lighter and with a heart full of lasting memories.

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P A T A G O N I A.

South America’s Gem; an undiscovered paradise for adventurous trekkers.
Where nature is wild, remote, barren.
Space so expanding, that silence engulfs it.

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“The most memorable experiences are created when one is close to nature.”

I’ve never hidden my utter love for Australia - my passion for sharing this incredibly rich and diverse land pours out of all the pores in my body. The connection is ineffable.

I have an ever-expanding urge to capture and showcase the beauty of Australia, I love using photography to connect others with the natural world and actively seek the peace that comes from spending time in the great outdoors. An insatiable desire to use my art to share and connect with others and to hopefully impart a sense of wonder to See Australia and to see it now!

And there is no better way to really immerse yourself like hitting the open road with a clear mind and willingness to discover.

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I’ve been bursting to share this news for a while now....

Canon Lights Awards is BACK and this year will be in four major cities across Australia. 

I will be teaching an Exclusive Masterclass for the Canon Australia Light Awards in Hobart, October this year!

India is a place that both filled my heart to the brim and broke it in a hundred different ways and even sitting down to write this piece I feel conflicted about how to share my experience.

"A stint in India will beat the restlessness out of any living creature" - Yann Martel, Life of Pi.

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 “Our land has a big story. Sometimes we tell a little bit at a time. Come and hear our stories, see our land. A little might stay in your hearts. If you want more, you can come back.” - Jacob Nayinggul, Manilargarr Clan - Kunwinjku language.

My first job back this year put me in the heart of The Top End ( The Northern Territory ) during the Wet Season and it was an exceptional few days of summer-storm-chasing, fleeting but blissful sunshine, and many heart-warming moments.

HAPPINESS IS A PLACE.

A mandate of the Bhutanese state is Gross National Happiness. In translation: Happiness is only** achieved through "sustainable and equitable socio-economic development; environmental conservation; preservation and promotion of culture; and good governance". 

The essence of a unique society: in touch with the traditions of the past, a deep spiritual connection to the environment and the main goal in life being “happiness” - you can’t find a more enlightened travel destination in the world today.

Welcome to Utopia.  

For a few years I have been dying to get over to Norfolk Island. After hearing my grandparents talk about the place they used to visit in the 70’s and being an avid lover of Zach’s (Stuck on a Rock) incredible work, finally the stars aligned and I was able to accept the invitation to visit.