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.

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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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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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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“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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 “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.

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.

I was recently invited back to the Northern Territory for my 5th adventure in Central Australia. I will always jump at the opportunity to work here. There is SO much beauty left to see, to be inspired by and to explore.

The raw beauty of the Australian desert literally takes my breath away. It is, remarkably, one of the world’s most harsh and demanding natural landscapes. For 60,000 years Arrernte (the traditional owners of Mparntwe or Alice Springs) have survived here through a deep spiritual connection to land, an incredible level of skill and an encyclopaedic knowledge of the environment and it’s ecology.

“It’s simple. To me, travel is a personal experience. It’s a chance to learn about yourself, who you are and what you want from life. It allows you to see how different the world is and to put your life in perspective. When you remove yourself from your life back home, you’re able to take that time to reflect and see things in your life a little differently.” 

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Nestled behind the sparkling ocean of the Sunshine Coast is a quintessential country escape; a stunning countryside filled with quaint village towns scattered throughout and all within an hour’s drive of Brisbane. Our perfect escape began with the idyllic rainforest setting...

A favourite seaside escape, Shellharbour is blessed with a beautiful environment of beaches, lakes and national parks, incredible local food served with a genuine smile and magical underwater worlds. 

It really does have a summer vibe all year round, with a laid back lifestyle that gently washes away all the noise and replaces it with a sense of peacefulness. 

"All the stress, noise, and distractions of life are left at the surface. The ocean is the last truly quiet place on Earth."

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As a photographer and storyteller I  capture moments and bring them to life. To do this, Adobe Lightroom is essential. So when they approached me to officially help launch their #BeBoundless campaign on the Lightroom Instagram, I couldn’t think of a greater honour. They invited me to share my unexpected moments to show you what being boundless means to me.

Where the sky meets the earth •

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Those places that pull you in an unfamiliar yet comforting way. They connect you, change your perspective. 

My little part in something big, last month I had the highest honour in being a part of the launch of the brand new @canonaustralia #6dMkII.

Escaping the winter blues.  

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As much as I consider myself a summer baby, winter along Australia’s east coast holds a special place in my heart. It is a beautiful and peaceful time of year to spend by the sea. The days are shorter and we find ourselves making the most of each moment and the winter sun before retiring to the warmth of indoors. The skies are bluer and the ocean is clearer. The wattle is flowering bright yellow and the gumnuts are blooming - our nations colours of green and gold are everywhere. Beautiful beaches, golden sand and warmer days are what the Sunshine Coast is famous for, and even in the depths of winter it can still provide the most magical days for sitting on the shore and water warm enough to swim. With daily temperatures sitting steady around 22 degrees (celsius), winter may actually be the perfect time to take advantage of Queensland’s sub-tropical climate and make the most of that seemingly “endless summer".

Palya and welcome to The Northern Territory, Australia. 

World famous for its amazing desert landscapes, cultural experiences and chandler night sky, Uluru truly is the spiritual heart of Australia. Iconic and offering a true Australian experience, the Northern Territory presents a breadth and diversity of things to do in the outback and this beautiful country. 

ON THE ROAD, AGAIN: With COUNTRY ROAD X Live With Us // NORTHERN RIVERS. A change of season is coming; you can feel it in the air. You know the kind, those mornings that are so crisp and fresh that the cool air sends goosebumps all over your body. The sun is beginning to rise a little later and curling up beside one of your best friends in a loft apartment nestled between the beautiful coastline of Byron Bay and the rolling hills of Bangalow is the perfect escape. 

ON THE ROAD: With COUNTRY ROAD X Live With Us // THE BLUE MOUNTAINS. I started out on this journey heading in the direction of the unknown. That’s the true freedom and beauty of the open road. You get to discover more of Australia with the windows down, hair blowing wild in the wind, nostalgic songs and good company – all of which makes heart sing. 

Maintaining an active lifestyle and always dreaming my next adventure, big or small, near or far. Camping is a fantastic way to get outdoors, to escape the bustle of everyday life and find some stillness, some peace and tranquillity in nature — to reset.