Tasmania
Overview
An intimate first-class photo adventure through the dramatic seascapes of the Great Ocean Road and the pristine wilderness of Tasmania
Australia, the Great Southern Land affectionately referred to as Down Under is renowned for its rugged good looks and unusual wildlife. On this 15-day photography adventure we will be exploring the dramatic seascapes of the Great Ocean Road and the pristine wilderness areas of Tasmania. Spectacular ocean-carved shorelines, lush fern-filled forests, delicate waterfalls, panoramic coastal vistas, rugged hinterland mountain ranges and colorful boulder-strewn beaches are just some of the scenes we will be photographing. Along the journey we are likely to encounter such iconic wildlife as koalas, kangaroos, wombats, and the Tasmanian Devil. Birdlife is also prolific in Tasmania including parrots, parakeets, birds of prey, waders, pelicans and of course the instantly-recognizable kookaburra.
This photography workshop will appeal to photographers of all levels. It is designed for all fitness levels, however a reasonable level of fitness is recommended to take advantage of the locations which can only be accessed by hiking trails. There is no obligation to join any of the hikes and an alternative activity can be arranged in most cases for those who do not wish to participate.
To ensure that we are well-rested after our day’s activities we stay in comfortable, modern lodgings which are well equipped. Meals are included as noted in the itinerary and are typical of Australian cuisine: fresh, local produce with choices to suit all tastes and appetites.
We are excited to offer this opportunity to photograph the wonders of this amazing part of Down Under and hope to see you there!
Itinerary
The weather in Tasmania and the Great Ocean Road area is subject to frequent change. This may require last-minute changes to the itinerary to both avoid bad weather and to take advantage of good weather and light, as the elements permit. Our intention is to assess the prevailing weather and light conditions to determine where the best opportunities will be.
September 16 – Day 1: MELBOURNE
Arrive in Melbourne, where you will be met by a driver and transferred to the hotel. The day is yours to refresh and relax from your travels. We meet in the evening for our group introduction dinner to discuss the adventure ahead. (D) Overnight Pan Pacific Hotel, South Wharf
September 17 – Day 2: MELBOURNE – GREAT OCEAN ROAD
After breakfast we depart Melbourne and make our way to the Great Ocean Road coast. Before arriving at our accommodations, we will make a side trip to photograph waterfall and rainforest scenes. In the late afternoon we drive to the coast to set up for last-light photography of the famous Twelve Apostles. (B,L,D) Overnight Southern Ocean Villas
September 18 – Day 3: GREAT OCEAN ROAD
We leave the hotel pre-dawn to be in position for sunrise along the coast, exploring the rugged formations found in this area. We will take after breakfast, and in the afternoon we are out again to photograph more stunning seascapes. We take an early dinner before another shoot of the Twelve Apostles as we look for the perfect balance of light and mood. (B,L,D) Overnight Southern Ocean Villas
September 19 – Day 4: GREAT OCEAN ROAD – CRADLE MOUNTAIN-LAKE ST CLAIR NATIONAL PARK, TASMANIA
Another early start for our last sunrise shoot along the coast. Following breakfast, we travel back to Melbourne for our short domestic flight to the city of Launceston, Tasmania. We arrive in the late afternoon and drive west to the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, our base for three nights. (B,L,D) Overnight Peppers Cradle Mountain
September 20 – Day 5: CRADLE MOUNTAIN-LAKE ST CLAIR NATIONAL PARK
We will enjoy and photograph the many mountain, lake, and forest scenes that this area has to offer. (B,L,D) Overnight Peppers Cradle Mountain
September 21 – Day 6: CRADLE MOUNTAIN-LAKE ST CLAIR NATIONAL PARK
Today we explore different locations in the National Park, including photographing an enchanting moss-draped old-growth forest. (B,L,D) Overnight Peppers Cradle Mountain
September 22 – Day 7: CRADLE MOUNTAIN-LAKE ST CLAIR NATIONAL PARK – NORTH-WEST COAST
One last chance to perfect our composition of sunrise at Cradle Mountain, and after breakfast we depart for the remote west coast. We arrive in the afternoon and take a break before driving out to the rugged, windswept coast for last-light photography. (B,L,D) Overnight Tall Timbers Hotel
September 23 – Day 8: NORTHWEST COAST
A full day exploring different hinterland locations as we photograph waterfalls, historic areas and swamplands. In the afternoon we drive to a coastal location for the sunset. (B,L,D) Overnight Tall Timbers Hotel
September 24 – Day 9: NORTHWEST COAST – ST HELENS
Today we travel from coast to coast, making brief stops along the way to photograph. We arrive at St Helens in the afternoon take a break before driving out to the coast for last-light photography of the colorful boulders at the Bay of Fires. (B,L,D) Overnight Tidal Waters
September 25 – Day 10: ST HELENS
A full day around the St Helens area. We start on the coast for sunrise and after breakfast venture into the hinterland forest, including a shoot at a unique historic location. Sunset finds us back on the coast again shooting the twilight colors. (B,L,D) Overnight Tidal Waters
September 26 – Day 11: ST HELENS – FREYCINET
We are out again pre-dawn for first-light photography, where we will have the opportunity to use long exposures to create images inspired by impressionism. After a relaxed breakfast we travel further down the coast to the Freycinet National Park. Our last-light shoot is at the romantic Honeymoon Bay. (B,L,D) Overnight Edge of the Bay Resort
September 27 – Day 12: FREYCINET NATIONAL PARK
Today we enjoy a full day exploring the wonderful coastline and hinterland of the Freycinet National Park. (B,L,D) Overnight Edge of the Bay Resort.
September 28 – Day 13: FREYCINET – HOBART
This morning we photograph sunrise at an iconic lighthouse location before continuing south to the historical city of Hobart, the capital of Tasmania. In the afternoon we drive up to the top of Mt Wellington for panoramic photography over the city and harbor with this rugged landscape in the foreground. (B,L,D) Overnight Grand Chancellor
September 29 – Day 14: HOBART
Pre-dawn we set up at a unique coastal location for sunrise. After breakfast we drive to the Mt Field National Park for forest, waterfall and macro photography. Tonight, we enjoy our farewell dinner to celebrate the incredible adventure we have experienced together. (B,L,D) Overnight Grand Chancellor
September 30 – Day 15: DEPART
We conclude our workshop after breakfast and prepare for our travels home or onward to another destination. Extra accommodation can be arranged for those who would like to extend their stay in Hobart. (B)
Note that departures should be from Hobart International Airport.
Instructors
Michael Melford
- National Geographic Photographer Michael Melford has worked with the Society for over 30 years. He has produced 19 feature stories for National Geographic magazine, and over 30 stories for National Geographic Traveler ...
Phillip Bartlett
- "The great thing about photographing in the digital age is instant feedback. Having the ability to assess each capture, while teaching out in the field, makes it so much ...
Gallery
Pricing
All costs are per person.
Clients who have participated in four or more Visionary Wild workshops or expeditions are eligible for a 5% discount on this trip. Enter coupon code 4ORMORE when you register to take advantage of this discount. Subject to verification.
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INCLUDED: Accommodation for fourteen nights. All meals and beverages (including wine or beer with dinners). All in-tour photographic instruction, land transportation, and guide services by leader team of two photo pros. Domestic flight from Melbourne to Launceston, Tasmania. Department of Conservation concession and permit fees, all local taxes. All gratuities.
EXCLUDED: All international air travel and domestic transportation until arrival in Melbourne and after departure from Hobart, any other travel services required to arrive at the tour commencement location, along with all associated taxes, levies and insurances. Immigration, duty, passport and visa fees where applicable. Personal items including gifts or other purchases, any paid communications, hotel room service or minibar charges, travel insurance, etc. Optional activities not explicitly listed as included in the itinerary.
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Highlights
- Dramatic seascapes, ocean-carved shorelines, lush fern-filled forests, delicate waterfalls, panoramic coastal vistas, rugged hinterland mountain ranges and colorful boulder-strewn beaches are just some of the many photographic opportunities we will have on this journey.
- Wildlife: Photograph koalas, kangaroos, wombats, and the Tasmanian Devil. Birdlife is also prolific in Tasmania including parrots, parakeets, birds of prey, waders, pelicans and kookaburra.
- Small group – ideal for superior field photography experience, ample one-on-one instruction, and enhanced camaraderie.
- Professional instruction by Michael Melford and Phillip Bartlett, with first-rate local support
- Creativity and visualization: learn to find new and unexpected compositions
- Advanced field techniques for landscape and wildlife photography
- Breaking through creative block and making great photographs in challenging situations
- Constructive critiques of participant photographs
- All-inclusive from Melbourne to Hobart
Accommodations
14 nights’ accommodations in comfortable, modern and well-equipped lodgings:
- Pan Pacific Hotel, South Wharf (Melbourne)
- Southern Ocean Villas (Great Ocean Road)
- Peppers Cradle Mountain
- Tall Timbers Hotel (Northwest Coast)
- Tidal Waters (St. Helens)
- Edge of the Bay (Freycinet)
- Grand Chancellor (Hobart)
Travel
