Michael Snedic, Author at WildNature Photo Expeditions

Macro Photography Workshop – Queensland

by Michael Snedic | Aug 10, 2020 | Featured, Short Photography Workshops and Courses

Would you like to learn how to best take great photos of tiny macro subjects? In this half-day photographic workshop, Michael will teach you how achieve sharp, evenly-lit and well-composed photos of anything “macro”.

You will be shown how to use different types of lenses and extension tubes, as well as ways to achieve perfect lighting using various flash methods, diffusers and reflectors. Depth-of-field, an important component of macro photography, will be discussed at length as well as the best ways to steady your camera/lens. Best composition methods will be covered as well. Our subjects will include various types of flowers in bloom, cacti, insects and more.

2 Day Bunya Mountains Bird Photography Workshop – Queensland

by Michael Snedic | Aug 9, 2020 | Featured, Workshops & Tours

Our first session starts with Michael presenting a session on how to photograph birds, no matter what camera you own or level of experience you have. Subjects covered will include composition, apertures and depth-of-field, recommended shutter speeds, focus points, metering, lighting as well as the best photographic equipment to use for great bird photos.

During the next session, we will head into the rainforest for some rainforest bird photography, where Michael will give tips on how to achieve great shots in different lighting conditions.

After lunch, there will be a session on using flash for bird photography.

This morning we head out to ‘Grass Tree Country’. Here we will spend the first half of the day photographing the birds that live there. Species found may include Spotted Pardalotes, Mistletoe birds, various honeyeaters and many more.

After morning tea, we will spend time searching for the Satin Bower birds in their bowers, plus other species.

After lunch, there will be a session on how to best capture birds-in-flight.

For our last session of the day, there will be a ‘Question and Answer’ session, where Michael will endeavour to help you with any issues you may still have with your bird photography.

28 Day Ross Sea Antarctica Photography Expedition

by Michael Snedic | Jul 26, 2020 | Workshops & Tours

Join Michael Snedic on this 30 day photographic adventure starting in Invercargill, New Zealand. We travel by small expedition ship, heading south and exploring some of New Zealand’s amazing subantarctic islands, including Macquarie Island, Campbell Island, Aukland Island and the Snare islands. We will then head to the Ross Sea region of Antarctica, which is one of the most remote places on Planet Earth and one of the most fascinating places in the continent's human history. With shipping restricted by impenetrable pack ice to just two brief months each austral summer, few people have ever visited this strange and beautiful territory, with opportunities for non-scientific personnel limited to a handful of tourist expedition ships.

Heritage Expeditions offers such a voyage on its own fully equipped and ice-strengthened ship Heritage Adventurer, crewed by some of the most experienced officers and sailors in the world and staffed by a passionate and knowledgeable expedition team. This is a unique opportunity to experience nature on a scale so grand there are no words to describe it, and featured in TV documentary Go Further South.

Michael is an experienced (25 years) and widely published wildlife and nature photographer, writer and tutor. His articles and images have featured in many magazines, calendars, diaries, books, brochures, billboards and many other publications. He is the author of two books on Australian wildlife, and is a Nikon School tutor in Australia (although Michael is proficient in all camera makes and models). Michael regularly presents audio-visual presentations at camera clubs and photography conventions, and has been conducting photography workshops and tours across the globe for 18 years.

On this expedition you will have access every day to a professional nature photographer and instructor. Michael is there to help you photograph the stunning scenery and wildlife we will encounter. Michael will be conducting a series of classes throughout the voyage, as well as being on-hand throughout the outings.

Today we enjoy breakfast in the hotel restaurant and have the morning free to explore Queenstown before returning to the hotel for lunch and departing for the Port of Bluff to embark your ship. You will have time to settle into your cabin and familarise yourself with the ship; we will also take the opportunity to conduct a number of safety briefings. You are invited to join the expedition team in the Observation Lounge and up on the Observation Deck as we set our course to The Snares and our adventure begins.

The closest Subantarctic Islands to New Zealand, they were appropriately called The Snares as they were once considered a hazard for sailing ships. Comprising of two main islands and a group of five islands called the Western Chain; they are uninhabited and enjoy the highest protection as Nature Reserves. It is claimed by some that these islands are home to more nesting seabirds than all of the British Isles together. We plan to arrive in the morning, and as landings are not permitted, we will Zodiac cruise along the sheltered eastern side of the main island if the weather and sea conditions are suitable. In the sheltered bays, we should see the endemic Snares Crested Penguin, Snares Island Tomtit and Fernbirds. There are hundreds of thousands of Sooty Shearwaters nesting on The Snares; the actual number is much debated. Buller’s Albatross breed here from early January onwards. There will be opportunities to view the forests of large tree daisy Olearia lyallii which forms a canopy over much of the island group.

Characterised by towering cliffs and rugged sea stacks, these islands have borne witness to many a shipwreck in days gone by. We spend the day ashore on Enderby Island which is, perhaps, the most beautiful of all the Subantarctic Islands. Here we find parakeets flitting above carpets of red, white and yellow wild flowers and on the beaches beyond, the rare Hooker’s, or New Zealand, Sea Lion. We land in Carnley Harbour and if conditions are suitable, climb to a Shy Albatross colony, otherwise we will explore sites within the harbour.

This remote, rocky outpost which endures roaring westerly winds supports one of the highest concentrations of wildlife in the Southern Hemisphere. Four species of penguin; King, Royal, Rockhopper and Gentoo all breed here. You will never forget your first experience in a ceaselessly active ‘penguin city’, where the dapper inhabitants show no fear of their strange visitors. We will also meet with the Park Rangers, visit the Australian Antarctic Base and observe the hundreds of Southern Elephant Seals along the beaches.

With unpredictable ice and weather conditions, a day-by-day itinerary is not possible, but we assess the conditions daily and take every opportunity to make landings and launch the Zodiacs. You can anticipate wildlife viewing, visits to scientific bases and historic sites, as well as the spectacular white and blue scenery.
We hope to visit the following areas:

Cape Adare: A large flat spit of land, teeming with the staggering sight of Antarctica’s largest Adelie Penguin rookery: a tumult of chattering, feeding chicks, territorial disputes, petty pilfering and courtship displays. Curious penguins often come very close, offering superb photographic opportunities. Among the shifting mass of penguins we will find Carsten Borchgrevink’s Hut, the oldest in Antarctica, an overwintering shelter for the first expedition to the continent in 1899.

Cape Hallett: The enormous Admiralty Range heralds our arrival; wild and extraordinary, the mountains rear up towering out of the sea to over 4,000-metres high and are bounded by colossal glaciers. We make our landing at an abandoned base site, now home to large numbers of Adelie Penguins and Weddell Seals.

Franklin Island: Desolately beautiful and rugged, this is home to a large Adelie Penguin population and other nesting seabirds. We attempt a landing and explore the coastline. Possession Islands: Rarely-visited, small and rugged, these rocks support tens of thousands of penguins. Observe the birds’ busy and humorous activity, with the Admiralty Mountains forming a superb backdrop across the water.

Ross Ice Shelf: The world’s largest body of floating ice and a natural barrier, at times creating hazardous weather, with sheets of snow blown at gale force by winds off the polar ice cap. Just 800 miles from the South Pole, this daunting spectacle prevented many early explorers from venturing further south. We cruise along its dizzying 30-metre high ice cliffs, perhaps lucky enough to see icebergs ‘calving’.

Ross Island: Mount Erebus/Cape Bird/Shackleton’s Hut/Scott’s Hut(s) and visits to a scientific field station (Scott and McMurdo Stations are high on our wish list but ice, weather and station operational requirements often make them inaccessible). Ross Island was, and is, the ‘hub of activity’ in the Ross Sea, dominated by Mt Erebus, a monstrous active volcano named after the ancient Greek God of Darkness. The carefully preserved huts of the ‘Heroic Era’ help make the history come alive. If we can reach the bases, we will get a modern perspective on Antarctic Research.

Terra Nova Bay: An Italian research station where the scientists are always hospitable and enjoy showing us around their lonely but beautiful home. They share with us their scientific research and also, perhaps, the best ‘espresso’ in Antarctica!

We drop anchor in Perseverance Harbour, an occasional refuge for Southern Right Whales who come here to calve. Walk to the nesting site of the Southern Royal Albatross and see the strange and beautiful megaherbs on the hills. These huge wild flowers that have adapted to the harsh conditions have unusual colourings and weirdly-shaped leaves. We also seek out other wildlife such as Campbell Island Shags, Light-mantled Sooty Albatross and sea lions.

Early this morning we will arrive in the Port of Bluff. After a final breakfast we bid farewell to our fellow voyagers and take a complimentary coach transfer to either Invercargill or Queenstown Airports. In case of unexpected delays due to weather and/or port operations we ask you not to book any onward travel until after midday from Invercargill and after 3pm from Queenstown.

Please Note: During our voyage, circumstances may make it necessary or desirable to deviate from the proposed itinerary. This can include poor weather and opportunities for making unplanned excursions. Your Expedition Leader will keep you fully informed. Landings at the Subantarctic Islands of New Zealand are by permit only as administered by the Government of New Zealand. No landings are permitted at The Snares.

Anyone in normal good health can join us on this adventure. There are no special fitness requirements, although we will be often climbing into and out of the inflatable Zodiac boats, and walking on shore. Out on the ocean and exposed to the elements it can get quite cold. But it is summer and at times in the sun it can be quite warm.
The ship has a doctor and basic medical facilities on board. If you have specific health concerns or dietary requirements the staff at Heritage will be able to advise you. There’s also a gym on board if you feel the need to get extra workouts.

Main deck triple:	US$ TBA	Deck 3, spacious 22m2 and feature two porthole windows, two single beds and one Pullman bed which folds down from the wall, comfortable lounge, writing desk, private en-suite with shower, ample storage and a flat screen entertainment system.
Superior triple:	US$ TBA	Deck 5, spacious 22m2 and feature large panoramic windows, two single beds and one Pullman bed which folds down from the wall, comfortable lounge, writing desk, private en-suite with shower, ample storage and a flat screen entertainment system.
Superior - Deck 4:	US$ TBA	Deck 4, spacious 22m2 and feature large panoramic windows, king or two single beds, comfortable lounge, writing desk, private en-suite with shower, ample storage and a flat screen entertainment system.
Superior - Deck 5:	US$ TBA	Deck 5, spacious 22m2 and feature large panoramic windows, king or two single beds, comfortable lounge, writing desk, private en-suite with shower, ample storage and a flat screen entertainment system.
Main Deck Single:	US$ TBA	Deck 3, spacious 22m2 and feature two porthole windows, king bed, comfortable lounge, writing desk, private en-suite with shower, ample storage and a flat screen entertainment system.
Superior Single:	US$ TBA	Deck 5, spacious 22m2 and feature large panoramic windows, king bed, comfortable lounge, writing desk, private en-suite with shower, ample storage and a flat screen entertainment system.
Worsley Suite:	US$ TBA	Deck 6, Worsley Suites are a spacious 22m2 and feature large panoramic windows, king or two single beds, comfortable chaise-style lounge suite, writing desk, private en-suite with shower, ample storage and a flat screen entertainment system.
Heritage Suite:	US$ TBA	Deck 6, Heritage Suites are an expansive 44m2 and feature large double panoramic windows, king bed, large living area with a sofa, coffee table and chairs and grand marble bathroom with a double basin, bathtub and shower, large writing desk, floor to ceiling cabinetry for storage and a flat screen entertainment system.

A 25% deposit is required to secure your place.

NB: PRICE LISTED ABOVE INCLUDES PHOTOGRAPHY TUITION FEE BY MICHAEL SNEDIC, WHICH WILL BE INVOICED SEPARATELY

The trip is being put together with our partners at Heritage Expeditions in Christchurch, and they take care of the bookings and travel arrangements for us, while Michael runs the photography program.

There are a variety of cabin classes: several three-berth cabins and a range of twin-share cabin types. As usual with these ships your choice of berth/cabin type directly impacts the price of your ticket.

These prices are in US dollars per berth. There’s also an additional charge of US$ TBA pp to cover landing fees on these protected islands.

7 Day Waterfall Way Photography Workshop – New South Wales

by Michael Snedic | Jul 26, 2020 | Featured, Workshops & Tours

Would you like to spend 7 days photographing New South Wales stunningly-beautiful 'Waterfall Way"? Take the time to unwind on spectacular coastal walks, stroll through World Heritage listed Gondwana rainforest parks, admire granite formations and enjoy the ambiance of country towns, all with your camera in hand. This circular journey includes many national parks and reserves with a diverse mix of landscapes, vegetation, geology, wildlife and walks. So many photographic subjects!

From our first base in Yamba near the mouth of the Clarence River, our initial explorations include the littoral rainforest in Iluka Nature Reserve and a section of the Yuraygir National Parks. Headlands provide the opportunity to spot marine life while the coastal heath is a haven for birdlife. Heading south west, for a refreshing perspective, we explore the forests and waterfalls in Dorrigo National Park. Nearby New England National Park protects a wide diversity of forest types, along with wallabies, gliders and the inquisitive spotted-tailed quoll.

Wollomombi Falls is accessible via short walks in Oxley Wild Rivers National Park, large population of brush-tailed rock wallabies. A visit to Cathedral Rock National Park offers a contrasting landscape, with its dominating granites of New England batholites. Ebor Falls in Guy Fawkes National Park gives us a final option for waterfall photography. Our inland journey home includes the country towns of Tenterfield, Wallangarra and Girraween National Park, completing our photographic journey. This holiday spends six nights in comfortable accommodation at Yamba, Dorrigo and Armidale.

Soak up the ocean views and scenery in Iluka Nature Reserve, Yuraygir National Park and the Coffs Coast
Explore rainforest tracks, escarpment lookouts, waterfall walks and woodlands at Dorrigo and New England National Parks
Visit spectacular Wollomombi Falls, part of Oxley Wild Rivers National Park
Enjoy the granites of New England batholith in Cathedral Rock National Park
View the granite outcrops of Girraween National Park
Immerse yourself in the cultural heritage and charm of the country towns we visit

Michael Snedic, Professional Photographer and Proprietor of WildNature Photo Expeditions, has been photographing wildlife and nature for twenty five years. He is one of Australia’s most accomplished and published nature photographers, his images having won numerous awards. Michael’s images have been published across Australia and the world, in hundreds of publications. Michael is honoured to be a Nikon School tutor as well as The Nature Conservancy Australia’s Photo Competition Ambassador and judge for three years running.

Sun 21 March | Brisbane / Gold Coast Pick Up - Iluka Nature Reserve - Yamba

Your tour starts with a 9am pick up at Brisbane Roma Street Station, before we travel south for a second pick up at the Gold Coast Airport. From here we continue to the Northern Rivers area and take a leisurely stroll through the littoral rainforest of World Heritage listed Iluka Nature Reserve. We enjoy fresh fish and chips for lunch at the local fish co-op before continuing just across the river to Yamba. This delightful village at the mouth of the Clarence River is our base for the next two nights.

Accommodation: Yamba

Mon 22 March | Yuraygir National Park

Following breakfast, we explore the coastal surrounds of Yamba, including sections of Yuraygir National Park. The park protects the longest stretch of undeveloped coastline in NSW and features long sandy beaches, rocky headlands, coastal heath, and abundant flora and fauna. We drive to the coastal village of Minnie Water to begin our exploration of this area, with easy walking options available. There is also the Wilsons Headland Walk with its panoramic ocean views and secluded coves. We return to our accommodation in Yamba for free time.

Accommodation: Yamba

Meals: B, L, D

Tue 23 March | Coffs Harbour - Dangar Falls - Dorrigo

This morning, we leave Yamba and explore further down the coast to Coffs Harbour. Known for its beaches and abundant wildlife, this NSW North Coast city is the gateway to Waterfall Way. We take advantage of the spectacular scenery and stops may include Emerald beach, Sealey Lookout, and the charming town of Bellingen, on the banks of the Bellinger River. We break for lunch before travelling to Dangar Falls, a beautiful 30 metre waterfall set amidst scenic agricultural and dairy farmland. We end the days travel, checking into accommodation in Dorrigo, our base for the next two nights.

Accommodation: Dorrigo

Meals: B, L, D

Wed 24 March | Dorrigo National Park

Today we enjoy a full day in the Dorrigo area, starting with a visit to Dorrigo National Park’s rainforest visitor centre and skywalk. This short boardwalk soars over the edge of the escarpment some 21m above the rainforest and offers great views of the rainforest, the Bellingen Valley and east towards Coffs Harbour. We then enjoy part, or all the Wonga Walk in Dorrigo National Park. This easy 6km loop through the lush rainforest to Tristania and Crystal Falls. Following lunch at the Rainforest Café, we have the option to drive to Never Never Picnic Area for a section of the easy Rosewood Creek circuit walk. After a full day of forest photography, we return to our accommodation in Dorrigo for dinner.

Accommodation: Dorrigo

Meals:

Thu 25 March | New England & Oxley Wild Rivers National Parks - Armidale
Today we journey west on Waterfall Way to New England National Park, another section of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area. At 1600m above sea level, we walk around the summit on the Point Lookout track to take in the magnificent views. We then explore part of the Lyrebird walking track, a 5.5km circuit through eucalypt forest and cool temperate rainforest, past babbling brooks, waterfalls and colourful heath. All the while we will listen for the calls and maybe see the display mounds and courtship of the local lyrebirds. We continue to the spectacular Wollomombi Falls within Oxley Wild Rivers National Park. These are one of the highest falls in NSW where the Wollomombi and Chandler Rivers meet and plunge 220m over dramatic cliffs into an enormous ravine. After viewing the falls from the lookout, we can do the easy circuit around the rim of the Wollomombi Gorge. We continue to the regional city of Armidale, our base for the next two nights.

Accommodation: Armidale

Meals: B, L, D

Fri 26 March | Cathedral Rock National Park - Armidale

Today we travel to the Cathedral Rock National Park. The granites of New England batholith, which formed deep beneath the earth’s surface 270 million years ago, dominate Cathedrals Rock National Park. Some areas of the park were badly affected by bushfire in early 2020, so you will notice changes to the landscape as well as signs of recovery. We have two options for our explorations today, depending on the parks conditions, the Woolpack Rocks loop or Cathedral Rock track. Both offer scenic views across the New England Tablelands. Keep an eye out for Wedge-tailed eagles, cockatoos and Eastern grey kangaroos. In the afternoon, we make a stop at photogenic Ebor Falls before returning to our accommodation in Armidale where we enjoy our final dinner.
Accommodation: Armidale
Meals: B, L, D

Sat 27 March | Tenterfield - Girraween National Park – Brisbane / Gold Coast

We leave charming Armidale and travel north on the New England highway to another historic town, Tenterfield. Known as the birthplace of Australia, this is the town where Sir Henry Parkes made his famous 1889 speech calling for Australia’s federation. There are many heritage-listed buildings to view. Time permitting, we also visit the Wallangarra Historic Railway Station on our way to Girraween National Park for a short walk. Girraween, meaning ‘place of flowers’, is a park of massive granite outcrops and precariously balanced boulders. We lunch in the area before travelling onwards to Brisbane, where our estimated drop off time is 4pm. We can also offer a drop to the Gold Coast Airport if required.

Meals: B, L

8 Day Kakadu and Top End Bird Photography Adventure – Northern Territory

by Michael Snedic | Jun 29, 2020 | Featured, Workshops & Tours

Capture the essence of tropical North Australia with your camera, on this 8 day photographic adventure. This unique photography adventure has been designed specifically with photographers in mind. One of the most pristine and photogenic regions in Australia, immerse yourself in the nature and culture of Kakadu and the Top End. As well as being a bird watchers paradise, it has a rich and ancient Aboriginal culture, pristine and remote waterfalls, some unique flora and fauna, vast wetlands, spectacular gorges, amazing sunsets and wide open spaces.You can certainly escape the crowds here!

We’ll get the opportunity to photograph some of Kakadu’s 280 bird species, as well as the legendary saltwater crocodile, on two private wetland cruises, for our group only. We’ll stay at a true Territory Cattle station and enjoy an Aussie BBQ and sunset at a special and private location on the property. We’ll cruise through the spectacular Nitmiluk Gorge at sunset, stay at an exclusive safari camp in a restricted area of Kakadu, view ancient Aboriginal rock art, swim in beautiful waterfalls and enjoy sweeping vistas.

PLEASE NOTE: Rather than being crammed into small 4WD vehicles, you will travel in a 23 seater 6WD air conditioned bus, with a maximum of 13 passengers. This means each person you will have extra room for comfort and for your photographic equipment.

Michael Snedic, Professional Photographer and Proprietor of WildNature Photo Expeditions, has been passionate about the natural world since he was very young and has now been photographing wildlife and nature for twenty years. He is one of Australia’s most accomplished and published nature photographers, his images having won numerous awards. Michael’s images have been published across Australia and the world, in hundreds of publications. He has also written many dozens of magazine articles on nature/photography since 2001, including Australian Geographic, Wildlife Australia, Birdlife Australia, the UK’s BBC Wildlife and Australian Photography (Australia’s largest-selling photography magazine) which he has been a feature writer for since 2006.

Michael is honoured to be a Nikon School tutor as well as The Nature Conservancy Australia’s Photo Competition Ambassador and judge for three years running.

An early start today (to beat other travellers), departing the hotel at 6.30am and heading south, to the beautiful Litchfield National Park.

We view the amazing magnetic and cathedral termite mounds and we can have a swim at Wangi Falls, Florence Falls and Buley Rockholes which are a series of small waterfalls that are a great place to simply sit and relax. There is also a lovely hike along the riverbank from Florence Falls to Buley Rockholes,

Mid- afternoon we depart Litchfield and drive to Mt Bundy Station, which is our accommodation for this evening. The station has an interesting history and is set in a picturesque bush setting, attracting a multitude of wildlife- it’s fantastic for photography.

Once we’ve settled into our accommodation, we’ll depart for a special evening dinner experience, exclusively for our group ! About 3km away from the main station area (so no lights or other people !) is Racecourse Billabong. This is a lovely spot for photography with birds, cattle, floodplain, termite mounds, campfire, sunset and we can stop along the way too. Help yourself to the drinks and nibbles, while our dinner, an Outback BBQ is being prepared.

Overnight accommodation at Mt Bundy- rooms with air-con. There is a mix of double, twin and single rooms split between 2 buildings. Bathrooms are shared (2 bathrooms per building- suggest 1 male and 1 female)

A later start this morning, departing Mt Bundy around 10am. For the earlier risers, you may like to watch sunrise or take a wander around Mt Bundy and photograph the wildlife, including heaps of wallabies, water buffalo, horses, peacocks, donkeys and guinea fowl.We’re heading south this morning to the township of Katherine, with a stop en-route in the historic town of Pine Creek. Once we reach Katherine, we make our way out to the Katherine Hot Springs. These natural thermal springs are a lovely spot for a dip in the warm waters, framed by native vegetation. For those that don’t want to swim, there are some short walking trails to enjoy too.

We check into our accommodation and after freshening up, we depart for nearby Nitmiluk Gorge, home to 13 spectacular gorges, carved out of the rock by torrential summer rains, over millions of years. Late this afternoon you’ll cruise for 2 hours through the gorge, discovering the customs of the traditional land owners, the Jawoyn people. Discover the stories and ways of the Jawoyn people against the magnificent backdrop of the Nitmiluk Gorge, changing colour with the setting sun. The tour includes a three course candle light dinner, featuring fresh, local Australian produce cooked on board, a complimentary glass of sparkling wine, tea and coffee.

**please note that this is a public cruise, so there will be other people on board. Tables are 4 seater, so the group will be split up at different tables**

Overnight accommodation- motel room with en-suite in Katherine

Departing Katherine, we now head north again to Leilyn (Edith Falls), which is also part of Nitmiluk National Park. Leilyn is well known for it’s picturesque waterfalls and pools, particularly the large pool at the base of the escarpment which is surrounded by pandanus palms and is a great spot for a swim. A large variety of birds can also be seen in this area.You also have the option of taking the Leliyn Trail - a walk that takes you across the top of the waterfall, where you can have a swim in the upper rockpools and will get views of the waterfalls and Edith River from a couple of lookouts.

This afternoon,we make our way into World Heritage listed Kakadu National park through the southern entrance. Kakadu is the largest national park in Australia, has some of the world’s finest rock art and a variety of habitats, including floodplains and savannah woodlands.

Kakadu's many habitats support more than 280 species of birds, or about one-third of Australia's bird species. Some birds range over a number of habitats, but many are found in only one environment, including the Chestnut-quilled Rock-Pigeon, Banded Fruit-Dove, White- Lined Honeyeater and the White-throated Grasswren, which are only found within or near Kakadu National Park.

Overnight accommodation in Kakadu- Kakadu Lodge Cooinda, motel rooms with en-suites (2 night stay)

For those that want to watch sunrise, there is a walk down to the water at Home Billabong and the gardens surrounding the lodge are home to a variety of birds and wildlife.This morning we travel to the very south of the park, and Gunlom. After a scenic drive in, on an unsealed dirt road, we reach a large plunge pool at the base of the waterfall, which is great for a swim. You also have the option to take the walk to the top of the falls where pristine rockpools and a spectacular view await you.

Late this afternoon we travel to Nawalandja lookout and the beautiful Angbangbang Billabong, where you have the choice of taking the loop walk around the billabong to watch the birds, or simply enjoy them from the picnic area. The short hike to Nawalandja lookout is rewarded by a magnificent view over the Arnhemland escarpment.

Overnight accommodation in Kakadu- Kakadu Lodge Cooinda, motel rooms with en-suites

We start today on a PRIVATE 2 hour sunrise Yellow Waters Billabong cruise for our group only. Located at the end of Jim Jim Creek, at least 60 bird species are found in these wetlands, the billabong is home to many saltwater crocodiles and you may see other wildlife such as Water Buffalo.Back to the lodge for breakfast and check out. We now travel to the Bowali Visitor Centre (a permit condition for Photography groups), for a look around and a short briefing by park staff.

We have lunch, check into our accommodation and have some time to relax in our rooms.

Late this afternoon we drive to Ubirr in the very north of the park. Here we walk through galleries of ancient aboriginal rock art, which your guide will interpret. At the end of the walk we reach the top of the plateau, where you can relax and enjoy the spectacular view over the floodplains and the Arnhemland escarpment. The escarpment is also home to a variety of birds including the Chestnut-Quilled Rock Pigeon, Banded Fruit- Dove, Whistling Kite, Bush Stone- Curlew as well as the short-eared rock wallaby. This is a great spot for sunset and we have plenty of time to enjoy this experience.

Overnight accommodation in Kakadu- Mercure Crocodile Hotel, hotel rooms with en-suites

Our destination this morning is Nourlangie Rock, which is an ancient Aboriginal shelter. Here we explore the area and the rock art, which you guide will interpret for you. This area is home to the Black Wallaroo (endemic to the Nourlangie area), short-eared rock wallaby, Banded Fruit- Dove, White-Lined Honeyeater and the Chestnut-Quilled Rock Pigeon.We now travel north again, have lunch and this afternoon you are guests of the Bunitj Clan who are the traditional custodians of the Cannon Hill region. Tonight you’ll stay at the Hawk Dreaming safari camp, an exclusive, indigenous owned camp located in a restricted and culturally significant area of Kakadu National Park.

After you settle in, you are treated to exclusive guided touring to nearby rock art sites and a billabong to take in a spectacular sunset on the escarpment and over the wetlands while enjoying appetisers and cool drinks.

Overnight camp- Hawk Dreaming safari camp in safari tents with en-suites on Dinner, Bed and Breakfast (DBB) basis
There is no air-con here but tents are fly screened allowing the cool air into the tents and they also have ceiling fans.

**please note that your Sacred Earth Safaris guide will not stay with you at Hawk Dreaming, as they have their own guides to look after you during your stay**

After breakfast you’ll meet up with your Sacred Earth Safaris driver guide again and drive to nearby Cahills Crossing. This is the crossing on the East Alligator River that separates Kakadu and Arnhemland and it’s notorious for the larger number of crocodiles that live in the area. We can view the crossing and crocodiles from the safety of the lookout !We now start our journey back towards Darwin. En-route we call in to the beautiful Mamukala Wetlands, which can be viewed from the observation platform. Mamukala Wetlands are home to an array of wetland birds including thousands of Magpie Geese, Wandering and Whistling Ducks, Green- Pygmy Geese and Australian Pelicans. We may also see birds of prey, such as Black-breasted Buzzard and Square-tailed Kite.

After lunch we depart Kakadu and continue into the Mary River region. After a comfort and coffee stop, we continue to Corroboree Billabong, part of the Mary River Wetlands, which is teeming with bird life. Late this afternoon we’ll take a PRIVATE 2.5 hour sunset cruise (just our group !). The wet season transforms the wetlands into an inland sea and replenishes the earth after the long dry and fish, crocodiles and birds breed and flourish. As the flood waters subside, the dry season offers excellent opportunities for viewing birds and wildlife. Keep an eye out for Saltwater crocodiles, Water Buffalo, Wallabies and of course, birdlife.

Species of birds that can be found in the Mary River region include Gouldian Finch, Rufous Owl, Grey Goshawk, Great- Billed Heron, Black Bittern, Rainbow Pitta, Brolga, Jabiru, Kingfishers, Darters, Cormorants and Sea Eagles.

After the cruise we have dinner at a nearby roadhouse and then travel back to Darwin.

Overnight accommodation- Hotel room with en-suite in Darwin city

Our final early start (but worth it !) for a 1 hour drive out to Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve. These wetlands have international significance because of their beauty and natural ecosystems. A variety of fauna may be found here throughout the year as well as a large variety of birdlife (230 bird species have been listed in this area by The Australian Bird Atlas).As well as viewing the wetland birds as we drive across the dam wall, we also have the option of taking one of woodlands walks- either the 2.7k Monsoon Forest Walk or the 2.2km Woodlands to Waterlily Walk.

Along with wetlands birds, such as Brolga, Jabiru, Comb Crested Jacana, Sacred Kingfishers and Royal Spoonbills, we may also have the opportunity to see a range of other birds such as Crimson finches, Double Barred Finches, Rainbow Bee-Eaters and the Rainbow Pitta.

After several hours to explore and enjoy this nature hotspot, we return to Darwin, arriving at approximately 12 noon.

« Older Entries

Next Entries »

Macro Photography Workshop – Queensland

Saturday 29th of August 2026

Where:

When:

Time:

Discounted Cost:

Macro Photographic Tips and Techniques

Itinerary:

How To Book:

2 Day Bunya Mountains Bird Photography Workshop – Queensland

Date: Monday 2nd and Tuesday 3rd of November 2026

Where:

When:

Time:

Price:

Itinerary:

Monday

Tuesday

Topics Covered Include:

Accommodation:

Food:

Temperature:

Maximum 8 participants

Bookings and Contact:

Cancellation Policy:

28 Day Ross Sea Antarctica Photography Expedition

Your Photography Tour Leader - Michael Snedic

Itinerary:

Day 1: Queenstown

Day 2: Port of Bluff

Day 3: The Snares – North East Island

Days 4: Auckland Islands – Enderby Island

Day 5: At Sea

Days 6-7: Macquarie Island

Day 8 to 10: At sea

Days 11 to 22: Antarctica’s Ross Sea Region

Days 23 to 25: At Sea

Days 26: Campbell Island – Perseverance Harbour

Day 27: At Sea

Day 28: Invercargill/Queenstown

Health and Fitness

Our Ship

Inclusions

Exclusions

Berth Types and Pricing

Prices

How to book

7 Day Waterfall Way Photography Workshop – New South Wales

→ Register your expression of interest

About the Workshop and Tour

Highlights include:

Dates

Price

Meeting Point

Transport

Photography Level

Inclusions

Exclusions

Accommodation

Your Leader: Michael Snedic

Itinerary

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

Day 7

To Make A Booking

Cancellation Policy

WildNature COVID 19 Cancellation Policy:

8 Day Kakadu and Top End Bird Photography Adventure – Northern Territory

Next workshop: TBA

About the Workshop and Tour

Locations include:

Dates

Price

Your Guides

Meeting Point

Accommodation