Our end-of-the-year challenge is this week. There is no specific Lens-Artist host for this challenge, as the team is acting as joint hosts for the week you can link any team member’s post in your response. You can also link to your post in any team member’s comment section.
The “rule” is that your chosen photographs must have been taken in 2025, and must not have been included in response to any of our 2025 challenges.
We embarked on a delightful journey to Australia early last year, traversing thousands of kilometers primarily along its scenic backroads. The diverse landscapes we encountered stood in stark contrast to those familiar to us in Finland, showcasing nature’s breathtaking variety. As we drove, a serene silence enveloped us, occasionally broken by our reflections on the stunning scenery that unfolded before our eyes. Each vista offered a new canvas, rich with color and texture, inviting us to pause and appreciate the beauty of the moment. It was during this trip that I captured the majority of my photography for the year. The memories and experiences of our Australian adventure remain etched in my mind, a reminder of the wonder found in exploration.
My pursuit for photos, was nonexistent, didn’t yield the abundance of stunning shots this year other than the ones I got during our trip. I did get some, but this time for this post, I have decided to focus my shots on that visit.
The stunning Blue Mountains, with their breathtaking peaks and lush valleys, left me utterly captivated. The rich tapestry of the forest below, filled with towering eucalyptus trees and vibrant wildlife, created a picturesque landscape that was impossible to forget. The combination of crisp mountain air and the distant sound of cascading waterfalls added to the location’s charm, making it one of the most unforgettable destinations we had the pleasure of exploring. The unique blue haze that envelops the mountains, formed by the oils released from the trees, only intensified their mystique and beauty, drawing visitors into a serene world of natural wonder.
We enjoyed a two-week stay at my cousin’s place in Caseys Beach, and I absolutely adored gazing at the sea; at night, I listened to the waves as we fell asleep. I must admit, she resides in my dream location, and while I realize I will never have that, it’s certainly a beautiful spot to visit.
Those who know me are aware of my love for misty imagery; fog and mist continually inspire my photography. On the morning we drove up the mountain, the fog was so dense that visibility was minimal, yet a light shimmered in the distance, gradually revealing itself as the mist began to lift. I have taken a bit of artistic liberty with the edit – adding a touch more sunlight into the image. But I like the end result.
The beaches in Australia are breathtaking, characterized by their pristine white sands and crystal-clear waters, making them perfect for beachgoers eager to soak up the sun and surf. I absolutely love watching the waves gently roll in. During my visit to Surf Beach, I encountered a flock of seagulls; compelled by sight of them, I approached for a closer look. This led to one of my favorite photographs, showcasing the stunning reflections they cast on the glistening wet surface.
There are more than 100 ocean-fed rock pools along the NSW coast and the Blue Pool in Bermagui is regularly ranked among the prettiest. This gem along the Sapphire Coast is all opaline hues, think azure fading to turquoise to blush and then canary yellow. Clamber down the cliff and you’re greeted by the 50 metre-long seawater swimming hole and stunning sea views.
Talbingo is a charming small town nestled in a breathtaking mountain setting, which I’ve had the pleasure of visiting twice due to my cousin residing there. Known for its stunning landscapes, it’s a picturesque spot. During my visit, I was captivated by a beautiful sunset behind this tree. During our visit to Australia, we saw so many gorgeous sunsets, and this was one of them.
The aftermath of wildfires reveals strikingly expressive tree trunks, each bearing a unique story etched into their bark. These charred remnants stand as testament to nature’s resilience, captivating our attention and inviting us to capture their haunting beauty through photography. The textures and patterns formed by the flames create artful contrasts, making each trunk a powerful symbol of both destruction and renewal, begging to be immortalized in stunning images.
The rolling hills of South Australia were breathtaking, adorned with a palette of lovely, muted earth tones that painted the landscape with a serene beauty. Amidst this picturesque scenery, flocks of sheep grazed peacefully, their woolly coats blending seamlessly with the gentle slopes, while clusters of cows wandered nearby, adding to the idyllic charm of this rural paradise.
As we step into the New Year, new challenges await us starting next week, offering fresh opportunities for creativity and expression. I an happy to share that Anne from Slow Shutter Speed will once again grace us with her photographic journey, inspiring us with a new theme Saturday, January 11, at noon EST. Expect to see lovely photos that showcase her unique perspective but also inspiring words that will accompany them, encouraging us all to join in. Let’s embrace this new adventure together with open hearts and imaginations!
Please remember to link your post here, or to any or all of the other Lens-Artists team members. Also, remember to use the Lens-Artists Tag to help us find you.
We are Lens-Artists: Tina , Patti , Ann-Christine, John, Sofia , Anne , Egidio, Beth , and me Ritva,
To learn more about the Lens-Artists Challenge, click here.
Ritva Sillanmäki Photography 
What a beautiful and thoughtfully shared journey. Your photographs and reflections capture not just Australia’s landscapes, but the quiet emotion of being fully present within them. From the misty roads and moody mountain vistas to the gentle rhythm of the sea and those perfectly timed shoreline reflections, each image feels calm, intentional, and deeply personal. The way you embrace atmosphere — fog, light, silence, and space — gives your work a timeless quality. This collection is a lovely reminder that photography isn’t always about quantity, but about connection, memory, and moments that stay with us long after the journey ends.
Once again, beautiful comment, it touched me 😀
That truly means a lot to me 😊
I’m really glad the words reached you and resonated so deeply. When something written touches the heart, it creates a quiet connection that feels very special. Thank you for sharing that warmth — it made my day too.
Beautiful choices for the challenge Ritva, from start to finish capturing nature at its most amazing. I especially loved your opener, the foggy image and that amazing tree at sunset. Glorious!
Thanks Tina 😀
What a gorgeous collection Ritva, particularly the first panorama, seagulls, and vibrant sea.
Thanks Brad, the mountains was a favorite of mine
Thanks for taking me to a part of Australia I haven’t visited. It was great to see it through your stunning images.
Thanks Anne 😀
Ritva, I’ve never been to Australia and I really enjoyed seeing it through your beautiful images. Your opening image of the tree at sunset is stunning.
Thanks Beth, glad you enjoyed them
Wonderful landscapes, Ritva! My favorites are the sunset behind the tree and the serene foggy road!
Thanks John
First I would like to thank you for showing the world the beauty that is my home, Australia 😀
This is a wonderful gallery of sights and places, some I have been to, lots of typical Australian views as well.
Of course they are all my favourites as they are wonderful photos, every single one.
Brian, for typical I aimed for as that is were the beauty lies
I love the softness you bring to us, Ritva. And I love that you capture not just an image, and instead a moment in time.
With that in mind, I absolutely loved the 3 birds with their reflections on the beach.
Happy New Year.
Thanks, your comment is so lovely – capture a moment in time, what a compliment
Ah, those Blue Mountains, the foggy road, the turquoise beach waters, and that sunset — what more could one ask for? These are beautiful.
Thank you Egídio
Wonderful photos, Ritva.
The Blue Mountains view is a classic and one I would never get tired of seeing (if I went there).
I love the waves crashing on the beach too.
I always say Australia has some of the most spectacular sunsets out of all the overseas travels I did in my youth. The colours are so unreal and they continue to change over a space of 5-10 minutes too.
Glad you enjoyed my photos of your home country
Such a beautiful collection of pictures.
Thank you Lynette
Stunning!
Thank you Jonny
A wonderful take on the natural world
wonderful world to photograph. Thanks Margaret
absolutely stunning photos…the sunset one blew my mind!
Thank you Cath,
All of these are so gorgeous but those birds reflections are amazing. It seems like there are 6 birds there because of the clarity.
I did love taking photos of the seagulls
A beautiful gallery Ritva, I especially love the way you captured the foggy road – it makes you feel as if you’re there 🧡 xxx
Wow, Australia really did inspire you to take some wonderful photos! I love that tree at sunset and the foggy road in particular. I’m afraid I didn’t notice the rule that our choices must not have been included in response to any of the 2025 challenges when I compiled mine – maybe Anne, whose post I came across first, omitted to mention it? I haven’t checked so it’s possible I didn’t stick to that – sorry!
I enjoyed how you shared your visit to Australia as your favorites of 2025, Ritva! All stunning, but the ocean scenes look amazing! Happy New Year!
Stunning images, the foggy road to the blue mountains is breathtaking! Beautiful
Hi Ritva. What a gorgeous post! Your images of the Australian landscape are stunning. I think you had the right idea–explore the more remote places. Have you been there before? We mostly see friends/family in the cities, but there’s always the next visit! Have a wonderful new year.