As I have said, I have tons of images from our trip; now here is an overload that captures the essence of our incredible experiences. This is the addition to the LAPC /Your Journey 5-10 images, where you will find a small selection that highlights the beauty and adventure we encountered along the way.
Each gallery can be enlarged by a click, allowing you to immerse yourself in the vibrant details and stunning scenery; I might even be bold enough to recommend it as a visual diary that tells our story, evoking the memories tied to each moment.
Our first stop was to look at the views at Kianga Beach on the southern coast of New South Wales, a tranquil 700-meter-long destination known, according to the South Coast Travel Guide, for its stunning views of the Tasman Sea and Montague Island. It is located near the town of Narooma.
Narooma (/nəruːmə/) is a town in the NSW on the far south coast. The town is on the Princes Highway, which crosses the Wagonga Inlet to North Narooma. We just drove through it. The name Narooma is said to be derived from a word in the local Aboriginal language (one of the Yuin dialects) meaning “clear blue waters”.We didn’t end up stopping at Narooma at all, even though it had a nice little port with oyster shops.
We were going to stop for a break in the charming town of Tilba Tilba, a hidden gem protected by National Heritage listing! I read that this delightful spot came alive during the gold rush back in the 1890s and 1900s, and you can still wander among its beautiful Victorian timber buildings. Nestled right at the foot of the majestic Gulaga (Mt Dromedary), it’s the perfect launchpad for exploring this spiritually rich land of the Yuin people. And to me, I loved spotting the cows and the sheep on the hills.
Have you ever heard of Wallaga Lake? It’s the largest lake in southern NSW, nestled beneath the stunning Gulaga Mountain. I was amazed by the peaceful atmosphere— The sunsets there? Absolutely breathtaking I heard, I wish I could have captured the magic around Beauty Point and Wallaga Lake Heights, we had time just to drive through it. Plus, I learned that this area is culturally significant for the Yuin-Monaro people, with Merriman’s Island being an Aboriginal Place where access is limited.
Bermagui, with its inviting Blue Pool, from our previous visit had stayed in our minds, so we decided to head there for a relaxing day. It’s truly a hidden gem along the Sapphire Coast, showcasing stunning opaline hues that blend from azure to turquoise, then blush, and finally to a cheerful canary yellow. After carefully making my way down the cliff, I arrived at the stunning 50-meter seawater swimming hole—interesting fact: it was enlarged to its present dimensions in 1937 by local philanthropist Bill Dickinson.
During our visit in February 2025, we stayed two weeks with my cousin at Casey’s Beach. Casey’s Beach is a sheltered, 800-meter-long sandy beach located in Batehaven, near Batemans Bay on the NSW South Coast, ideal for swimming, fishing, and snorkeling. It extends south from Observation Point, a lookout point offering panoramic ocean views of the Tasman Sea and Snapper Island, often used for whale watching.
It was our base for the second part of our Australia trip. We are so grateful for the warm hospitality of my cousin and his husband for allowing us to stay there, as their generosity made us so welcome. Each evening, it was nice to go to sleep listening to the soothing sounds of the waves hit the shore, providing a calming soundtrack to our nights. In the morning, we would awaken to the beautiful, panoramic view that greeted us, a breathtaking sight to marvel at. I have always dreamt of living by the coast, now I got the taste of it. Enjoying freshly made coffee crafted by our thoughtful host while enjoying breakfast on the balcony became a cherished routine. The gentle breeze carried the scent of saltwater. We appreciated the warmth of family and the wonders of Australia even more.
Here are some photos taken in the morning, day, dusk and sunset and blue hour after it. Night shots are missing 😂 Click on the gallery to enlarge the images.
A tranquil view of the beach Casey’s Beach at dusk, showcasing calm waters and smooth stones along the shore.
I have posted several posts about the first half of our trip, I will add the links to them if you wish to have a look, they are in the order I posted them Sydney – Adelaide – South Australia – Victoria
Describing and illustrating trips packed with activities can feel like a monumental task—at least for me. It often seems like too much, and while I usually tend to overshare for the sake of my friends and readers, I’m now hit with a real challenge: Anne-Christine wants us to pull it off with just 5-10 pictures! Lens-Artists Challenge # – Your Journey in 5-10 images
My husband and I recently ( a year ago 😁, that is recently) took a trip to Australia, and let me tell you, editing all the photos has been quite the challenge! I didn’t write the texts; that was all him, but I’m having a hard time putting everything together, especially with the annoying hiccups from my hard drive issues. I had edited everything before but lost it all, so now I’m facing the daunting task of redoing it. Anyway, I just wanted to share a quick summary of part of our adventure. I definitely plan to post more pictures from our stops, because there was so much to see and experience at each location! Let’s get started, thanks for the text Mara!
This was going to be a day with nothing to do besides drive. The GPS said 750 km and 8 h 6 min from Bendigo to Caseys Beach in Bateman Bay. Start of the journey was full of twists and turns on narrow roads again, which actually made the drive more enjoyable than just staying on highways. The directions seemed to be always wrong, I felt like we going to Melbourne instead of the direction of Sydney. We managed to see plenty of small towns again with funny names. Seriously, there is nothing wrong with the names, but if you are not used indigenous names and languages, they seem humorous sometimes. Even though I don’t even know if these following names are indigenous: Colbinabbin, Wanalta, Moora, Waranga. Anyway, they were next to impossible to remember afterwards. I had to look them up from a map. I remember driving through Murchinson and Violet Town, though. From Violet Town we turned to Hume Highway, and I could just turn the cruise control on and coast – boooring!
We spend 450 km on Hume Highway, and even though the drive was boring, the scenery never was. Just before turning from the highway, we stopped at Yass for lunch. Yass, finally something to eat! After Yass we were directed again to smaller roads to bypass Canberra. We passed Little Billabong, Tumblong, Gundagai, Jugiong, Molonglo, Murrumbateman and Durran Durra (weren’t they a famous band in the 80’s?), before hitting and passing historical Braidwood. Soon after Braidwood we began descending from Clyde Mountain towards the coast,
The descend was exciting. For a while, very steep and winding road surrounded by lush flora, eucalyptus trees and mist. Unfortunately, there is no way of stopping to take pictures, but the going was sometimes so slow, that Ritva was able to take some photos from the car.
Lush eucalyptus forest in Australia, showcasing vibrant greenery and tall trees.
We finally arrived at Ritva’s cousins Heli’s and her husband house in Caseys Beach just before 7 pm. Heli is one of nine children of Family Saarikko that emigrated to Australia in 1969. Can you imagine immigrating to any country with nine children? Most of us can’t even imagine having nine children. And Finland is also pretty far from Australia. And none of them spoke hardly any English. But Australia was very inviting during that era, because the country needed more people. And 11 people at the same time must have been a jackpot to Australia. The father and quite a few of the seven boys ended up in lumber and building industries because they had some previous experience. Few of them ended up building the Parliament House in Canberra. But that is another story and I’m not the right person to tell it. Ritva’s family, with only three girls, emigrated at the same time but didn’t end up staying. The evening after a long day was spent correcting everything that is wrong with the world.
Day after we had it easy. I took a 1,5 h walk from Caseys Beach to town center, to Corrigan’s Beach, to observation point and back to the house. The observation point had been renovated since 2019. Now it had walkways, signs, murals on sidewalk and lookout decks. Nice! After the walk I had to do some shopping for necessities. First, I drove to drive-through bottle shop for beer and white wine, then to petrol station and finally to electronic store to buy an adapter for SD-card, so Ritva could transfer the photos to laptop. Also, some time was spent playing with Baxter the Dog. He is a Jack Russell.
A view from the observation point framed by eucalyptus trees, capturing the tranquil beauty of Australia’s coastline.
On Thursday we took a little drive. Bermagui with its Blue Pool seemed tempting, so off we went. On the way we saw Narooma and Tilba Tilba but we decided to stop on the way back. The Blue Pool was still amazing with its combination of natural and man-made swimming pools. You get the picture, if you look at the pictures. I was lucky enough to video a sea lion cleaning itself between the rocks. Our lunch was grapes, chips and water at the Blue Pool. Catching some rays and taking it easy and people watching, of course. ( Click the gallery to see enlarged images)
Wallaga Lake was also on the way there, with white sands and birds
A tranquil view of Wallaga Lake, showcasing its serene waters and lush greenery on the horizon.Scenic views of the lush green landscape near Tilba Tilba, showcasing rolling hills and a winding road.
We didn’t end up stopping at Narooma at all, even though it had a nice little port with oyster shops. Tilba Tilba is a pretty old village that at present is meant for tourists. It has quaint little shops and cafes worth the visit, if you like that sort of thing. On the way over to Bermagui I had spotted the Bodalla Cheese Factory and I had a craving for ice cream. When we stepped in to the Factory, they told us that they just lost the power and naturally none of their machines was working and we couldn’t have ice cream. Bummer.
Bodalla Cheese Factory, a charming stop featuring local dairy products and ice cream, located on the journey to Bermagui, Australia.
Last town before Batemans Bay was Mogo and no ice cream there either because everything was closed or closing. Mogo is a small touristy town. We didn’t want to disrupt our host’s normal schedule, so we ended up in observation point to see the sunset.
Sunset view through the trees at Caseys Beach, capturing the serene beauty of the Australian coast.
This was taken about a year ago, a rural landscape and farmhouse amidst lush greenery and distant hills in Mittagong, NSW, Australia. The scene was idyllic, under the cloudy sky. I did three edits and let the AI capture them; it was fun how it changed with each edit.This was fun, allowing me to explore various artistic interpretations and styles that breathed new life into the original image. Each version revealed a different aspect of the scenery, from subtle alterations in light and shadow to more pronounced changes in color saturation that transformed the overall mood of the photograph.
A scenic view of a rural landscape, farmhouse amidst lush greenery and distant hills in Mittagong, NSW, under a cloudy sky. Original image
A black and white landscape featuring a house amidst a moody sky and surrounding trees.
A tranquil rural landscape featuring a house surrounded by trees and open fields under a moody sky.( my additional text; A more Nostalgic and painterly effect.
A serene rural landscape featuring a charming house surrounded by tall trees and rolling hills under a moody sky. My additional text, Changing colors to more fall colors.
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.
A panoramic view of lush green valleys and dramatic cliffs under a moody sky, capturing the beauty of the natural landscape at Blue Mountains.
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.
View to Snapper Island in front of Caseys beach with lush trees and rocky outcrops under a cloudy sky.
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.
A serene, foggy road surrounded by lush greenery on our way to Blue Mountains inviting exploration and adventure.
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.
Three seagulls standing on a reflective shoreline with calm water at Surf Beach in NSW.
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.
Vibrant ocean waves crash against rocky shores, showcasing Australia’s stunning coastal beauty ar Bermagui beachA stunning sunset behind a large tree, casting dynamic shadows on the green lawn in Talbingo NSW
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.
A striking view of dry trees against a blue sky, highlighting the contrast of nature’s resilience somewhere on the road in Australia.
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.
Rolling golden hills and grazing sheep in the Australian countryside.
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.
I took my lead from Leanne Monochrome Madness; I am showing photos from the Australian coastline, which are truly breathtaking and capture the essence of this stunning region. I stayed with my cousin at Casey’s Beach in NSW last February. Thanks to her hospitality we were able to stay in this beautiful place for a couple of weeks.
Casey’s Beach is a calm and east-facing beach located in Batehaven. Snapper Island can be seen from her house from a slightly different angle than these shots, adding a unique charm to the picturesque view. We drove to the Observation Point, located at the northern end of Casey’s Beach , this lookout provides elevated views over the 1 km stretch of beach, perfect for a great vantage point in both directions, allowing us to soak in the beauty of the coastline as the waves gently lapped at the shore. I have even painted it at one point, and it now hangs in her house, So I have been inspired by it before, and I hope to return again to experience its magic all over.
A monochrome view of Snapper Island from Batehaven, Australian coastline.
A dramatic black and white view of the Australian coastline featuring trees and rocky outcrops under moody skies.
A tranquil monochrome view of the Australian coastline, featuring rugged rocks and the calm sea lined with lush vegetation.
A serene black and white view of the coastline framed by trees, capturing the natural beauty of Batehaven, NSW.
A monochrome view of the Australian coastline framed by silhouetted trees, capturing the serene beauty of nature.
These two almost same shots are from our trip to Australia, the doors are from the area known as The Rocks in Sydney. This historic neighborhood, with its cobblestone streets and charming colonial buildings.
A vibrant alleyway featuring a blue door and yellow walls, leading to a glimpse of greenery at the end.A narrow passageway leading to a bright exit.
This is a topic free week for Leanne’s Monochrome Madness and I am at the moment experimenting with editing, playing with light and contrast to see how subtle adjustments can dramatically affect the overall impact of an image. As you change the elements, such as brightness, shadows, and highlights, how does it change how you perceive the image? Each adjustment can convey different emotions, stirring distinct feelings or memories within the viewer. Not all the changes are big, yet they can significantly shift the mood of the photo, influencing where your attention is drawn and what stories are told through the visual. The interplay between light and shadow can create depth, drawing you deeper into the scene, while contrast can emphasize particular features, guiding your gaze in a more intentional way. What do you think, was it worth my time to do these edits?
A monochrome photograph capturing the interplay of light and shadow as visitors walk through a stylized architectural space.
A doorway at the War Memorial in Canberra, Australia. This architectural feature not only embodies the solemnity of the site but also symbolizes the passage between the past and present, wherein the sacrifices of countless individuals who served their country are honored. As one approaches the doorway, the intricate details and sturdy materials evoke a sense of reverence, signifying the importance of the history encapsulated within the memorial.
the interplay of light and shadow at a historical site, inviting viewers to reflect on their own memories.A view through an archway, showcasing visitors at a historic siteExploring the interplay of light and shadow at an architectural site, inviting viewers to consider how subtle edits influence perception.A monochrome image capturing a doorway leading to a scenic view, accentuating the interplay of light and shadow.
We arrived at Peterborough around 2 and our accommodations were ready. To my surprise we stayed in a house owned by elderly gentleman named Jim. Somehow, I was expecting motel again. His house was split in half and this pleasant fellow lived in the other half of the house. After arriving fairly early we had plenty of time start exploring the area. We managed to visit Bay of Islands, Bay of Martyrs and The Grotto.
Bay of Islands Coastal Park is part of an Aboriginal cultural landscape. The Southern Ocean has carved a stunning collection of rock stacks and sheltered bays with and small beach coves near Peterborough. This one was nearest to us and our first stop.
A stunning view of the Bay of Islands showcasing rugged coastal cliffs and vibrant turquoise waters.
Bay of Martyrs. According to local legends, it got its name from a pretty brutal showdown between the Kirrae-Wurrong people and the early European settlers. This clash, which some folks call the “Bay of Martyrs,” resulted in the tragic loss of many Indigenous lives and is crucial in understanding the area’s colonial past. The cliffs surrounding the bay are a reminder of that tough time, showing the lasting impact of colonization on the land and its original peoples.
The Grotto was fun because we arrived just after a bus load of Asian tourists. When I saw the steps and long line of people leading down to the Grotto I thought I would never be able to see it. Then I realized that they were all patiently standing in line waiting for their turn to take selfies or have friends take pictures against the Grotto. I wasn’t having any of is, so passed everybody in the line, because there was plenty of room on the deck to take pictures. Luckily, there was a lady standing there who called “next” every 30 seconds to get the line moving. I thought she was the guide for the group but later I saw her with her husband, who had been standing in line that I passed. Anyway, I got some decent pictures but not right in front of the Grotto.
The Grotto is perhaps the most enchanting of all the rock formations in this part of Australia. Part-blowhole, part-archway, part-cave.
After having only the disappointing breakfast/brunch in Port Fairy we had to go grocery shopping in Port Campbell. Got some disappointing sandwiches , we were having so much bad luck with our food choices and finished them with tea in our beautiful half-house, but not halfway house. Then it was time for another beautiful sunset. This time we welcomed at Bay of Islands.
The afterglow of the sunset.
After we settled in that evening we got a very disturbing phone call from Ritva’s cousin Heli. She informed us that we wouldn’t be able to visit Ritva’s other cousin, Kari, in the mountain city of Talbingo. Kari’s wife, Susan. had just gotten bad health news and she was not, understandably, in a state to welcome guests. Such sad news to receive. We had planned on staying for few nights with them and we were slightly panicking. However, Heli graciously welcomed us to stay as long as we wanted in their home. Phew, problem solved, for now. So grateful.
On the way to the Great Ocean Road, we had one more motel to stay the night, in Mount Gambier. Mount Gambier is famous for its Blue Lake, caves and sinkholes. Blue Lake was unbelievably blue. But we were lucky because it’s blue only from November to March. The rest of the year its water looks like in any other lake. However, Blue Lake was formed by meteorite, and it is deep as well.
It is really blue, a stunning shade that captivates the eyes and draws you in. I took way too many photos to prove it, capturing the depth and vibrancy of the color from various angles and perspectives, ensuring I could hold onto this mesmerizing view long after I leave.
Later we went to the Umpherston Sinkhole, which had an English garden in the 1900’s and even a small pond inside of it. The pond went dry and when Mr. Umpherston passed away nobody took care of the garden. Luckily the sinkhole has been renovated and is a lush green spot in the area worth the visit. Only thing that spoiled the visit was the wood mill next to it. The exhaust fumes from the mill were really bothering me down in the sinkhole. Hopefully, it was wind direction and it’s not like that every day.
From sinkhole we drove to Little Blue Lake 15 kilometers away from Mount Gambier. To me the water looked more green than blue, but it was a fun place to visit and see the locals swim and dive from the cliffs. I was afraid even to look at the approximately 10-year-olds diving. I would never jump myself.
Dinner was at Casa de Tequila. Maybe they had good tequila, but the food was disappointing. Where were the spices? Staff seemed all be Asian. Maybe none of them had ever tasted real Mexican food or they hadn’t studied the recipes too carefully in the kitchen?
What surprised us around Mount Gambier, was the amount of pine forests. They seemed to go on and on. Pine wood is not indigenous to Australia, so they had all been planted at some point. Planting pine wood is understandable because building material is needed, and I guess pine doesn’t take over the indigenous trees and plants? We come from the land of forests, but we were still amazed by the size of the forests. Also, we get a fit every time we see an area with clearcutting in Finland. They are ugly. I’ve never seen clearcutting like this before. Once again, the size of it. But you have the landmass here, I guess? By the way Fleurieu Peninsula had large pine forests as well.
In morning we didn’t see any nice places for breakfast, so we hit the road. We didn’t see any cafes or restaurants on the way but around noon we couldn’t take it anymore and had to take a break in Port Fairy. Town was packed. We found out there was running event going on from short distances to kids to all the way to marathon. We were able to find an empty table. Food was disappointing once again. How can you ruin hamburger and fries, even if it was busy.
We had a nice tranquil moment at the Union Café in morning in Robe. I need to mention this, because we didn’t have many tranquil moments during the whole trip, even though we had promised to ourselves to take it easy this time. I drove 4750 kilometres in three weeks with the “high end Toyota” but I still managed to leave the car occasionally. Back to Union Café. It was packed and full of locals. We managed to get a table close to the window and enjoy the people in and outside. Ritva had French Toast that was a sight and tasty too.
After relaxing breakfast we started driving towards Beachport and Bowman Scenic Drive.
Highly recommend. Huge waves and beautiful scenery, once again. Look at the pictures if you don’t believe me. I’m running out of words.
Stunning coastal view showcasing turquoise waters and dramatic waves, framed by coastal vegetation.
The sea’s color was absolutely breathtaking, a rich turquoise that sparkled brilliantly under the blazing sunlight, forming a vivid contrast with the frothy white waves crashing against the shore. The waves were the largest we encountered throughout our journey, rising majestically, due to the wind. With the sun positioned directly overhead, the intense light created challenges in capturing the true magnitude and strength of the waves. I did my very best, with enthusiasm and determination to tackle this task, hoping to preserve a snapshot of that mesmerizing moment, but the interplay of bright light and color made it remarkably difficult—if not entirely futile—to truly express the stunning beauty of what I was experiencing. With nothing but admiration for nature’s spectacle, I realized that some moments are best cherished in our memories.(RS)
Lovely turquoise waters and crashing waves against rocky formations , it is a joy to enjoy these moments.
The drive through Fleurieu Peninsula revealed several picturesque lookouts that left us in awe – I loved the rolling hills and their crests, whatever you wish to call them. The scenery was beautiful, with gentle slopes that seemed to dance across the landscape and trees with splashes of green. We tried to figure out what the difference is between the hills and the crests – perhaps it’s merely a matter of terminology – yet, all the same, they looked so lovely.
We actually drove past the HMAS Hobart Memorial Lookout few times and stopped twice, which provided differing moods between day and evening. The evening shots had so much more mood in them. It was worth the second stop.
A nearby lookout showcased stunning scenery. We saw remnants of broken china on the ground. It must have been the end of a beautiful relationship, maybe sweet parting words. At the bottom of plates, you could see beginnings or endings of words: you piece…, manip…, fuc …ng sh… But you get the idea.
I had some difficulty with what to post, as there are so many subjects to choose from, each with its own charm and allure. After much deliberation, I finally decided to showcase this full hay barn located somewhere in Southern Australia, nestled among sprawling fields that seem to go on forever. It ended up being my choice for this week’s Monochrome Madness, as the rustic looks and textures of the barn beautifully captured the essence of monochrome photography, making it stand out against the vast expanse of the landscape. Its weathered wooden beams and create a fascinating contrast that invites the viewer to appreciate the art found in simplicity.
Additionally, I’m also sure there is a door hidden somewhere within the structure, which makes this fitting as it also qualifies for Thursday Doors. The sight of the barn evokes a sense of nostalgia, even though it is life in the present, and I can only assume there are some animals, most likely cows or sheep, given the sheer number we have seen while driving the rural roads, in need of the hay stored inside, which contributes to the cycle of life on the farm. The barn stands as a testament to the hard work and dedication of those who have tend to the land, reminding us of the vital role these structures play in agricultural life.
Tucked away on South Australia’s rugged Limestone Coast, is the stunning Robe coastline. Tons of travelers have pulled up here and ended up totally enchanted by its charm, and the word got out, that is how we found it.
After arriving we took a quick drive around the area and went to find our sunset spot. It’s hard to miss the brightly painted, 12,2 meters tall Cape Dombey Obelisk. The path to the Obelisk was closed as it sits on an eroding promontory and is unsafe to access. Pounding waves on the rocks around the obelisk could lead to it collapsing into the sea at any time, but there was also a chance it could remain there for another 100 years. You can also see the Robe Lighthouse in some of the photos, we only saw it from the distance.
I hope I’m not wrong saying that that photos tell the story better than my words could. Click the images to enlarge them, I recommend it.
The first sighting of the Robe Obelisk
Grass at the coastlineThe turquoise sea, seagulls and a sunset, just how lovely is it.
When leaving Fleurieu Peninsula it was time to visit McLaren Vale. We stopped at Tourist Info to get some tips which wineries to see.
They recommended three different types of places and luckily enough we took their advice. First stop, and the one we liked the most, was Coriole Vineyards. It was small and cozy and the scenery to the area was great. Coriole was getting ready for a wedding later during the day. Bridesmaids hanging signs and the restaurant setting tables and chairs. It was also the most photogenic place.
Second stop was to the most famous cellar door in the area, D’Arenberg. D’Arenberg is famous for its cube that you can see online every time you make a search for the area. You can see the building from far away and it really stands out. In a good way? I really can’t say. To me it doesn’t fit in. They hold wine tasting in the cube, but we passed. They also had Salvador Dali’s sculptures inside but the tree huge sculptures outside were enough for us. I was more interested in the old machinery that they had for display
We also went to the The Art Evolution Marquée. Currently exhibiting certified limited edition graphics and artworks by Picasso, Marc Chagall, Salvador Dali, Charles Billich and Toller Cranston, all of which are heavily collected internationally and shown in major exhibitions worldwide. We saw them , but we surprisingly ended up not buying anything
Third stop was Wirra Wirra Vineyards, where we had lunch also. The restaurant was trying too hard to be fine dining. My Slow and Low Brisket was okay, but Ritva’s Chicken Caesar Salad was just weird. A piece of chicken and a clump of salad on top of it. I was new in the menu and I’m sure they had had some feedback already because two people asked her, how was the salad. Nice place though and they had some funny tiles in the toilet. Oddly we didn’t take photos from this vineyard
From McLaren Vale we headed to Murray Bridge. For some reason I thought it was big and something to see. Granted, it is the first bridge across the magnificent Murray River and historic, but it was really nothing to see. Also, it was hard to find a good spot for photos. From Murray we drove towards city of Robe, where we were going to spend the next night. We drove through Coorung National Park, which seemed to last forever. We got to Robe before the sunset, and we saw the coastal limestone area and Robe Obelisk. Nice little town and a good place to rest.
One night would have been enough at BreakFree Hotel but we had already paid for two nights. In the morning, we spent couple hours at the empty pool area, and I managed to burn myself a little bit. I wasn’t cautious enough while spreading the suntan lotion. I must mention that the temperature had dropped from 38 to 24 degrees overnight.
Rest of the day was spent in Normanville and Carralinga. The haze made the coastline look super soft, giving it this dreamy vibe that kind of mixes the sky and sea together. Plus, the light shifts when you look around in different directions along the beach, casting a warm golden glow that really brings out the shapes of the land. It’s one of those spots where you can just chill and soak in the laid-back surroundings and the gorgeous views that are all around you.
Fortree Lookout had an old truck as attraction, we noticed several old trucks during our trip. Also the colorful water tank was interesting.
The sunset at Second Valley takes the cake for the day. First of all, I helped Asian male free a stingray from his fishing hook. I held the pole, and he cut the line. I asked him about the hook still in stingray’s jaw. He said that in salt water it can get rid of hook quite fast. Does it rust fast of something, I don’t know. Second Valley had all you needed for taking beautiful pictures. A dock, rocks and limestone coast.
It was time to move on. Next two nights we would spend in Wirrana Cove in Fleurieu Peninsula. Once again, the traffic was not bad at all in Adelaide. I’m sure it can be bad, like in any big city, but we didn’t manage to find any traffic jams. We drove close by another famous wine region, McLaren Vale, but we decided to come back on our way out. The views in Flerieu were gorgeous, stunning, beautiful, magnificent, awesome, splendid, superb, amazing, astounding, astonishing, marvellous, impressive, wonderful. Pick any word you like… Rolling hills, costal areas, forest, you name it. It had it all.
We got to BreakFree Wirrina Cove Hotel before, but we were able to check-in instantly. Probably, because there was hardly anybody staying there. It was off-season but the hotel was in a bad way too. We can’t recommend it if they don’t renovate fast. No rest for the wicked, so after carrying the luggage to the room we headed towards Jervis Bay. Jervis Bay is port from where you catch the ferry to Kangaroo Island. We were forewarned that there is nothing to see in Jervis Bay besides the lighthouse, maybe. That proved to be true, but we stopped at every beach on the way; Wirrina Cove, Second Valley and Rapid Bay.
Jervis Bay, not much to see.
Especially Second Valley was beautiful, and we ended up going back there the next evening for the sunset. Unfortunately, we didn’t have the time or money to go to Kangaroo Island. Instead, we headed to Victor Harbour. On the way we nearly hit a deer jumping across the road. Also, stopped at Delamere General Store for ice cream and Crunchies candy bars, that Ritva remembered from her childhood. Guess you had to be there, as the saying goes, because I don’t care for them, even though I like just about anything sweet.
Marina St Vincent was the first stop in Wirrina Bay – we thought about getting boat to see sights but it was not due to off season available the days we were there, nothing to see here except for few boats.
Rapid Bay is well known for its very long jetty. While the original jetty built in 1940 is closed to the public, a new jetty (opened in early 2009) is now available for use. The color of the water aah
We didn’t really get inspired by Victor Harbor, even though I went to check out the railway to Granite Island. Granite Island might have been interesting, but it was too far to walk and railway wasn’t running. However, we managed to do some shopping for clothes. I bought a fabulous Billabong bucket hat and Ritva bought few summer clothes. While I was waiting for Ritva, I managed to buy 6-pack of Coopers Pale Ale and some McLaren white wine from the bottle shop.
Victor Harbor really did not inspire us as we had hardly any photos from there.
Second Valley at day time
On the road again.
In the evening, we had drinks outside our room and the animals came out. First the magpies. One of them was eating from my hand. Then the kangaroos came. First couple and then a whole horde on them. Even though they were used to people they didn’t let you closer than 5-10 meters. I know the locals don’t care for them that much but for us tourists they are so cute. The rest of the evening was spent washing laundry. I pushed wrong buttons, and the dyer just wouldn’t stop for some reason, and I ended up spending a big portion of the evening in the laundry room.
The day will continue on another post as there are so many photos to share, but this was the last of sunset when we got back to the at the hotel.
I played with this image of a gnarled tree on the hills in South Australia, capturing the rugged beauty and unique character of the landscape. The first photo is the edited original, which tell a story of resilience against the elements. Following this are three distinct color variations; one is a monochrome that emphasizes the stark contrasts and shadows, allowing the viewer to focus on the shape and form of the tree, while the others offer vibrant hues that breathe life into the scene, both highlighting different aspects of the surrounding environment. Or just having fun with artistic liberties 🙂
This is my contrubution for One-to-Three Photo Processing Challenge: April 2025
Last stop was as mentioned before Henley Beach, where Ritva had lived as a small child. The duplex was still there and that house was only about 200 meters from the ocean. The value of the property might have gone up since the late 60’s when they lived there.
At the beach I heard techno music and I saw people dancing on the grass. I got closer and noticed that most of the dancers weren’t young as I expected. They must have members of the original rave era, them being in their fifties and sixties. There was a lady mixing and a MC hyping the crowd. It sounded really good and I even sent some video clips to our son, who is a DJ. He liked them too.
Henley was much busier than Glenelg and a fun beach. For lunch we had fish fry for two that was more like for four people. Couldn’t finish all that batter and grease. Too hungry to take photos of the food and also it was so hot as we could not find a spot in the shade and had no wish to inside the restaurant.
To be on a beach and not take sunset photos would be a crime. The beauty of nature unfolds before your eyes as the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky with hues of orange, pink, and purple, creating a breathtaking canvas that seems almost surreal. Time passed quickly while watching people and the ever changing colors of the sky, each moment providing a new angle of light and shadow, a new opportunity for capturing the perfect shot. A local had kindly told us on which side of the pier the sunset was better photographed, with less people in the way.
It was too early to go to our final destination of the day, Henley Beach, so drove to famous Barrossa Valley for wine tasting at Seppelfield Wines. Ritva had wine and I had water, as always. Seppelfield is one of the oldest wineries in the region and they had a mausoleum up on a hill for the founders, but it was too hot to go up there. It was 41 degrees, which tells us that autumn is just around the corner for South Australia. Barrossa has Jacob’s Creek vineyards and many more that were familiar to us. There are many small vineyards, but most of the area is owned by big companies, even though they don’t always use the name of their main brand.
Seppeltsfield Road is just under an hour’s drive from Adelaide in South Australia .The palm trees along the road look out of place, I looked up the history of the the western entrance to that starts off with this awesome Avenue of Palms – a five-kilometre stretch of Canary Island Date Palms, planted by the Seppeltsfield workers back during the Great Depression. Now, there are over 2000 heritage-listed palms lining the sides of Seppeltsfield Road, and it was worth seeing.
Most of the time we enjoyed the rolling hills, which offered breathtaking views and a sense of tranquility that was hard to match. The waterlines above the ground are something we don’t have in Finland for the obvious reasons, such as climate and geography, but their unique presence here did get our attention and the cows 🙂
On the way we passed, Millbrook reservoir, the deep blue water caused us to stop. I found out that the reservoir got its name from the little town of Millbrook that used to sit right above the dam. They tore Millbrook down when they were building the reservoir, but it used to be a lively spot along the main road from Adelaide to Mount Pleasant.
Once again so many images that I am going to do a separate post on Henley Beach.
Tuesday’s schedule was decided the night before because the weather forecast promised 43 degrees Celsius for Adelaide. It was going to be driving day for us. Staying and walking around city would be murder. First stop Mount Lofty’s Summit. You got a real nice view of the city from there, but getting really good photos was not that easy. This girl from Fidzi it was her first time traveling aboard, she was so excited to be there that she had her photo taken with a flag. I had to capture her joy. The color coordinated couple, no other reason than that.
From there you got a good overview of the city. Next stop historical German city of Hahndorf. Hahndorf was picturesque but it’s hard to get good pics because the parked cars ruin the view, ours included. We did manage to get a few.
Being off-season Hahndorf was quiet besides the lunch hour, when it was hard to find parking. And it was so damn hot that we didn’t walk around as much as we would have wanted. Instead we parked ourselves to a small café for strawberry smoothies and shared a piece of cake. As you can see from the photographs it was an old town with nice historic details all around. Antique stores were fun to go through.
Ritva Sillanmäki Photography 