Welcome to the Rob G Photography blog!

Welcome all to my newest addition to Rob G Photography. I will endeavor to use this blog to keep people informed of my photographic adventures whilst providing tips on location ideas and anything else that I feel could benefit anyone who is interested in travel and photography. Feel free to comment and email with requests for information.

My most recent outing was at the Lower Glenelg National Park and Discovery Bay Coastal Park in western Victoria. My first port of call was Lake Mombeong and the facilities at the camp site were excellent and access was easily managed in a two wheel drive. It is approx 10 minutes drive from Nelson. The Discovery Bay Coastal Park  is a majestic 50 km sweep of ocean beach, huge dunes, Aboriginal middens and coastal lakes. Long beaches and dense sand dunes make this a wonderful location for sunset photos. Although I arrived late I was able to get on the beach in time for sunset.

Discovery Bay Coastal Park sunset

 As with any of these particular places I cant emphasise enough about not damaging the flora, fauna or cultural artifacts associated with any location. Take care of it so we can all enjoy it for years to come.

The next morning I decided to head to the Petrified forest in Portland leaving at 5am. Caution is to be exercised at driving the Portland Nelson road at this time of the morning as kangaroos are prevalent. The petrified forest was formed when the forest of Moonah trees was smothered by a large sand dune. Water seeping through the sand formed a crust of sandstone on the outside of the trunks, decaying the organic matter, leaving behind petrified trunks.

Although a difficult spot to get direct sun for a sunrise, the foreground subject options are limitless and unique. These cliffs are very delicate and unstable so it is best advised to stick to any boardwalks provided. The petrified forest is located at the end of blowhole road near Portland. Also located there are a number of large wind turbines. Below are the results from that particular morning;

Petrified forest Portland

A short distance up the walk I was able to look back and get a wider image of the scene

Decay of petrified forest

With sunrise covered I headed into Nelson to organise a camp site and obtain some local information. The Nelson information center is a vast source of knowledge and friendly faces eager to answer any question. I obtained a camp site by the river in the Lower Glenelg National Park. Once again the facilites were excellent and well worth the $15 per night fee. After camp was set I went for a walk on the great southern coastal walk track and was able to relax and truly enjoy this park. Birdlife was very abundant and there were surprises to be found around every corner;

Sundews

Male Koala

Fishing, birdwatching, canoeing and hiking are all excellent options at this tranquil park. With time quickly slipping away and my luck with the fishing rod being non existent I prepared for sunset and headed to a location called Nobles rocks. Its a large midden site and another wonderful location for sunsets and seascapes. The possibilities were once again endless and the sunset was rich in colour with little onshore wind to cause any troubles;

coastal vegetation

Dune grass

Nobles Rocks sunset

The following morning the river was shrouded in a cloud of mist, adding an ethereal feel to an already angelic scene. Unfortunately the mist dissipated quickly but not before I was able to take a few shots. Perfectly reflected water with superb fairy wrens fluttering about and absolute quite is something I truly enjoy about early morning in the wilderness.

Panoramic of the Glenelg River

Morning mist on the Glenelg River

Stay tuned for up coming adventures and events

Rob

robgubiani@yahoo.com