The South East

Although we travel south frequently en route to Melbourne and Tasmania, we have spent little time documenting the countryside of the eastern seaboard. It is well populated, and with the helicopter our objective is to keep away from human settlement in favour of wilderness that is rarely seen or inaccessible.

A recent trip took us across the Snowy Mountains over the summer period. Normally seen covered with snow, the grey granite boulders formed dramatic natural sculptures near the top of Mount Kosciusko. We then continued south to Melbourne, were I recorded the beginnings of new growth after the disastrous bushfires of 2009.

The Flinders and Gammon Ranges are rugged and spectacular, and both are regular stop-overs on our way north. Layers of orange red sedimentary rock often lie canted over at a 45° angle, forming colourful backdrops to the Xanthorrea found growing there. In the dried-up creek beds ancient river-gums spread huge roots through the rocky terrain and seemingly against all odds defy the arid conditions. Poignant reminders of the hardships of early mining endeavors and settlement still remain.