Lens On Australia: The Best Photography Spots For Motorhome Travelers

With its vast landscapes and diverse natural wonders, Australia attracts travellers of all ages who want to explore and capture its beauty through photography. When travelling with one of our Cruisin’ Motorhomes, the possibilities for stunning photographs are endless. This article will take you to some of the best photography locations and give you our essential photography tips to capture the most of your travels.

The Best Locations

VICTORIA

We can’t speak about Victoria without mentioning the iconic Great Ocean Road, where every turn unveils breathtaking coastal scenes. Embark on a picturesque journey with its 243-kilometre route winds through stunning landscapes, making it a must-visit for photographers travelling by motorhome.

Here are the iconic photography highlights:

• Twelve Apostles: These limestone stacks rising majestically from the Southern Ocean are one of Australia's most iconic natural landmarks.
• Loch Ard Gorge: This dramatic gorge offers spectacular views of gigantic cliffs and a serene beach below.
• Lorne: This charming seaside town along the Great Ocean Road offers picturesque coastal views and opportunities to photograph the iconic Lorne Pier. Capture reflections of the pier, with the surrounding hills providing a scenic backdrop.
• Anglesea Cliffs: This geological formation, which contained coal mined during the 1800s, offers dramatic coastal views and impressive rock formations.

Image: The Twelve Apostles

TASMANIA

Rugged beauty nestled south of the Australian mainland, Tasmania offers a photographer's paradise with its diverse landscapes and pristine wilderness.

• Cradle Mountains: Located in the heart of Tasmania, Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park is renowned for its alpine landscapes, ancient rainforests, and tranquil lakes. Wander through moss-covered forests, fern gullies, cascading streams, and unique flora. Look for native wildlife such as wombats, wallabies, and the elusive Tasmanian devil.

Image: Cradle Mountain

• Freycinet peninsula: For a stunning panorama, walk to the Wineglass Bay lookout or wear suitable footwear and hike Mount Amos. The contrast between the bay’s azure waters and the Hazards Range’s rugged coastline is well worth the hike.

Image: Mount Amos, Tasmania, Charlene Manet

NEW SOUTH WALES

The Blue Mountains: Just a short drive from Sydney, the Blue Mountains are a World Heritage-listed region known for their eucalyptus forests, sandstone cliffs, and deep valleys. The Three Sisters rock formation and Jamison Valley provide iconic photographic opportunities.

Image: The Three Sisters, New South Wales, Charlene Manet

QUEENSLAND

Well-known for the majestic Great Barrier Reef and the Whitsunday Islands, Queensland has so much more to offer.

• Cape Tribulation: Where the rainforest meets the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, creating a unique ecosystem of coastal mangroves, white sandy beaches, and vibrant coral reefs.
• Daintree Forest: The Daintree Rainforest is one of the oldest rainforests in the world, filled with biodiversity and ancient landscapes. It is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site covering over 1,200 square kilometres. Home to an incredible diversity of flora and fauna, it includes ancient plant species and rare animals like the Southern Cassowary.

Image: Southern Cassowary, Etty Bay, Queensland, Charlene Manet

NORTHERN TERRITORY

Northern Territory’s destinations offer unparalleled opportunities for travellers exploring with Cruisin’ Motorhomes.

• Uluru (Ayers Rock): Located in Australia's Red Centre, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its iconic natural landmarks and cultural significance. Rising dramatically from the desert plains, Uluru is a sacred monolith known for changing colours at sunrise and sunset. If you have the chance to witness the rain over Uluru, it will create hundreds of waterfalls.

Image: Uluru,Northern Territory, Charlene Manet

• Kakadu National Park: Explore Ubirr and Nourlangie Rock, ancient rock art galleries showcasing Aboriginal cultural stories and artwork dating back thousands of years. Discover Kakadu's iconic waterfalls, including Jim Jim Falls and Twin Falls, which flow seasonally into plunge pools surrounded by towering cliffs and thriving greenery. Kakadu National Park is a great place to watch native animals like crocodiles and hundreds of bird species.

Image: Azure Kingfisher, Kakadu National Park

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Lake MacDonnell is a notable Salt Lake located on the western coast of the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia. The lake is renowned for its stunning natural colours, ranging from deep blues to vivid pinks caused by algae and high salinity levels in different parts of the lake.

Lake MacDonnell is a significant economic resource for salt production and a natural wonder that attracts visitors with its surreal colours and unique ecosystem.

Image: Lake MacDonnell, South Australia, Charlene Manet

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Other than the pristine turquoise waters of Esperance or Ningaloo Reef, The Kimberley region in Western Australia is renowned for its sharp landscapes, ancient gorges, stunning coastline, and rich Aboriginal culture.

• Broome: This coastal town uniquely blends a rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes. Enjoy pristine beaches with turquoise waters and majestic red cliffs. Don’t miss the famous Cable Beach, where camels traverse the white sands.
• Purnululu National Park: With its distinctive beehive-shaped sandstone domes, striped with orange and black bands, the Bungle Bungle Range is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site.

Image: Cable Beach, Broome

Tips For Capturing Memorable Photographs

TIME OF THE DAY

• Golden hour: Take advantage of sunrise and sunset's soft, warm light for stunning landscape photography.
• Stay after dark: capture the Milky Way arching in the sky. The remote locations (like Uluru) with low light pollution create ideal conditions for astrophotography, offering clear views of stars, planets, and celestial phenomena.

ACCESSORIES

• Tripod: Ensure sharp images, especially in low-light conditions or for long exposures (like for the Milky Way and Aurora Australis).
• Polarising filter: Enhance colours and reduce glare, mainly when photographing water and skies.

PATIENCE

• Explore off the beaten path! Venture beyond tourist hotspots to discover unique perspectives and scenes. Find Australia's hidden gems and capture their natural beauty.
• Observation: Wildlife photography requires patience and respect. A telephoto lens is useful for close-ups. Take only photographs and leave only footprints.
• Open your eyes: Look up to trees or down the cliffs. Magic is everywhere. To add depth to your photos, use the leading lines of the coastline or frame your shots with the surrounding vegetation.

REGULATIONS

• Photographs and drones are prohibited in some places, such as sacred places and some National Parks. Please observe the signs and be respectful. You can also get fined if you don’t respect the rules.
• While hiring one of our Cruisin’ Motorhomes, you can drive on unsealed roads for not more than 12 kilometres to join a recognised campsite. So always check online on the government state’s page to make sure the road you want to take is sealed and safe.

BE WEATHER-WISE

Australia's climates differ from state to state. Some have wet and dry seasons, which could dramatically change road conditions. Explore during every season: autumn for vibrant foliage or winter for snow-capped peaks.

ACCESSIBILITY

All the places mentioned in this article have sealed road access and are suitable for our Cruisin’ Motorhomes. When hiking, ensure you have appropriate footwear and clothes (i.e. Mount Amos, Cradle Mountain).

BACK UP YOUR PHOTOS!

Use cloud storage or portable drives to protect your memories on the road. It would be devastating to lose all your beautiful photographs.

Essential Photography Gear

Most mobile phones today can take decent photographs, especially if you don’t want to purchase anything else. So, make sure your battery is full and enjoy the views!

The next step is to have a camera. We highly recommend buying a DSLR camera if you want to explore photography more deeply. Some of the best on the market are Nikon, Canon, and Sony. Find the one that suits your needs and budget!

Don’t forget your accessories! Grab a couple of memory cards, spare batteries or chargers, a tripod, a hard drive, and a microfiber cloth. Put the whole lot in your camera bag to easily access everything you may need.

WANT TO GO A BIT FURTHER?

Having a drone is a game changer. It will completely change your perspective! The images look so different, opening a new world in photography. You can invest in smaller ones, like the DJI mini combos, for lightweight and compactness. Or the bigger drones will take you further and be more resistant to wind gusts.

Before flying, remember to check with local authorities about flying in national parks. Flying over some National Parks and sacred places is not permitted. Usually, a sign will be displayed in locations where flying your drone isn’t allowed. You can also use this map according to your location. Safe flying!

It’s Time To Capture Some Magic!

Those amazing landscapes await! Start your motorhome holiday in Australia today! Call our friendly reservations team on 1300 664 485 or check out our website to see the motorhomes we have available at our branches!

Check out our itineraries page for more travel inspiration!

Don’t hesitate to share your Cruisin’ Motorhomes adventure with us with the #cruisinmoments!