Lonely looking tree
It’s not just the coastline that’s rugged
in Tasmania. The inland scenery can be quite stark and striking too. This shot
was taken not far from Meadowbank Lake while driving back from Mount Field
National Park, just before a heavy rain shower.
The Hazards
This image gives you a good idea of the
scenery and light in Tasmania. Freycinet National Park on the east coast is
home to the The Hazards, a rugged cluster of granite mountains.
Constitution dock, Hobart
Hobart is the capital city of Tasmania but
there is very little hustle and bustle. This is constitution Dock at dawn with
Mt Wellington in the distance.
Horseshoe Falls
Horseshoe
Falls
This is a good example of the need to take
care while photographing. We clambered across several very slippery, mossy
rocks to get to this exact spot, nearly slipping several times.
Huts
You’ll find slightly run-down and
abandoned-looking huts and outhouses everywhere in Tasmania. These two looked
curiously compelling sitting side by side in the middle of a field underneath a
threatening sky.
Lichen – Coloured Rocks
Lichen
– Coloured Rocks
This is British Admiral Beach in King
Island, in the Bass Strait. There’s an enormous amount to photograph just on
this island alone.
Mount Kate Hut
Mount
Kate Hut
This is Mount Kate Hut in the Cradle
Mountain National Park, a place with a wide ranger of photographic
opportunities.
Ian Rolfe shares his images of Tasmania.
Melbourne-based landscape photographer lan
travels the globe capturing stunning scenery and leading workshops. He has won
many awards and received over 2,500 acceptances at photographic exhibitions
both in Australia and internationally. Snippets of his portfolio can be viewed
at www.ianrolfelightscapes.com.
Ian says that Tasmania is one of his
favourite locations: ’It’s a landscape photographer’s paradise,’ he explains.
‘Sparsely populated, it still has many areas that are pristine, wild and
spectacular.” Ian believes that this can be partly attributed to the island’s
location, ‘Tasmania is 40 degrees south of the equator, so the light is
amazing.’
As far as Ian is concerned, one of the
biggest problems facing visitors to Tasmania is where to start, ‘Over 35 per
cent of Tasmania is designated either state or national park and there are even
World Heritage areas. Choosing a specific location can be a bit overwhelming.’
Ian has a slight advantage over those
making their first trip to Tasmania, having travelled there at least once each
year for the past 30 years. ‘I love the island so much that I have visited it
on more than 70 occasions.’ He recommends that newcomers plan their trip very
carefully: ‘Much time can be wasted and disappointment follows when you realize
that you cannot walk to every locations for photography are quite a hike from
the main tourist sports.”
Ian agrees that the wilderness areas of
Tasmania do deserve particular caution, ‘Areas like the Tarkine are remote and
require good planning.’ He suggests that specialized photography tours
frequently represent the ideal solution, ‘I find it best to travel with
like-minded people into these remote areas as they have local knowledge and
cater for your specific needs. ‘Beyond the main island of Tasmania itself, Ian
also enjoys visiting the islands in Bass Strait that also form part of the
state of Tasmania: ‘The islands are even more remote and should be visited on
separate occasions to the main island, as these is so much to see and explore.’
Does Ian ever sense his love of the island
diminishing? His answer is a resounding no: ‘I will never tire of visiting.’ He
insists, ‘I have photographed some remarkable places. However, the light and
rugged landscape of Tasmania calls me back year after year.’
Freycinet
Local knowledge and shooting advice
Freycinet National Park Is the joint-oldest
national park in Tasmania, having been founded in 1916. Featuring some rugged
scenery on the eastern coastline, it has plenty of photographic potential and
is an absolute must for anyone interested in capturing coastal scenery and
dramatic seascapes. Freycinet Lodge is an excellent place to stay and guided
photography-based tours of the area can be booked. It takes two and a half
hours to get to the region from the capital city, Hobart, so an extended visit
is advisable.
- The scenery is dramatic and there is
plenty to photograph. Allow as much time as you can!
- The view of Wineglass Bay from the top of
Mt.Amos is spectacular but it’s a steep and demanding climb.
- Bicheno and Friendly Beaches, to the
north of Freycinet, are also superb spots for coastal scenery.
Mount Field
Local knowledge and shooting advice
The other joint-oldest national park in
Tasmania is Mount Field National park in central Tasmania. The last know wild
thylacine (also known as the Tasmanian tiger) was captured there in 1933.
Again, there is some stunning scenery and plenty to photograph. Camping
facilities are available, as are the Lake Dobson cabins which are owned by the
government. During the winter months, you can even go skiing in this national
park.
- Russel Falls and Horseshoe Falls are both
situated within Mount Field National Park.
- There is a ‘tall tree walk, which
involves strolling among some towering and magnificent swamp gum trees.
- You’ll find an abundance of unique
Australian fauna in residence, particularly visible around dusk.
Photographer essentials – Did you know?
Peter Dombrovkis devoted much of his life
to photographing the Tasmanian landscape and suffered a fatal heart attack
while photographing on the island. The first Australian to be inducted into the
International Photography Hall of Fame, it’s worth looking up his work for some
inspiration.
