4051 kilometers, about the same distance as driving from Sydney to Perth. Why? Just to see what’s there. I had never been through ‘outback’ New South Wales and when my wife decided she wanted to see some wide-open spaces and red earth for a birthday trip, it just seemed the logical thing to do.
With no real plan, other than to get to Cameron Corner in South West Queensland where the three states, New South Wales, South Australia and Queensland meet, we loaded the van and drove out of Sydney.
For me, living in Australia is all about the coast. Being near to it (preferably within sight of it) has been a staple of my life. A road trip to this incredible country’s arid interior was something special, something different, something I will remember for a long time and something I think I now have a taste for…
All the clichés run true when you head west, but there were still surprises every day. Some may see vast distances of nothing, but look a little deeper and that vastness is something to cherish.
To give a little perspective to these photographs, and to just how big Australia is, we have a population of 3.1 people per square kilometer in this country. Macao has a population of 22,477.7 people per square kilometer. Something to ponder as you scroll down and enjoy these photographs; the red earth and the endless horizons with not another human in sight.
Enjoy your day,
Joel Coleman…
Shelley Ross
Posted at 22:57h, 20 NovemberBeautifully done, Joel. You have captured the feel of the outback … those vast expanses of such isolated miles. Empty, but not really! We see incredible vistas from the air, but sometimes it’s good to see from ground level those endless straight roads that disappear into the horizon. Thanks for sharing.
Joel Coleman
Posted at 22:59h, 20 NovemberThanks Shelly, I spent a lot of time daydreaming about flying around out there… One day 😉
Coral Johnson
Posted at 23:17h, 20 NovemberDear Joel
What a lovely surprise to receive your email and the fabulous photos. A wonderful portfolio of a special journey. Congratulations and a big thank you. Coral
Joel Coleman
Posted at 23:24h, 20 NovemberThanks for the kind words Coral, it was an epic trip and I am glad to be able to share it with you.
Joel.
Freemo
Posted at 23:19h, 20 NovemberWow!!
Rob
Posted at 23:19h, 20 NovemberStunning photography, I’m loving the wide format. Could you share with us what Camera you used to take the photo’s? Keep up the great work.
Joel Coleman
Posted at 23:23h, 20 NovemberHi Rob,
Thanks for the comment, glad you like the photographs.
I travelled pretty light on this trip, all images were taken using a Canon 5Dsr and either a Canon 24-70 f2.8L or a 70-200 f2.8L – The only other kit I used was a tripod.
Dust is a pretty big issue, so a good sealed camera case is also a good idea!
Cheers,
Joel.
John Storch
Posted at 23:24h, 20 Novemberstunning
Audrey
Posted at 23:26h, 20 NovemberLooks like an awesome trip! I’ve always wondered what’s out there! Happy Birthday, Sherrie!!!
Joel Coleman
Posted at 23:29h, 20 NovemberYou should definitely load the wagon and head that way… No surf, but I guarantee you will still love it!
Ivonne Perez
Posted at 23:57h, 20 NovemberHi Joel,
I feel so inspired by your photography!! I always change my computer wall paper everytime you shoot something different.
These photos from the Outback are just stunning!!
Great job! Blessings your way !!!
Joel Coleman
Posted at 23:59h, 20 NovemberThanks Ivonne, it’s always great to hear when people appreciate the photographs that I take. 🙂
Tracey
Posted at 00:01h, 21 NovemberW O W – S T U N N I N G J O E L
Beautiful work….
Brendan Donohoe
Posted at 00:06h, 21 NovemberYoga toes! Love the sly peek from the joey.
Jonathan Gray
Posted at 00:17h, 21 NovemberWow Joel – looks like a phenomenal trip!
tom-paul jagg
Posted at 00:25h, 21 NovemberJoel, WoW, the Bush is so beautiful,,, Wide open spaces and not a care in the world and getting in
touch with inland Australia. (and you by-passed Lightning Ridge;( ) Great Photos as per usual!
Trips like that make you feel like “Aint Life Grand” as grand as it is already. tp
Joel Coleman
Posted at 00:27h, 21 NovemberSo many places I would have liked to go, or spend more time, Lightning Ridge being one of them… Good excuse to go on another trip!
Melissah Douglas
Posted at 01:02h, 21 NovemberAmazing Joel. Love to do a similar trip, it is on the list. Your photos are stunning as always!
Joel Coleman
Posted at 01:02h, 21 NovemberThanks Melissa, don’t put it off – just get going, you won’t regret it!
Jenny Wilson
Posted at 01:41h, 21 NovemberAmazing!!! Makes me want to head out to Cameron Corner again!
Denise
Posted at 01:45h, 21 NovemberJoel you amaze me every time you take out the camera. Wow
Alan Butler
Posted at 01:57h, 21 NovemberWell done Joel,, My Dad and I just finished a narrower loop in NSW of 2,500kms and I agree totally with your comments. I only wish I had a good a photographic record as you so skillfully paint. We need to rely on our memories and some happy snaps. It is somewhat of a shame that so many do not venture very far from the sea breeze. The Blue Mountains is seen as a long way for most, although a flight to Bali is “normal”.
Joel Coleman
Posted at 02:49h, 21 November“The Blue Mountains is seen as a long way for most, although a flight to Bali is “normal”.”
I think I might steal that line!
It does take a bit more commitment to do a long road trip, but the rewards are worth it.
Kevin Deacon
Posted at 07:34h, 21 NovemberHi Joel, Love your outback portfolio, goes to show you put a good photographer anywhere you will get good photographs but when you put a great photographer somewhere, you get great photographs!
As you know I spend a lot of my time producing underwater images only crawling back onto land to shoot occasionally! Those occasions are on my wildlife photo safari tours to Africa. I agree with all your comments, it does us `Sea Gypsy’s a lot of good to go totally terrestrial from time to time. Now you love outback Australia, wait until you see out back Namibia, outback Kenya or outback South Africa! Cheers, Kevin
PS,re your friend Alan, he hit the nail on the head, I have traveled the World and dived everywhere from the Equator to Antarctica, including Bali many times, I have never been to Uluru! The spiritual heart of Australia. I plan to correct that next year. Also a birthday present for my Sea Gypsy wife Cherie!
Joel Coleman
Posted at 07:42h, 21 NovemberCheers for the compliments Kevin, one thing this short trip certainly did was get me interested in travelling further through inland Australia. I totally agree that getting out of your comfort zone is a good thing too. I often wondered while breathing in the dust and dry outback air how the locals would feel if they visited the coast. Would the humid salty air irritate them?..
Looking forward to seeing what you come up with you your Uluru trip next year, I am sure you will love it.
Joel.
Jim
Posted at 12:37h, 21 NovemberWhat amazing images Joel, so beautiful country.
Cheers from Canada
Alan & Lynette Gibson
Posted at 23:36h, 21 NovemberA wonderful pictorial capture of the true Australian Outback through the colours and terrain.’
Your photographs bring back beautiful memories of our trips in the Australian Outback.
S.D.
Posted at 23:27h, 22 NovemberAbsolutely spectacular photography Joel.
Such impressive and incredibly daunting scenery
Sarah Coulson
Posted at 00:30h, 10 JanuaryWow! Just wow …Beautiful!
Joel Coleman
Posted at 00:31h, 10 JanuaryThanks Sarah, it’s a truly magical part of the world!