Australia Eclipse: Totality & Tropical North
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Australia Eclipse: Totality & Tropical North

Lodge-Based Photo Safari
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Australia Eclipse: Totality & Tropical North

Lodge-Based Photo Safari
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Trip Leader(s)
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Starting From [Block//Current Price]

Single Supplement: +$1,995.00
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   Deposit: $5,000.00
Start/End

Sydney Airport (SYD) / Cairns Airport (CNS)

Length

14 Days/13 Nights

Fitness Level

Level 1 - What's This?

Group Size

Up To 10 Guests

Highlights
  • Total Solar Eclipse in the Blue Mountains: Photograph the rare 2028 total solar eclipse during totality, capturing the Sun’s ethereal corona and dramatic shifting light in one of nature’s most extraordinary celestial events.

  • Great Barrier Reef, Aerial & Marine Perspectives: Capture the world’s largest coral reef system from above and at sea, revealing intricate reef patterns, vibrant marine life, and dazzling tropical waters at peak season.

  • Ancient Rainforest & Endemic Wildlife of Far North Queensland: Explore the Daintree Rainforest and Atherton Tablelands, photographing remarkable species including the Southern Cassowary, platypus, Lumholtz Tree Kangaroo, and Mareeba Rock Wallaby in lush, biodiverse landscapes.

If you have any questions about a trip, itinerary, or gear, our Photo Experience Team is available for a personalized one-on-one consultation to provide all the details you need.
Trip Description:

This photography expedition across Australia is designed around one of nature’s rarest and most awe-inspiring events, a total solar eclipse, paired with extraordinary wildlife, dramatic landscapes, and some of the most diverse ecosystems on Earth. From iconic harbors and pristine white-sand coastlines to ancient rainforests, coral reefs, and volcanic highlands, this journey delivers an exceptional range of photographic subjects in peak winter light conditions.

At the heart of the journey is the 2028 total solar eclipse, photographed from the beautiful Blue Mountains of New South Wales. A total solar eclipse is one of the most extraordinary natural events to witness and photograph. Few phenomena so dramatically transform the planet in a matter of minutes.

For photographers, totality presents a rare opportunity to capture the delicate structure of the solar corona, subtle prominences, and the fleeting diamond ring effect in crisp winter air. July in the Blue Mountains typically offers cool, stable conditions and historically favorable weather patterns, providing excellent atmospheric clarity during this time of year. It is an experience that transcends landscape alone, a moment defined by light, shadow, and the profound stillness that accompanies one of nature’s most remarkable events.

Our journey begins in and around Sydney where urban energy and coastal wilderness meet. Sydney Harbour blends historic sandstone architecture with striking modern design, all set against dramatic waterfront scenery beneath the Harbour Bridge and Opera House.

Following the eclipse in the Blue Mountains, we venture south along the coast to Jervis Bay. Its luminous sands are among the whitest on Earth, and they reflect light with remarkable brilliance, creating stunning contrast against turquoise waters. Our coastal experience will be enriched by photographing resident bottlenose dolphins, expansive seascapes, seasonal seabirds, and migrating whales. Staying at a luxury "glamping" retreat nestled in the peaceful bushland of Jervis Bay will also present us with an opportunity for brilliant southern night skies.

After Jervis Bay, the journey shifts north to one of the planet’s most biologically rich regions. July falls in the heart of the dry season in Far North Queensland, widely regarded as one of the premier times of year for wildlife photography. Skies are typically clear, humidity is low, temperatures are mild and comfortable, and wildlife activity is strong across reef, rainforest, and highland ecosystems.

The Great Barrier Reef, the largest coral reef system on Earth, offers both immersive marine scenes and breathtaking aerial perspectives. From above, intricate coral formations create abstract mosaics in luminous turquoise water. At sea, opportunities abound to photograph green sea turtles, reef sharks, giant clams, vibrant coral gardens, and brilliantly colored reef fish moving through crystal-clear water.

Nearby, the ancient Daintree Rainforest, estimated at over 180 million years old, shelters extraordinary wildlife found nowhere else on Earth. Here we seek the powerful Southern Cassowary, often called the “gardener of the rainforest,” whose vivid blue skin and prehistoric casque make it one of Australia’s most iconic subjects. Along forest trails and private properties, we may encounter Boyd’s Forest Dragons camouflaged against mossy trunks, vibrant Azure Kingfishers perched along quiet waterways, and perhaps even saltwater crocodiles resting along the Daintree River’s edge. Night spotlighting reveals a different world entirely, with flying foxes, gliders, geckos, and other nocturnal species emerging after dark.

The trip continues into the Atherton Tablelands, where volcanic landscapes, crater lakes, and rich wetlands create remarkable wildlife diversity. In the cool upland forests, we search for the elusive Lumholtz Tree Kangaroo high in the canopy and photograph platypus surfacing along tranquil mountain streams. Granite outcrops provide habitat for Mareeba Rock Wallabies, while nearby wetlands host elegant brolgas, magpie geese, jacanas walking across lily pads, and vibrant fairy-wrens flashing electric blue in morning light.

Together, these regions showcase Australia at its seasonal peak, offering a rare concentration of endemic mammals, ancient rainforest species, tropical marine life, and striking birdlife, all during one of the most favorable windows of the year for wildlife photography.

What's Included
  • All listed meals and non-alcoholic beverages during the workshop

  • All lodging during the workshop

  • Internal flights

  • Great Barrier Reef Cruise & Heli Experience

  • Jervis Bay Dolphin & Wildlife Cruise

  • Airport transfers

  • All permits and park fees

  • Professional photography guiding and instruction

  • Gratuity for hotel, restaurant, and service staff

What's Not Included
  • International flights

  • Meals not listed as included on the itinerary

  • Lodging outside workshop dates

  • Alcoholic beverages

  • Souvenirs and personal items

  • Gratuity for photography guide(s). Please refer to our FAQ section for more details about gratuities

  • Trip Insurance & Medical Evacuation Insurance - see plans here.

Details
  • Final Balance Due 180 days prior to Trip Start​​​​​​​ 
  • Specialized Itinerary terms & conditions apply. Please see our Cancellation / Transfer policy on our Frequently Asked Questions page. 
  • Trip Insurance Required​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ 

 Trip Itinerary 

Most meals included – (B,L,D) denotes Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 1 –  Arrival in Sydney (D)
After clearing immigration and customs, you’ll meet your driver in the arrivals hall and transfer by private vehicle to our hotel. There are no plans this afternoon until we meet for a welcome dinner and photography briefing. Together, we’ll discuss our shooting goals, eclipse preparation, and creative approaches for the journey ahead.

Day 2 – Sydney (B,L,D)
Our day begins with photography around Sydney’s iconic harbour and historic character, starting in The Rocks where sandstone architecture, textures, and harbour scenes create strong urban compositions. From there, we move to coastal viewpoints and dramatic cliffs for sweeping ocean and skyline landscapes, followed by Bondi Beach for surf action, ocean pools, and graphic coastal details. After dinner, we can head out for an optional night session to capture the illuminated Opera House and Harbour Bridge.

Day 3 – Sydney to Blue Mountains (B,L,D)
Today we’ll travel to the Blue Mountains to photograph Australia’s dramatic wilderness. The day includes opportunities for native wildlife, waterfalls, expansive escarpments, and eucalyptus-filled valleys. Working the changing light from multiple lookouts, we focus on depth, atmosphere, and grand landscape compositions before overnighting in the mountains.

Day 4 – Blue Mountains — Eclipse Day (B,L,D)
Today is dedicated entirely to photographing the solar eclipse! Based on weather conditions, we’ll position ourselves for the best possible skies and optimal alignment, capturing this rare celestial event within a dramatic landscape setting.

Day 5 – Blue Mountains to Jervis Bay (B,L,D)
Our journey south reveals scenic countryside and rural landscapes, with opportunities to photograph rolling hills, historic bridges, and wildlife along the way.
Upon reaching Jervis Bay, our focus shifts to brilliant white-sand beaches, turquoise water, and coastal scenery in soft afternoon light.

Day 6 – Jervis Bay (B,L,D)
Today we’ll take to the water for dolphin photography, capturing fast-moving wildlife and coastal landscapes from unique perspectives. On shore, we photograph pristine beaches, graphic sand textures, and sweeping bay views. After dark, a guided stargazing experience offers opportunities for night sky photography.

Day 7 – Jervis Bay to Sydney to Cairns (B,L,D)
We’ll return to Sydney this morning for our flight north to Cairns, gateway to tropical Australia and the Great Barrier Reef.

Day 8 – Cairns — Great Barrier Reef (B,L,D)
At the Great Barrier Reef, we’ll photograph vibrant marine environments, capturing coral formations, reef colors, and ocean scenes. A scenic helicopter flight provides dramatic aerial perspectives of the reef’s striking patterns, shapes, and colors.

Day 9 – Cairns to Daintree (B,L,D)
We’ll enter the ancient Daintree Rainforest today to photograph lush tropical landscapes and endemic wildlife. Our focus includes rainforest textures, unique plant life, and rare species such as the Southern Cassowary. An optional evening spotlighting session allows us to photograph nocturnal wildlife.

Day 10 – Daintree to Atherton (B,L,D)
A quiet river cruise offers close photographic opportunities with crocodiles, birds, and riverine scenery along the Daintree River. Later, we’ll photograph rescued raptors and native species up close before spending the evening with Mareeba Rock Wallabies among dramatic granite landscapes at sunset.

Day 11 – Atherton (B,L,D)
Our focus turns to some of Australia’s most iconic and elusive wildlife today, including Lumholtz Tree Kangaroos and the platypus. We’ll also photograph volcanic crater lakes, rainforest habitats, and endemic mammals, with an optional night session for nocturnal species.

Day 12 – Atherton (B,L,D)
We’ll explore a protected rainforest for additional tree kangaroo opportunities and other unique species, working patiently for intimate wildlife images. Later, a visit to a bat conservation facility provides the chance to photograph flying foxes and learn about microbats.

Day 13 – Atherton to Cairns (B,L,D)
Our final photography day highlights rich wetland habitats filled with birdlife before shifting to volcanic landscapes and ancient rainforest features, including one of Australia’s most remarkable fig trees. We’ll return to Cairns for a farewell dinner together later this evening.

Day 14 – Depart from Cairns (B)
After breakfast, we’ll transfer to the airport for our goodbyes and onward travels.

Please note that the exact sequence of the itineraries on all photography trips will be based on weather and lighting conditions. The goal on these trips is to make sure we are at the right place at the right time for the perfect light on our subjects. Also, itineraries can change for a variety of other circumstances including floods, forest fires, national park closures, road closures, and more. Due to the nature of wildlife and landscape photography, we do not guarantee any specific sightings or specific compositions.
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