Chasing Totality

This extraordinary photography expedition across Australia is built around one of nature’s rarest events, the 2028 total solar eclipse, paired with remarkable wildlife, landscapes, and diverse ecosystems. From iconic harbors and brilliant white-sand beaches to ancient rainforests and coral reefs, this journey offers an incredible range of photographic opportunities during Australia’s crisp winter season.

At the heart of the trip is the 2028 total solar eclipse, photographed from the spectacular Blue Mountains. During totality, the moon completely covers the sun, revealing the delicate solar corona and the fleeting diamond ring effect, one of the most dramatic natural phenomena on Earth.

Our journey begins in Sydney, before traveling south to Jervis Bay, home to some of the whitest sands on Earth and rich marine life including dolphins and migrating whales.

We then continue north to Far North Queensland, exploring the Great Barrier Reef, the ancient Daintree Rainforest, and the wildlife-rich Atherton Tablelands, where we search for cassowaries, tree kangaroos, platypus, and vibrant Australian birdlife.

Together, these regions showcase Australia at its seasonal peak, combining a once-in-a-lifetime solar eclipse with extraordinary wildlife and landscapes across one of the most photogenic places on Earth.

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.