The Daintree World Heritage Rainforests of Far North Queensland, Australia is the most amazing environment I have ever experienced. The oldest surviving rainforests on the planet. A magical place where new species of plant, animal and insects are still waiting to be discovered. This collection of photos are the first images I felt compelled to share with others.
It was here that I embraced a minimalist lifestyle where daily life is often dictated by the power of Nature or Mardja. During this time I was camera-less and in retrospect I think the immersion in this ancient forest blocked any thought of using a camera to translate what I was experiencing. Working at an organic banana farm, a holistic health retreat, a camping ground and a resort was of little distraction to the connectedness I feel to that country.
With my lamenting and plans of a brief return visit, I was compelled to purchase an inconspicuous camera to take notes that I could later work with in a studio. The great macro capabilities of that little camera soon had me wading into the rainforest in the dead of night, following the sounds of hidden creatures, then sitting silent and motionless for hours, reluctantly feeding the mosquitoes, while waiting for another call toward the mysteries waiting to be revealed.
I was always most interested in the more intricate side of this well known, awe-inspiring and amazing piece of the planet. The small things that I had become accustom to noticing that most people would pass by, whether it be a slight movement out of sync to the wind, a flash of unusual colour, or an unusual shape that may hint at hidden secrets.
While living there for over 5 years I was amazed by the fact that everyday presented a new magical wonder to behold, from the omnipotent moods of the seasons, the unique wildlife, colourful rocks and leaves, incredibly beautiful butterflies and birds, to the tiniest of insects. In the short time that I spent snapping these wonders I managed to capture a very small taste of the vast bio-diversity that makes the region so special.
I hope you enjoy the images and find some inspiration to help protect such places for the generations to come.
Andy
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I call this photo "Nautilus Home".
Often while walking this particular beach I would come across nautilus shells of all growth stages, from the tiniest ones that look like delicately crafted pearls to fully matured shells like this one.
Not many people walk here so it is not uncommon to find one like this, that has obviously been above the high tide for quite some time, as it is half buried in the sand.
A close look reveals little tracks in the sand leading to and from the opening that was providing shelter from the prevailing trade winds for some little creature.
From the beach I trek upstream from the entrance of a creek where I come across this magnificent tree with its roots holding together the fragile red clay bank.
Its the end of the dry season and above tidal influence the creek is reduced to a mere trickle, linking small shallow pools like this one. I was surprised and a bit sad to see 5 small Barramundi clinging to life in the tiny pool of water, no more than 10cm at its deepest.
There are so many amazing features of this area to discover at every turn.
Like the fantastic natural colours of a rock in the detail shot on the right here and the fact that this grand old tree has a thick carpet of moss thriving from tip to toe, testimony to the pure moist air of the Daintree World Heritage Rainforest. A very special place worth preserving for so many reasons.
