12th August 2024
Exploring the Best Photography Locations in East Gippsland at the Waterfront Retreat
We all know East Gippsland is a haven for boat enthusiasts and wildlife lovers, but did you know it's also a photography paradise?
The region is a treasure trove of natural beauty, offering some of Australia's best landscapes and coastal views. Every year, hundreds of photographers visit the region for picturesque location photography of serene waters and rugged capes.
Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or simply love taking photos, the region has plenty of opportunities to satiate your photography dreams.
Let’s look at 10 of the best photography spots in East Gippsland, as approved by locals!
Bancroft Bay, Metung
Starting our top pick is Bancroft Bay located along Metung Road. This photography gem has plenty of fantastic location spots with a scenic boardwalk, numerous jetties, and calm waters.
As a bonus, you can stroll around the town and visit the iconic Metung Farmers Market every second Saturday of the month.
Best Time to Capture Bancroft Bay
Sunrise is the magic hour here. The early morning light transforms the waters into a beautiful canvas of oranges, reds, and pinks, creating a perfect setting for lighting photography. Going in the early tranquil mornings also means you can capture photos undisturbed at this beautiful bay.
Red Bluff Beach, Lake Tyers
Located just west of Lake Tyers is the iconic Red Bluff Beach. The unique gem is a favourite among locals, especially surfers looking for the best waves. Red Bluff Beach is famous for its striking rocky headland and the vibrant green moss that covers the rocks during low tide.
The beach is also a 20-minute walk to Pederick Lookout Point, with some of the best views in East Gippsland. During the summer months, it's the perfect spot to capture the annual migration of humpback whales along the Kalbarri coastline.
Best Time to Capture Red Bluff Beach
Like Bancroft Bay, sunrise is ideal for photography at Red Bluff Beach. As the sun rises, the moss-covered rocks turn an amazing green, providing a stunning contrast against the dark waters. Going during low tide will also give you the best access to these beautiful rocky formations.
Buchan & Buchan Valley
Buchan is a charming town in East Gippsland surrounded by picturesque landscapes. Situated across the Buchan River, you can capture spectacular photos of limestone caves, waterfalls, and rock formations.
Drive along Old Buchan Road to snap panoramic views of the valley below surrounded by dense forest.
Best Time to Capture Buchan
To get the best photography opportunity, visit Buchan in the early mornings, especially on foggy days. The fog blankets the town and its surrounding locations, creating a romantic atmosphere that's perfect in photos.
For photographers visiting on Easter Sunday, the annual Buchan Rodeo is an additional exciting event for some action photography with horses.
Nungurner Jetty
Nungurner Jetty, located down Nungurner Jetty Road, is another favourite spot for photographers. The sight of beautiful painted boats moored at the jetty, along with wild birdlife and Burrunan dolphins, makes it a highly popular location.
Best Time to Capture Nungurner Jetty
Sunset during the summer months is where Nungurner Jetty turns into a magical landscape. Photographers can capture the sky lighting up the jetty in soft oranges and pinks with a beautiful backdrop for the boats.
Lakes Entrance
Most visitors think of Lakes Entrance when they think of East Gippsland, and it’s not hard to see why! As part of the Gippsland Lakes system, the area has plenty of things to do, and it's also a photographer's dream.
The variety of photo opportunities is endless, from the jetties along the Cunninghame Arm to the vast Ninety Mile Beach. Additionally, Lakes Entrance is home to Bullock Island, where you can see abundant birdlife and frequent dolphin sightings.
Best Time to Capture Lakes Entrance
Winter sunrises along the North Arm and summer sunsets from Jemmy’s Point Lookout or Kalimna will give you stunning photographic opportunities. The interplay of light and water during these times is perfect for capturing the essence of Lakes Entrance.
Cape Conran
If rugged coastal wonderland is on your photography agenda, then Cape Conran National Park is a must-visit. Accessible via Orbost and the Snowy River, the area is home to a host of wildlife, including Victoria's biggest lizard, the lace monitor, bandicoots, and wombats.
Situated in the cape is a rocky beach area known as Salmon Rock, which is also an ideal spot for sunset photography during the summer months.
Best Time to Capture Cape Conran
Sunset is the best time to photograph Cape Conran. The colourful sky reflected in the rock pools, combined with the coastline, will certainly give you stunning compositions. Be sure to use a neutral density lens filter to slow down the wave movements and enhance your photos!
Mallacoota
Mallacoota is a small town in East Gippsland and a year-round photographic delight. The Croajingolong National Park, with its numerous walking tracks and abundant birdlife is another great opportunity for wildlife photography enthusiasts.
Best Time to Capture Mallacoota
Both sunrise and sunset are ideal in Mallacoota. One of the best photography locations here is Bastion Point foreshore, with breathtaking rock formations and tidal movements. Images of the jetties along the foreshore are perfect for sunrise and sunset shots.
Tambo River
The Tambo River, located between Swan Reach and Metung, is famous for its magical reflections. A popular spot for dramatic sunset shots in the area is of a dead tree, where the river meets Lake King.
Best Time to Capture Tambo River
If you’re looking for a romantic shot, sunset is the best time to photograph Tambo River. The golden hour light and the reflective water will produce captivating images of the river and its surroundings.
Mitchell River Silt Jetties
The Mitchell River Silt Jetties, accessible from Eagle Point, is certainly an underrated spot for photography. The lookout at the start of the jetty will give you an excellent vantage point to capture the region's natural beauty. As a bonus, you can relax and unwind in one of the many bars and restaurants after a day of exploring and photographing.
Best Time to Capture the Silt Jetties
Both sunrise and sunset have fantastic lighting for shooting the area, as the changing colors of the sky reflected in the water will enhance the beauty of this unique landscape. Weekdays are the best if you’d like to get a crowd-free shot!
Stony Creek Trestle Bridge & Costicks Weir
The Stony Creek Trestle Bridge, located inside Costicks Weir near Nowa Nowa, is a historical structure that makes for great photography. Although walking across the 20m high bridge is no longer allowed, you can still capture stunning shots in two viewing areas, one close to the top of the bridge height and another at the base.
Best Time to Capture Stony Creek Trestle Bridge
Photographing after rain when Costicks Weir is trickling and foaming with water droplets will definitely add a dynamic element to your shots. The bridge and surrounding area has a unique composition that truly encapsulates the essence of East Gippsland's history and natural beauty.
What to Do in Paynesville
Capture it all at The Waterfront Retreat
East Gippsland is a photographer’s dream, with its diverse landscapes, stunning coastlines, and serene waterways. No matter which type of snapshots you’re after, every photography location in East Gippsland has something to offer.
And when it comes to an accommodation that allows you to capture it all, there’s no better place than the Waterfront Retreat.
A Photographer’s Haven
The Waterfront Retreat is not just an excellent base for exploring East Gippsland, but a fantastic location for photography. Surrounded by serene landscapes, it offers plenty of opportunities to capture stunning images of water and land birds, kangaroos, and the remarkable East Gippsland landscape.
Self-Contained Accommodation
Looking for someplace to stay as a photographer? The Waterfront Retreat has a variety of comfortable self-contained accommodation. Whether you're planning a short getaway or an extended stay, our comfortable and well-equipped lodgings will provide you with a pleasant and convenient experience.
For an unforgettable stay that's conveniently located nearby East Gippsland’s best photography locations, book your accommodation at The Waterfront Retreat at Wattle Point.