Category: Northern Territory

Barunga Festival

The Community

The Barunga Community or Bamyili is located alongside Beswick Creek, about half an hour drive from Katherine, a 4-hour drive south of Darwin, Northern Territory.

The Festival

Every year, the Barunga community holds sports and cultural festivals open to the public. The sports festival includes basketball and the Australian Football League (AFL) championship with other Indigenous communities in the Northern Territory. The festival also has traditional activity shows such as the didgeridoo-making workshop, bush tucker cooking, spearfishing, and many more Aboriginal culture-related events.

There are also a few different performance stages for music or dancing performances. The main stage, located in the middle of the community, will be the main act or headline of the festival. Paul Kelly, Gurumul, B2M and Briggs were the headline performance when I went in 2015.

There is no accommodation open for the public. Still, the area around the community will be open for camping and caravan parking. Food carts are also available. Barunga Festival is one of the biggest open community festivals in the Northern Territory. I’m blessed to have visited the event twice.

Photos

Here are some of my shots from the festivals

June 7, 2016
Alice Springs

In the heart of Australia’sAustralia’s Red Centre, Alice Springs is a town that leaves a lasting impression on anyone who visits. I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing this charming outback town twice—once for a short holiday on my way road tripping from Darwin to Adelaide return and on a two-week work trip. Each visit offered something unique, but both reminded me why Alice Springs has the title of the soul of the country.

I took these photos during my work trip on the weekend and drove around the area. I still remember how the landscape stopped me in my tracks—burnt orange earth stretching toward the horizon, framed by distant ranges and a sky that always seemed bigger than anywhere else. Even though I was there for work, something about the place made every moment feel like an adventure.

Alice Springs has a laid-back pace that invites you to slow down and take it all in. Whether you’re driving through Mt Gillen, visiting the historic Telegraph Station, or catching a sunset at Anzac Hill, there’s a quiet beauty to the town that stays with you. It’s also a great base for exploring the wider region—from the dramatic gorges of the West MacDonnell Ranges to the iconic landscapes of Uluru and Kings Canyon (if you’re up for a road trip).

I had more time to explore and soak in the local culture during my holiday visit. The art galleries showcasing Central Desert Aboriginal art, the Desert Park with its immersive look into desert ecosystems, and the friendly locals made the trip both inspiring and enriching.

Alice Springs may be small, but it has a big heart. It’s where nature, culture, and history meet in unforgettable ways. I’m grateful for both trips—each offering a different perspective, shaping my appreciation for this remarkable outback town.

May 4, 2016
Nightcliff Foreshore Northern Territory – Aus

I’m lucky to live just walking distance from such a beautiful Nightcliff foreshore but have to admit that I dont go there quite often than I should. Its the best spot in Darwin for a jog or just power walk with the most amazing sunset in Australia. Starting to get myself in to it again and spared some time on the weekend to give it a shot. Its that time of the year when the wet season suppose to be here already but not quite yet. Here’s the backdrop:

Nightcliff Foreshore – NT 2013

Nightcliff Foreshore – NT 2013

Nightcliff Foreshore – NT 2013

Nightcliff Foreshore – NT 2013

Nightcliff Foreshore – NT 2013

Nightcliff Foreshore – NT 2013

Nightcliff Foreshore – NT 2013

February 3, 2013
Golden hour at the Corroboree Billabong

Chasing Light and Crocodiles with the Darwin Photography Walk 2012

The Corroboree Bilabong is well-known for its amazing water wildlife scenery, including various Top End birds and crocodile species. Some tours offer this beautiful place, and when I joined the Darwin photography group, we had a chance to capture this beauty.

It’s one of those places where the landscape shifts with the light, and every moment holds potential for the perfect shot.

A Creative Gathering by the Water

There’s something about photographing in a group. While photography is often a solitary hobby, doing it with others turns it into a shared experience of discovery and experimentation. We exchanged tips, admired each other’s gear, and pointed out interesting angles and movements across the water.

As the sun began its slow descent, the billabong transformed. Golden light spilled across the water, casting long reflections of the paperbark trees and lotus lilies. Every frame became richer and more textured. Photographers call this the golden hour, which lived up to the name.

We focused on capturing the soft ripples on the water, silhouettes of birds taking off into the sky, and those elusive crocodile snouts just breaking the surface. The challenge of shooting wildlife at dusk is part of the fun—waiting patiently, adjusting settings, and holding your breath just long enough to catch the perfect moment.

Crocodile Encounters

The highlight of the evening? Spotting several crocodiles slowly drifting near the boat ramp and around the reeds.

Some in the group captured close-up shots with stunning detail. In contrast, others played with composition, framing the crocs between overhanging branches or reflecting skies. The results were as varied as the group itself.

A Sunset to Remember

It wasn’t just about photography—it was about connection: to place, wildlife, and others who see the world through a creative lens. I like sunsets and reflection on the water, whether on the ocean, billabongs, lake, or even on my drinks ;). And that’s why orange is my favourite colour.

Crocodile at the billabong

Blue bird at the Corroboree billabong

Crocodile at the Corroboree billabong

Corroboree billabong sunset

Corroboree billabong sunset

Corroboree billabong sunset

Close up crocodile at the billabong

Jabiru at the Corroboree Billabong

November 24, 2012