Chasing Stars and Sunrises: A Photography Adventure at Mt Buffalo

Twilight at Mt. Buffalo Chalet lookout

Mt Buffalo National Park had long been on my radar for Astrolandscape photography. When the end of January aligned with the new moon, it was the perfect opportunity to make the trip. My brother from another mother, Jason Perry, and I set out to capture the Cathedral and other stunning rock formations under pristine dark skies.

Day One – Scouting and First Night of Shooting

The Cathedral

We arrived at Mt Buffalo National Park and spent the day scouting locations around The Cathedral, a striking rock formation perfect for night photography. After locking in our compositions, we made a detour to Mt. Buffalo Chalet, deciding it would be an ideal location for early-morning shots between 2:30 AM and sunrise.

With our plan set, we made our way into Bright to rest before the night’s shoot. At 8:00 PM, we were back at The Cathedral with cameras ready. The Milky Way arched above us, and we spent the next six hours capturing its brilliance.

By 1:00 AM, fatigue hit me hard. I had just wrapped up a week of camping with family before making the long drive up the mountain. Feeling a little lightheaded, I took a break, heading back to the car for an hour’s rest while Jason kept shooting. By 2:00 AM, I was feeling refreshed, and we drove to Mt Buffalo Chalet.

The View from Mt. Buffalo Chatel

Watching the Milky Way fade as the first light of dawn crept in was nothing short of breathtaking. We stayed there until sunrise, capturing the incredible transition from night to day.

Day Two – Sunrise, Coffee, and The Horn

With the first night’s mission complete, we entered Bright and stopped at Sixpence Coffee. After a long shooting night, that first cup of coffee was blissful. If you ever find yourself in Bright, I highly recommend it!

From there, we returned to Lake Catani Campground, a fantastic spot with hot showers, a camp kitchen, laundry facilities, and clean toilets—luxuries you don’t always get when out on location. We slept from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM, preparing for another long night.

This time, our target was The Horn, an incredible granite formation offering stunning views of the Australian Alps. This location is popular with climbers, and earlier in the day, we had the chance to chat with a couple of them about their experiences. We’re hoping to meet up with them again in April at Mt Arapiles.

One of the highlights of this session was capturing C/2024 G3 Atlas, a comet that had recently passed the Sun. Though its nucleus had broken up, the tail remained visible—a rare and exciting opportunity for deep-sky photography.

C/2024 G3 Atlas.

Final Night – Star Trails at The Horn

As darkness fell, I set up at The Horn Hut, a small stone shelter that became the centrepiece of my star trail shot. Using my 50mm lens, I framed the hut. I set my intervalometer to infinity, capturing 812 images to create a dramatic star trail over the structure. Meanwhile, Jason headed up the stairs to work on his planned compositions.

We shot until 2:30 AM, then returned to Lake Catani Campground for a short rest before hitting the road at 6:30 AM to head back to Melbourne.

Final Thoughts

This trip was everything I love about Australian landscape photography—the adventure, the camaraderie, and the thrill of capturing the night sky in one of the most beautiful locations in Australia.

Being up in the Australian Alps, surrounded by the grandeur of Mt Buffalo, reinforced why I’m so passionate about what I do. The combination of pristine dark skies, dramatic rock formations, and endless opportunities for creative compositions makes this a must-visit location for any night photographer.

Would I do it again? Absolutely. And I can’t wait for the next adventure.

Gear Used:

• Camera: Nikon Z7II

• Lens: Nikkor 14-24mm f/2.8 G & 50mm f/1.8

• Tripod: Manfrotto 055, Newer levelling base, Sunwayfoto DT-03 Panoramic Head, Sunwayfoto DMP-140R Nodal Rail

• Bag: F-Stop Shinn, F-Stop Pro ICU X-Large

• Accessories: Intervalometer for star trails, Lens Warmers

Melbourne Ironman 70.3 – A Last-Minute Decision

Taking the Leap

For weeks, my friend Corey and I debated a significant decision: Should he participate in the Melbourne Ironman 70.3? It wasn’t a question of fitness; Corey was already training for a full Ironman in Busselton, WA, just weeks after the Melbourne event. Our main concern was whether competing in Melbourne would negatively impact his performance in Busselton.

Every time he called, my answer remained: “Mate, I think you should go for it!” Opportunities to challenge yourself don’t come around often; this race could provide an incredible experience.

A few days before the event, Corey decided—he was in. What began as hesitation quickly transformed into action. He registered and packed his gear, and we headed down to St Kilda on race day before we knew it.

 Overcoming Last-Minute Challenges

The journey to the start line wasn’t smooth. A bike recall due to a potential defect almost derailed our plans, but luckily, it was cleared in time. Then, there was the calf strain bothering Corey leading up to the race. Miraculously, it settled just before race day—almost as if his body knew it was time to step up.

Race Day: The Ultimate Test

At 3 a.m., we were awake and on our way to the event. The atmosphere in St Kilda was electric. Athletes were making final gear checks, stretching, and mentally preparing for the hours ahead.

At 6:15 a.m., the race began with the 1.9-km swim. Watching the competitors cut through the water, focused and relentless, was inspiring. Next came the 90-km bike ride, where Corey pushed hard through the course, maintaining his focus despite the early morning chill and the challenges of the terrain. Finally, he faced the 21-km run—the last stretch to the finish.

Corey crossed the finish line in an impressive 4 hours and 46 minutes. Witnessing him push past exhaustion and fully embrace the challenge was something special. The energy at the finish line was remarkable—every athlete was battling their personal limits, proving to themselves what they were capable of achieving.

A Lesson in Taking the Shot

This experience reinforced a belief I hold dear: When an opportunity arises, take it. You never know how things will unfold, but pushing yourself beyond your comfort zone often leads to the best stories. Corey’s last-minute decision was not just about the race; it was about challenging himself, embracing uncertainty, and ultimately proving that limits are often just mental barriers waiting to be broken.

The Melbourne Ironman 70.3 wasn’t merely another race; it was a reminder that sometimes, the best decisions are those you don’t overthink.

Captured Moments: Stay tuned for a photo series from the event, coming soon! 

Follow the Journey: Keep up with my latest photography and adventures on @titan.416. 

Join the Conversation: Have you ever taken on a challenge at the last minute? Share your story in the comments!

2020 – A Lockdown

Capturing Stillness in a Standstill World

During the lockdown enforced by the Andrew’s government in Victoria, I immersed myself in a unique and challenging reality. The streets were empty, businesses were shuttered, and an eerie quietness settled over the city. With the world outside at a standstill, I turned inward, using my camera to document the nuances of everyday life within the confines of my home.

With routines disrupted and social interactions limited, time itself seemed to slow. Each day unfolded in a pattern of stillness, where small moments took on profound meaning. This project captures the intimate moments that often go unnoticed—the soft morning light filtering through the curtains, the quiet solitude of a still afternoon, the flickering glow of a bedside lamp illuminating pages of a book, and the rhythm of daily routines that provided a sense of normalcy in an uncertain time.

Photography as a Lens Into Isolation

Photography became my way of exploring the mundane and extraordinary aspects of life during this unprecedented period. Each image reflects the emotions experienced in isolation—solitude, anxiety, hope, and connection.

Through my lens, I sought to portray how our homes transformed into sanctuaries, workplaces, and schools, each corner filled with fragments of our lives adapting to new realities. A kitchen table once used for quick meals became a workspace filled with notes and coffee cups. Windows became our portals to the outside world, where we gazed longingly at empty streets and distant figures.

Yet, amidst the isolation, there was also a connection. Video calls replaced in-person conversations, handwritten letters found their way into mailboxes, and balconies became gathering points for moments of shared acknowledgment. The contrast between distance, closeness, longing, and comfort played out in the quiet images I captured.

A Reflection of Resilience

Beyond simply documenting history, this body of work serves as a reminder of resilience and the strength of the human spirit. The lockdown forced us to redefine the meaning of presence—physically and emotionally. I invite viewers to engage with the spaces we inhabit and recognise the beauty in quiet moments that define our existence.

Stillness has a certain poetry. It allows for reflection, appreciation, and understanding. In a time when we were physically distanced yet emotionally connected, I hope these photographs evoke a sense of shared experience, reinforcing the idea that even in isolation, we were never truly alone.

Finding Meaning in Stillness

Ultimately, this project celebrates everyday life and shows how we find meaning in the spaces we create, even in the most challenging circumstances. The images remind us that while life paused in many ways, it continued in others—through small acts of kindness, the rediscovery of personal passions, and the unshakable human desire to move forward.

As we slowly step beyond the shadows of lockdown, these photographs serve as a visual time capsule of resilience, adaptation, and quiet beauty.

What did your lockdown look like? How did you find meaning in the stillness?