the full moon escape in ethereal mungo
the full moon escape in ethereal mungo
november 18 –november 21
who knew there was such a lunar landscape in Australia? And that the full moon looms large over the lunettes of the landscape? turns out we have one of the most surreal places in the world within driving distance from two capital cities, right here in Australia.
hosted by a well known photographer you will learn in the field. this trip is all about pinning down the ethereal: the sky as it turns from peach to pomegranate; the moon as it changes from shades of silver to purple; the land as it shades from mandarin to rust.
this is sacred land, and we will have a First Nations guide introduce us to the incredible stories of the land – from ancient burial sites to the intrinsic songlines.
itinerary
ARRIVE at Australia’s most ancient and surreal sites
SETTLE in to your room, an oasis amid the unforgiving terrain
SAY hello to your new friends and fellow travellers
CHAT in a casual session and talk all things photography
DINE under the stars
WAKE before the sun and meet it as it rises on the lunettes
EXPLORE the history of the region with a trip to the homesteads
FIND perspective, composition, depth of field and in-between moments
SEE sunset in a new light with a golden glow photography workshop
WAKE with the sun for a freestyle experience on sunrise photography
CONNECT to country with a First Nations experience of sacred lands
PERFECT your images with an editing and processing workshop
CHARGE your batteries: what we’ve all been waiting for: the full moon rising, as we capture it through dusk and blue hour
CAPTURE the stars workshop on photographing the night sky and astro and night camera set-up
DINNER and drinks under the stars
RISE to see the sun’s first light for the last opportunity to capture another morning
BREAK the fast with our last meal together
SAY your goodbyes and share your insights from this otherworldly experience
MISS you already
location
This will be our oasis in the surreal desert! We are staying in the closest lodge to the national park, and it is really all about the location. The cabins are clean and comfortable, with high ceilings, air conditioning, fans and large bathrooms. The room set-up is twin-share, so we will buddy you up with someone else on the trip. There’s a private deck to take in the bush vistas. The lodge also has a large lounge, fireplace and chairs where we can recap on the day’s captures.
This is sacred land, and we will have a First Nations guide introduce us to the incredible stories of the land – from ancient burial sites to the intrinsic songlines here. It’s an archaeological wonder, with the oldest human remains in Australia found here from 40,000 years ago, the second oldest only to Africa. The Mungo Lady and Mungo Man were preserved by the low humidity and sand conditions. Remains continue to be found, with some uncovered just months ago. This land has an energy that has to be felt.
It’s a style of Australia you may not have seen before. There are goats, kangaroos, scrub bushes and saltbush. It’s a mind-boggling expanse that has been a meeting place for millenia and converges on the First Nations country of Mutthi Mutthi, Barkindji (Paakantji) and the Ngyiampaa. The spiritual significance of this land is critical to both Australia and to the world, as the world’s oldest example of complex burial rituals dating back two ice ages.
inclusions:
a portion of profits donated to First Nations children empowerment charity Children’s Ground
First Nations welcome to country and guided experience of the stories, burial sites and importance to First Nations communities
all meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
professional photography from the trip shared so you can put your phone down
celestial photography workshop
full moon rising experience with a field shoots from dusk to the blue hour
sunrise guided tour on the lunettes
golden light workshop
image enhancement, editing and post-processing workshop
exclusions:
travel to and from mungo national park
alcohol
faq’s
What if COVID affects the trip?
We will be watching the border and health situation very closely. Rest assured that if COVID impacts the trip we will postpone to a later date, and if that isn’t feasible, we will offer refunds.
How do I get there?
It is a 6 hour drive from Adelaide and Melbourne, and approximately 10 hours drive from Sydney. If you wish to fly, Mildura is the nearest airport. A car will give you the freedom to explore the national park during free time, although we will have plenty of time out in the field too.
Do I bring my own equipment?
Yes please – bring your camera and lenses and tripods. Also bring a laptop, as we will have a processing and editing workshop that will be invaluable to your work as a photographer.
I have no experience in photography – can I still come?
The trip is open to al levels, and beginners to advanced will benefit from the training. The only requisite is that you have a camera that you love. Beg, steal and borrow if you don’t have one!
What’s the accommodation like?
We are in a remote location and have chosen the highest quality lodge in close proximity to the national park. The rooms are twin share, with everything you need for a comfortable stay. The trip is less about the accommodation and more about the location, learning and connection. We’ll be up every day for sunrise!
Should I drive?
It will give you more access to explore if you have a car. We’re eco-conscious, so we’d love to car-pool: once booked, we’ll be in contact with you to see if we can help hook you up with a nearby traveller!
Can I come with a friend?
Solo travellers will immediately connect with the group and friends will likewise have a great time connecting with the group. If you're coming with a friend, and want to be roomed together, let us know in the rooming configuration box at purchase. If you're coming with a partner (or someone you're close enough to share a double bed with), let us know at time of booking and we will contact you with further details.
Will I have downtime?
There will be time to chill and read a book on your deck or go for long country walks. The activities are of course optional, so if you feel you want to sit one out, just let us know!
Will there be alcohol?
You can bring your own drinks and also purchase them at the lodge.
Is it COVID safe?
We meet all the NSW Health regulations, with social distancing and plenty of outdoor activities. There will be hand sanitiser on tap, too.
What is your refund policy?
The terms and conditions are here. We will be flexible if the trip is impacted by COVID border closures.
How do I pay to confirm my place?
You have two options: pay in full or pay the $500 deposit. If you pay the deposit, we will require payment in full 25 days prior to the trip start date.
Any further questions?
Hit us up anytime through the contact link at the bottom of this page.