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.
