COASTAL PARADISE REVEALED - Ken Duncan’s Location Guide

I decided to launch the Ken Duncan Photo Awards on the Central Coast, because it is one of the most beautiful regions in , offering many diverse opportunities for photography. The area is not only home to me, but it’s also where we run our ever-popular “Coastal Exposure” workshops, for aspiring photographers. If you can’t take a great photo here, you should possibly give up photography.

From forest to sea, the Central Coast - Australia’s premier waterfront and lifestyle destination - has it all. The region stretches from Munmorah State Recreational Area in the north to the in the south and is bounded by beautiful coastline to the east and McPherson State Forest and to the west.

We’re inviting amateur and professional photographers from all over Australia to submit their photos of the Central Coast online for the chance to win great prizes. This includes the opportunity to have their images published alongside my own and the work of other great local photographers in a brand new book that will be launched in the second half of 2012.

If this sounds like the competition for you, I’ve listed below some of my favourite photographic locations to give you ideas on where to start. But the real key is to just go exploring and you’ll be sure to find some wonderful gems.

• Munmorah State Recreational Area is an extremely picturesque coastal area, but take care at Birdie Beach – it’s a nudist colony, so be careful of over exposure!. • , and Tuggerah Lakes all offer tremendous photo opportunities –you can often capture divine reflections when the lakes are calm. Tuggerah Lakes offers picturesque long jetties, and some classic old boats and other interesting subject matter for strong foreground interest and dimension. • The area around Norah Head Lighthouse and Soldiers Beach provides endless opportunities for glorious beachscapes, particularly at sunrise • In rainy or overcast weather, Wyrrabalong National Park is a magical place for capturing unique trees and Somersby Falls for its lovely cascading waterfalls and native vegetation. Don’t just shoot at the top of Somersby Falls, also make your way down the creek for many unique angles amongst the series of waterfalls.

Proudly supported by www.kenduncanphotoawards.com • The Entrance – especially the iconic old boatshed there This project would not have been – provides many great opportunities - you could even hire possible without the cooperation of our a boat full of character to use as a prop in some of your sponsors: photos. The Pelican Feeding at The Entrance is a must see for unique subject matter. • All of the beaches from The Entrance right down to Terrigal and Avoca provide gorgeous landscapes. • Sunrise at The Skillion in Terrigal is a spectacular location, but be careful of big seas. • The Haven at Terrigal is another good spot to get photos of pelicans – when the fishermen come in and clean their catches, the pelicans often congregate and wait for a feed. • North Avoca and Avoca Beach are both beautiful locations with numerous possibilities. • offers some sensational protected waterway shots. As you explore this area, you will find some unusual jetties, boats and other fascinating subject matter to add interest and depth to your photos. • provides some delightful walks with wonderful native flora and fauna. • Patonga is a delightful seaside village – in many ways a step back in time - with multiple photo opportunities. • In overcast light or mist, you may get some great shots up around Central Mangrove and the forest areas. • Exploring the walks and waterways along the Hawkesbury River can also yield fascinating photos.

Worthington BMW Wild weather can often produce some of the best shots if you have the patience to wait for breaks in the clouds. Remember, if you are looking for rainbows, you will need rain first. And when shooting along the coastline, especially off the rocks, be very careful of big swells and rogue waves - we don’t want you to get washed out to sea! Another great way to achieve interesting and unusual angles of the Central Coast is from a helicopter. If this sounds like your idea of fun, the guy to call is Jason Oliver at Coast Helicopters on (02) 4365-0371. In addition, why don’t you explore some of the Coast’s premier attractions. The Australian Reptile Park is home to all kinds of Australian native animals and birds and the friendly staff will welcome you. Another superb location is Glenworth Valley, one of Australia’s largest free range horse riding and outdoor adventure facilities, set on 3,000 acres of gorgeous un-spoilt wilderness You can go adventuring there and discover lush green valleys, natural rock pools, ancient rainforest areas, tall trees and impressive rock formations. And if you need any supplies - or just some retail therapy - be sure to drop into Erina Fair, the meeting hub of the Central Coast.

Proudly supported by www.kenduncanphotoawards.com