More than a decade ago, I spent a week on K’gari (Fraser Island attending a photography workshop with Australian wildlife photographer Darran Leal. The experience was originally captured in a 2010 article for the Fraser Coast Chronicle — a snapshot in time of shifting light, early starts and to learning to see differently.
Revisiting it now, the memories feel surprisingly fresh. K’gari’s dunes, forests and wide beaches remain unchanged in their scale and presence, even as cameras — and perhaps confidence — have evolved. What stays with me most is not the gear or the settings, but the reminder that photography is less about pressing a shutter and more about paying attention.
This is that story — a week of walking, watching and learning to slow down long before “slow travel” became a phrase.
Darran takes photographers for a walk on the wild side
DARRAN Leal has locked eyes with lions in Africa and anacondas in the Amazon, but facing his wife’s stare as he returned from a K’gari (Fraser Island) expedition with a salt-ridden car was more daunting.
“Don’t tell Julia,” Darran Leal called out as the tyres of their 4WD sink lower into the sand.
Ruing his decision to stop five seconds too long on the island’s boggy beach, for the sake of a better photo, Darran asked his passengers to honour the adage “What happens on tour, stays on tour.”
Too late – this photojournalist was already onboard.
Darran had Buckley’s chance of escaping Julia’s salt patrol anyway. The self-confessed clean fanatic was wise to her husband’s ways and waited with fresh water and towels in hand for his return.
She was well rewarded for her efforts with early morning cups of tea before he headed off on more photographic adventures.
Darran and Julia own and run Safari Wise Australia, a licensed travel agency specialising in photography tours and workshops in areas as far away as the USA, Africa, South America and beyond.
Since February alone, Darran has been to Norfolk Island, Tasmania, Kimberley and Fraser Island. Cape Town (South Africa) and Namibia (South-west Africa), Bhutan (Mountain Kingdom), the Wild West (USA) and Yellowstone National Park (USA) will fill the remainder of the year.
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Pied Oyster Catcher on K’gari (Fraser Island).
BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year
Catching up with Darren on K’gari (Fraser Island) during the 9th annual Bird Week in May 2010, the BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year said his work had been published around the world and used in books, magazines and commercial products.
He has appeared on television several times and has been commissioned by Qantas, Warner Brothers, the Qld Government, Australia Post, Steve Parish Publishing and many other companies, and published six of his own books.
“My life has never been one of sitting around and waiting for things to happen,” the former Qld National Parks and Wildlife Service photographer said.
“Rather, I get out and explore, touch, catch, view, experience and savour every unique moment. I don’t specialise in one area but shoot everything from the smallest insect to the grandest landscape or unique culture.”
Photographer Darran Leal on K’gari (Fraser Island)
Keep it simple, says Darran
Darran’s widespread success suggests complex techniques are at work, but they are surprisingly simple.
“I take the KISS (Keep It Simple Shooter) principle seriously,” he told shutterbugs attending his week-long workshop on Fraser Island.
“We have the technology now – just understand light and metering and let the camera dothe work.”
Darran said most of his stunning images had been taken with hand-held cameras, using the same techniques he learned 30 years ago.
The limited use of tripods frees him to capture fleeting moments at the blink of an eye.
Getting the images from idea to print or canvas doesn’t happen overnight, however.
He and Julia, a travel consultant of 28 years, spend months or sometimes years researching remote regions for possible images before Darran takes to the field and returns to process, catalogue and print the results.
“The most gratifying aspect of my work, after all of the expense of equipment and travel and the many hours in the field, is to hear someone else enjoying that same split second with me.”
Darran’s passion for photography is infectious.
Former group general manager at the island’s Kingfisher Bay and Eurong resorts, Ivor Davies, is one of his converts.
Ivor said he had little photography experience until Darran started running workshops during the annual island Bird Week, attended by bird watchers from throughout Australia.
The artist and former military chef bought some of Darran’s “hand-me-down” camera gear and has become an expert in the field.
He now presents photography sessions for birdwatchers and joins Darran’s excursions, driving a 4WD and helping students with their work … and serving up tea, coffee, biscuits and muffins during the breaks.
Every year, Darran and Ivor devote their time throughout the week to presenting theory sessions, helping camera buffs spot birds and wildlife at the Kingfisher Resort and leading tours through the island’s rainforests and along beaches where opportunities to capture unique and creative images abound.
Travelling in teams was certainly handy at this year’s event, particularly when one driver, despite his vast experience trekking through the world’s most remote wilderness areas, stopped five seconds too long on wet beach sand.
Watching the towing was all part of the island’s 4WD experience and offered Darran’s students yet another great photo opportunity – not to be used as evidence, of course.
For more information on Darran Leal’s World Photo Adventures and workshops, visit https://worldphotoadventures.com.au/
Red-browed Finch.
K’gari name restored
In 2021, the island’s official name was restored to K’gari, reflecting its traditional Butchulla heritage.
Where is K’gari?
You will find K’gari off the southeast coast of the Wide Bay-Burnett region, about 300 kilometres north of Queensland’s capital city, Brisbane.
The best way to get there is to take a barge from Rainbow Beach or River Heads at Hervey Bay.
Looking for inspiration?
If you are looking for your next K’gari adventure, check out 5 Ways to Discover K’gari.
All photos by Jocelyn, taken on tour.
Photographing K’gari: What to Pack
Salt air, sand, shifting light and sudden weather changes are part of the magic — and the challenge.
Protective packing, lightweight organisers and weather-aware clothing make early starts and beach transfers easier. Sun-smart essentials are critical when you’re chasing light across dunes and headlands.
And because remote travel carries variables, thoughtful travel insurance provides added peace of mind.
→ Explore travel insurance with AllClear
→ Browse travel organisers with Bagsmart
→ Discover Kakadu Plum Co
→ Browse sun-smart gear and island essentials with Amazon Australia(Affiliate links — supporting Jocelyn Magazine at no extra cost to you.)
