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Your Ultimate Australia Calendar
January 2026- Koala.
One of the most unique marsupial mammals in the world, the Koala is a symbolic Australian animal that captures the imagination and intrigue of people from around the world.
The Koala is only one species but three sub-species found only throughout Australia. Previously, the Koala was hunted for its fur in mass numbers, causing population concern around the continent.
This image was captured on Kangaroo Island, a population that was introduced to the island in the early 1920's as an insurance population, the population on the island has since exploded.
When photographing Koalas, try to use a telephoto lens and shoot at an angle that makes it appear the subject is at eye level.
Always concentrate on the highlights and if possible, position yourself with the sun at your back to avoid "blowing out" the subject lighting.
February 2026- Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater
One of Australia's most interesting looking 'Dry Country' Honeyeater bird species, the Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater.
These birds truly important pollinators in the arid zone of Australia, often feeding on nectar, they move with the seasons and the flowering periods.
When capturing this image, I wanted to highlight the details of the plumage without any surrounding vegetation detracting from the subject. Searching around for the perfect location to photograph outback birds, I found a waterhole with several isolated branches overhanging. I positioned myself in a spot where the background was far enough away that it wouldn't be in focus, isolated the subject while using the soft background to compliment to bird.
A big spoon full of patience and this was the result. Also worth nothing was a very late and soft sunset assisted by making sure the bird was evenly and softly lit.
March 2026- Bare-nosed Wombat
If eating all day, pooping solid cubes and hiding out in an underground burrow sounds appealing to you, maybe your spirit animal is a Wombat.
While exploring Maria Island off the coast of Tasmania I saw a Wombat with the zooms, running around jumping, coming in and out of his burrow, feeding, etc.
I wandered over slowly and positioned myself in a way that I could easily view and photograph the front of the burrow, waiting for the chance for this hyperactive mammal to emerge.
A few seconds of waiting and this dude popped his head up with a cheeky look on his face.
The key to this image is getting down as low as you can, create connection with a sharp eye and nice pupil reflection.
May 2026- Double-eyed Fig-Parrot
Usually hiding deep in the rainforest canopy, this tiny Parrot (as the name suggests) feeds primarily on rainforest figs. Covered in the most vibrate green plumage, this miniature bird seamlessly blends into its surrounds.
I was extremely lucky to visit a low-set fruiting fig tree nearby my home town. This tree was full of fruit and more impressively, full of Fig Parrots, with approximately 60 birds having a fig buffet.
I activated the animal eye tracking on my camera in an attempt to quickly isolate one of the birds from the surrounding foliage.
The opportunity to get up close and personal with this species does not come around often, soooo I decided to spend about 3hrs taking over 1000 photos of them.
I am pretty chuffed with the results.
June 2026- Yellow-footed Rock-wallaby
One of my all time favourite Macropod species in Australia, this is the Yellow-footed Rock-Wallaby.
Driving through the dry and unforgiving outback of South Australia isn't for everyone but this species makes any fly covered adventure worth it.
The Yellow-footed Rock-Wallaby is a phenomenal conservation success story with the species coming back from the brink of extinction with the assistance of captive breeding programs.
Early morning, late afternoon is the best time to see this species however make sure you pack a pocket full of patience, these guys have impressive camouflage skills and can "disappear" among the steep rocky outcrops.
July 2026- Red Kangaroo
Australia really is the land of macropods, and this dude it the king of all, the largest macropod in Australia... The Mighty Red Kangaroo!!!
This young chap is an up and comer, no doubt one day the biggest and strongest in his family, one day the protector.
Driving through the harsh and unforgiving landscape of the South Australian Landscape I saw this young male roo standing tall and watching us, his family moved on and he wanted to stand his ground.
We stopped, watched and waited while he showed off his muscles and very tall posture.
I slowly lower myself to the ground, used my 400mm prime lens and capture his ever growing presence.
August 2026- Bare-nosed Wombat
But Matt, didn't we have a Wombat image earlier this year as well...
Yea we did and no one will be complaining.
These furry tanks really are the poster children for Tasmanian Tourism and rightly so.
This individual was munching away in Cradle Mountain National Park along the valley adjacent to Ronny Creek. With beautiful soft light coming from an overcast day I was able to lower my camera down to ground level and capture this well balanced and softly coloured full body shot.
Ok, thats enough about Wombats...
September 2026- Azure Kingfisher
Blue and orange conveyed over an emerald green background, how delightful.
This long-beaked chap is the Azure Kingfisher, one of 8 kingfisher species found in Australia.
Being a true kingfisher, the Azure Kingfisher is never far from water. I captured this individual along the Daintree River, perched up searching for food the Azure Kingfisher sits as still as a rock.
With a telephoto lens, a low f-stop and a fast shutter speed (1/1000 minimum) I was able to snap this shot with the crispiest of sharpness. If your camera has the ability to track an animal's eye in focus that is a huge benefit, if not, consider selecting a single focal point in the middle of the frame and position is over the bird's eye to focus.