ARKAROOLA PHOTOGRAPHY TOUR
Tour Overview
Arkaroola is officially one of the best photography locations in South Australia (and possibly the world)! In 2023, it received the world’s highest accreditation for its starry skies, offering photographers an unparalleled opportunity to capture the wonders of the night sky in all of its glory.
Besides being one of only 19 places in the world (1 of 2 in Australia) to be recognised for the night sky as an International Dark Sky Sanctuary, Arkaroola offers pristine landscapes, wild and rugged mountain ranges and endless wildlife making it an ideal location for a photography workshop.
This is your chance to join multi-award-winning and local landscape and astrophotographer Matthew Storer on a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to photograph Arkaroola like no other photographer can outside of this tour. Capture and experience the unique and breathtaking landscapes of Arkaroola with the camera gear you already own. Read below for more details and an itinerary of this incredible tour.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1 - Arkaroola Village
Arrive at Arkaroola village throughout the day and settle into your comfortable, fully equipped accommodation - Callitris Lodge.
There will be a meet and greet from 5:30 pm before dinner with an included welcome drink so we can get to know each other before the week ahead. Dinner service will commence from 6 pm with a meeting regarding what the week ahead holds for us, regarding photography locations and times. (This will be re-discussed at the commencement of each day for the following day.
After dinner at 8 pm, we will join the 'cosmos tour' a truly captivating cosmos tour looking at nebulas, globular clusters and galaxies with a 14" telescope equivalent of 3910mm focal range on full frame sensors.
Day 2 – Gammon Ranges
Day two and we are up early for sunrise (6 am) to capture the incredible landscape of 'The Pinnacles' two granitic pegmatites located in Mawson Valley roughly 4km northwest of Arkaroola Village. Enjoy a beautifully warm coffee/tea as we soak up the solitary atmosphere at sunrise in the mountains before we head back to warm up and have a delicious, included breakfast.
Throughout the day we will be exploring locations to photograph the Milky Way and stars for later that day. During this process, we will learn the importance of location scouting, discover composition elements and understand how to photograph the Milky Way during the day.
Sunset will be photographing the untouched rugged area of Arkaroola, at Stubbs Waterhole and Bararranna Gorge. These locations offer the true wilderness of Arkaroola that many visitors are left in awe by.
After dinner we will revisit the locations, we scouted throughout the day to photograph the stars. During our first-night photography session, we will learn and understand the basic camera settings that best suit your setup.
Day 3 – Ridgetop Sleepout
Day three sunrise is by far the easiest morning to wake up and photograph, as you probably didn't sleep all night out of sheer excitement. Throughout the next 2 days ahead we have a once-in-a-lifetime photography opportunity you can only experience by joining this tour.
Today we depart for a truly magical experience you'll remember for the rest of your life; we venture 4 hours deep into the Northern Flinders Ranges to camp in Arkaroola's one-billion-star hotel.
Streitberg Ridge is the ideal location to experience a chef's cooked dinner in the rugged end of the Flinders ranges. While dinner is being prepared, toast a cold beverage and photograph the sun setting behind the stunning Freeling Heights.
After dinner sit around the fire and enjoy a beverage or two before the final show of the Milky Way comes out to top an epic afternoon off. Here we can put into practice all the knowledge we learnt from the night before to capture world-class images on the Flinders Ranges.
Please Note: Everything is provided for this part of the tour; you only need clothes and photography equipment. Your room in the village.
Day 4 – Ridgetop Sleepout
After a jam-packed, but unforgettable experience on our adventurous sleepout, the alarm clocks go off at the crack of dawn as the surprises are not quite done with yet.
For sunrise we are heading to the top of the Flinders, one of the highest points in the Ranges, and one of the most northern points in the Flinders Ranges to photograph the sunrise from Sillers Lookout. This will sure to be on many people's bucket list and will make so many of your friends and family extremely jealous, as only a handful of people will ever get to experience this moment and let me tell you it - it will take your breath away.
After sunrise we soak up our last memorable moments in the ranges, enjoying one of the best coffees you’ll ever experience accompanied by a delicious breakfast and endless memories.
We make the journey back to Arkaroola Village for a well-earned rest, lunch will be the only thing on the agenda for this afternoon.
Before dinner, we will photograph the famous yellow-footed rock wallabies close to Arkaroola Village.
Day 5 – Departure Day
After a well-earned sleep-in, it's time to start preparing for your departure from Arkaroola. Don't be in any rush to leave, because by no means are we in any rush to get rid of you.
Before you depart, venture over to the restaurant and enjoy a beautifully cooked breakfast with freshly brewed barista coffee. Any further photography, editing or travel questions are always welcome before you leave.
If you wish to stay any additional nights or book any further tours please read below.
Extras
Optional Extra: To fully appreciate the rugged landscapes of Arkaroola you'll need to witness it from the air. Matthew has arranged a sunrise/sunset flight at an additional cost. A minimum of 2 people is required to make the flight go ahead.
Charter Flights: Can't be bothered driving to Arkaroola, but want to attend the photography tour. We arrange charter flights from numerous destinations at competitive prices to get you to Arkaroola, please get in contact regarding a price from your location.
Additional Days: You're always more than welcome to stay in Arkaroola for additional days, this will need to be confirmed before your arrival.
Additional Tours: Arkaroola offers multiple other tours; Matthew can assist you with booking the best tours for your needs with a further discount. Tours can be booked during or after the photography tour, however, they will need to be during your own time and at an additional cost.
Please Note: Drones are welcome and encouraged in Arkaroola, standard drone laws and regulations enforced by CASA need to be abided by.
Additional Info
Photography Tour Arkaroola:
Join Matthew Storer for the Arkaroola Photography Workshop and embark on a journey through the beautiful and rugged Northern Flinders Ranges. With over four years of experience living and working in Arkaroola, I am uniquely positioned as the only photography operator in Australia with exclusive access to this stunning property.
On this once-in-a-lifetime tour, you will capture unique landscapes, ancient geological formations, diverse wildlife, and the mesmerizing night sky, including nebulas and galaxies. Over five days, we will delve into advanced photography techniques, including composition, focus, exposure bracketing, panoramas, and long exposures. We'll ensure we're on location before optimal conditions to capture the best possible images, photographing at sunrise, sunset, and under the clear night skies for breathtaking star photography.
Throughout the tour, you’ll also learn post-production methods and workflows in Adobe Lightroom or your preferred software, with image critique sessions to enhance your skills from another perspective. This comprehensive workshop promises not just technical skills, but also inspiration and creativity, set against the backdrop of Arkaroola’s natural beauty, history, and wildlife.
Join a group of passionate photographers for an unforgettable week of learning, exploration, and capturing the unparalleled beauty of Arkaroola. Book now for a photography experience like no other!
Expect to learn and master:
- Camera settings & focusing
- Focusing on Low Light
- Night Landscape Photography
- Composition & Framing
- Lighting – Natural & Artificial
- Long Exposure
- Filters or Exposure Bracketing
Why Arkaroola?
Arkaroola is one of Australia's most unique locations, offering some of the oldest geology in the world, attributing in some incredible rugged landscapes that are off the beaten track. As a local, Matthew can offer experiences that no other tour operator can offer within a similar photography tour, granting access to Arkaroola's most iconic landscapes, technology for the Night Sky, and superior knowledge of the surrounding area.
Described by many as a remote location that takes your breath away, where time slows down and allows you to reconnect with nature. This Arkaroola Photography Tour is the ideal blend of improving your photography skills, witness jaw-dropping locations, and sleeping in the most rugged area of the Flinders ranges while almost touching the glistening Night Sky.
This photography tour will cater to every type of photographer from beginners to experts each unique location we visit will offer something to suit your photography capabilities. At each location, we will improve and progress on a specific skill or skill set that we individually choose to learn.
Workshop Pricing Structure:
Single: $4,999 AUD per person
Twin Share: $4,399 AUD per person
Group Bookings: Please contact Matthew Storer on info@matthewstorerphotography.com
Please note a partner or non-photographer can only join the tour when accompanied by a photographer. Please contact for pricing & inclusions for non-photographer.
ARKAROOLA PHOTOGRAPHY LOCATIONS
MEET YOUR INSTRUCTOR
MATTHEW STORER
Matthew Storer is a professional photographer that specialises in Night & Landscape Photography.
My passion is educating and inspiring people to capture the world through their eyes.
Since 2017, over 100+ personal have attended my travel photography workshops.
If you are interested in joining me but would love to find out more information, please contact me on whatsapp: +61 459 367 713 or email: info@matthewstorerphotography.com
FAQs
HAVE MORE QUESTIONS? FIND YOUR ANSWERS HERE...
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Who Is The Photography Tour For?
Anyone interested in photography, regardless of your skill level, camera equipment or age. If you are like me and have a keen sense for adventure, add that with enthusiasm to learn and develop your photography skills - this trip is perfect for you!
- The enjoyment of photography outdoors in a new location
- Travel with photography enthusiasts who want to learn and expand their skills
- Suitable tour for complete beginners or serious amateurs
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What's Included In This Photography Tour?
- 3 Nights Private Accommodation
- 1 Night Swag Overnight Sleepout
- Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- All Transportation
- Entrance Fees + Taxes
- Best Photography Location in Arkaroola
- Canapes, Dinner & Alcohol on Ridgetop Sleepout
- Tea & Coffee
- Photo Editing & Critique
Please Note: Private queen rooms will be provided for a non-photographer/partner to share - Everything for the non-photographer is included apart from the photography tuiton.
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What's Excluded From This Photography Tour?
- Flights/Transportion to Arkaroola
- Alcohol & Beverages
- Camera & Travel Insurance
- Gifts & Souvenirs
Please Note: Camera Equipment can not be hired, borrowed or loaned whilst on tour.
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What Equipment Should I Take?
- DSLR, Mirrorless or MFT Camera
- Wide-Angle, Standard Zoom & Telephoto* Lens
- Low Light Lens (Night Photography)
- Sturdy Tripod
- Remote Shutter*
- Head Torch
- Filters - Polarizer, ND* and Grad Filters*
- Accessories - e.g. Spare Batteries
*Optional equipment, but not nessesary. Need additional help on photography gear to bring? Contant Me
Please note: You will spend one night sleeping and eating in the ranges, this location has no electricity so a portable battery charger may be required.
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What To Wear?
- Hiking Boots
- Warm Jacket (For sunrise & astrophotography)
- Windproof Jacket
- Thick Warm Socks
- Hat / Beanie
- Hiking Top & Bottoms
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Fitness Level Requirements?
ButtonEasy to Moderate fitness level is required. Please understand at some locations throughout the tour, photographers may be required to hike a short distance to capture a photo. However, if you're unable to hike, tired or feel unsafe at a particular location, there are always alternative compositions to shoot.
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What Photography Education Is Offered?
ButtonMatthew Storer Photography tours are not workshops with sit down education. Instead, we focus our learning of photography to be practically based on location every day, allowing you to capture unique images worldwide with an incredible opportunity to learn from a professional photographer 1-to-1 on site.
Furthermore, we will discuss the 'educational workshop section' of the tour to discussions while driving, dinner table conversation, image critiques and downtime throughout the tour.
Tour leader Matthew Storer has 20+ years of experience in the photography world while currently teaching over 1000+ students online. Additionally, Matthew is an award-winning photographer who works with high-end clients worldwide and travels to 100+ countries in the past decade.
Matthew's academic knowledge in photography will help you create stunning images and have a once a unique lifetime travel photography experience.
The Tour Will Cover:
- Aperture, Shutter Speed & ISO Values
- Understanding Focus in Photography
- Learning Your Photography Gear (Camera + Lens)
- Approaching a Scene Through Composition and Techniques to get the desired Shots
- Best Night Photography Settings + Focusing
- Using Filters to Enhace Your Images
My Photography Tours are about developing your skills as a photographer, and your images are our priority!
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Covid Safe Conditions
ButtonPlease Note: By booking this tour, you consent to necessary precaution to guarantee all participants and our team's safety.
This includes:
- Maintaining social distancing regulations.
- Access to hand sanitiser throughout the duration of the tour.
- Cleaning your photography gear before and after each days event.
- The maximum number of participants (as per government protocols) includes tour leader.
- Photography learning is provided verbally. The tour leader is unable to handle participants camera gear.
Who should not attend (COVID SAFE)
- Anyone feeling unwell or awaiting COVID-19 test result.
- Anyone who has travelled overseas within 14 days.
- Anyone who has been in contact with any known positive COVID-19 person within the last 14 days
- Anyone at "great risk of serious infection" as described by the Australian Government as follows:
- People aged 70 years and over.
- People aged 65 years and over with chronic medical conditions.
- People with a compromised immune system.
By booking any workshop tours with Matthew Storer Photography, you understand and agree to cooperate with all the requirements. It is 100% your responsibility to not fall within one (or more) of the above listing categories. However, if your situation changes between the event's booking, please notify us as your health is our #1 priority.
+61 8 8648 4848
res@arkaroola.com.au
2948 Arkaroola Rd 5701 Arkaroola Village
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This business received tourism grant funding from the Australian Government via Austrade.