Ship Rock Falls, Hoddles Creek, Victoria, Australia

On a cold and drizzly day I found myself at the Ship Rock Falls in Hoddles Creek, Victoria. Located on Gembrook-Launching Place Road, it is wise to use GPS navigation as you can easily miss the entrance if you are not paying attention.

There is a picnic site and a very basic toilet that drops to a septic tank. A short walk of 170 meters will bring you to the viewing platform. From there you can see an "off track" path that will bring you closer to waterfalls. Follow the path and you will have a choice to climb up for a closer view, or climb down for a more overall view of the falls.

Caution: This site is not the easiest to walk around and there is very little in the way of defined tracks. You will need some effort to get around this area. The rocks can be very slippery, even more so when they are wet. I thoroughly recommend having at least one other person with you in case you get into trouble.

The reward is the ability to take some great photos. Long exposure photography with waterfalls is a must, so bring your ND filter with you to get those photos with silky water streaming over the rocks.

In a picturesque Valley, just down the road from Bright in the alpine region of Victoria Australia is the wonderful town of Wandiligong. Perfect on an autumn's day you are greeted with colourful tranquillity as you drive into town.

The town itself is quiet and still has a few buildings that resulted from the gold rush era of the 1860's. There are walking and cycling trails that make this area perfect for those looking to enjoy the beauty of the area and the fresh mountain air.

Around Wandiligong there are many apple orchards, of which you can purchase many varieties of fresh apples from Nightingales Alpine Produce at great prices. The region is also well known for chestnuts. Something to try is the chestnut soup from the Wandiful Produce Farm Shed Cafe, open only in autumn and where you can pick your own chestnuts.

If you are looking for a meal, the Wandi Pub is very popular and there are many other options just 6km down the road in Bright. If you are on the food trail then you will revel being within the gourmet food region of Victoria with the township of Milawa, a highlight, within an hour drive where you will also locate the Brown Brothers winery.

Accommodation is can be found with many bed and breakfasts in the area or there are hotels and camping grounds in nearby Bright.

For photographers Wandiligong is a fantastic area to be based. The landscape is varied and stunning. Within reach are the peaks of the Victorian alps which provide stunning vistas. You can take photos of the rivers and waterfalls or of the bush. Maybe the autumn colours, the historic townships or the symmetry of the vineyards, orchards, nut farms or hop growers. Light pollution is very minimal which is perfect for astro-photography. There are so many oppportunities for amazing photos you will wish you had much much more time available.