Australia, Our Island Paradise

Inspirational Hope and Inspirational Love

Panographs Publishing presents a selection of three exquisite new landscape photography books from iconic photographer Ken Duncan AOM.

The new hardcover coffee table book Australia, Our Island Paradise features over 110 spectacular full-colour photographs taken across the continent, as well as Ken's personal travel anecdotes for each location. The photos showcase the natural beauty of the land around us, with Ken's expansive 5:1 ratio "megapans" gloriously showcased in a series of extra wide gatefold spreads throughout the book. The new Inspirational book series feature a selection of Ken's photography alongside inspirational verses.

Australia, Our Island Paradise
Panographs Publishing
Author: Ken Duncan
RRP: $49.95

Interview with Ken Duncan

Question: What are your top 3 tourist locations in Australia and why?

Ken Duncan: The Whitsunday Islands is one of the most beautiful tourist destinations in Australia - in particular Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island and Hill Inlet (which is at the end of Whitehaven Beach). Another one of my favourite places is Glen Helen Resort, located in the West MacDonnell Ranges (NT), which is in close proximity to some of Australia's most beautiful photographic locations such as Ormiston Gorge and Ellery Creek. The Kimberley is also one of my favourite places, with locations such as King George Falls, Mitchell Falls and Purnululu National Park.


Question: Can you tell us about your favourite Australian hidden treasure spots?

Ken Duncan: Australia is full of hidden treasures and often I am shown places by some of my indigenous friends, who ask me not to reveal the location so they stay hidden. The Kimberley and the Red Centre are both full of those type of places. Some I will share with you are Atlantis Falls in the Kimberley, Karijini National Park which has many hidden gorges that are difficult to get to. In fact I have a photo from Karijini National park that I call "Hidden Treasure" (see my website www. kenduncan.com).


Question: What are some of the dangers people need to be aware of when exploring different regions of Australia?

Ken Duncan: People have to take care to carry enough water when exploring remote locations. If people go four wheel driving, they need to have a good understanding of their vehicle and how to drive it because a four wheel drive in the wrong hands can get you into four times as much trouble. Always have good quality clothing - especially in extreme conditions - and dress in layers. For example I've seen people in Tasmania with so-called waterproof jackets that don't stop them from getting soaked to the skin. In cold conditions this can bring on hypothermia. People need to ensure they have good quality equipment appropriate for the conditions they'll be travelling in. It's not much good having a cheap jacket if it kills you.

Question: What advice can you offer Australian's exploring 'Our Island Paradise' to get the most out of their experience?

Ken Duncan: Don't try to see everything in one hit. Allow time to meet people and really explore a region. People often tell me they been "around Australia" in a few weeks and I just laugh because I know it must have been one heck of a high-speed adventure.


Question: What are you top 10 locations that every Australian should visit?

Ken Duncan: Hill Inlet (Whitsundays)
Great Barrier Reef (Qld)
Mitchell Falls (Kimberley)
Flinders Ranges (South Australia)
Cradle Mountain / Lake St Clair National Park (Tasmania)
Russell Falls (Tasmania)
The Great Ocean Road (Victoria)
The Victorian High Country
Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park (N.T.)
The NSW Central Coast (just an hour north of Sydney)


Interview by Brooke Hunter