Victoria specific bushwalking discussion.

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Victoria specific bushwalking discussion. Please avoid publishing details of access to sensitive areas with no tracks.
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places with atmosphere for film

Wed 31 Aug, 2016 10:48 pm

Hi All,

I'm looking to film in a natural setting (just a small personal project with an ethical, small crew) somewhere where it's not more than 2 hours hike in, but more importantly, somewhere that feels special somehow. Somewhere like Mushroom Rocks - some place with an attitude you can't put your finger on.

Many thanks!

Re: places with atmosphere for film

Wed 31 Aug, 2016 11:20 pm

The Grampians has many places, like Bundaleer, magic on a foggy morning. Go up on top, a wilderness of rock. Walk an hour or two up from the last bridge on the Wellington River towards Tali. In summer there's nice gorges off Snowy Plains, and Howitt is not too far from the car park. (There's seasonal closures) Moroka Gorge is not too far either. The Avon River and especially The Channel is nice. Further north, it may be possible to drive to the Speculation car park, not sure about gates. From there it's maybe 40 minutes to Spec, stunning views.

Re: places with atmosphere for film

Thu 01 Sep, 2016 7:30 am

The Canyon in the Otways or Hanging Rock.

Re: places with atmosphere for film

Sat 03 Sep, 2016 11:27 pm

Hills due east of Walhalla, Stringers creek.
If you go north of the cross trail, up stream, it is bush bashing and there are mine shafts.
But you get to the creek and its spectacular

Re: places with atmosphere for film

Sat 03 Sep, 2016 11:40 pm

A lot of times atmosphere comes from the weather conditions, time of day or even time of year. Getting that atmosphere onto film is an awareness about those issues - it all comes down to the light I think.

If you feel an atmosphere in a place, it may not show up on the film because there are other factors too - like the sounds (well you can record those) and smells and temperature.

An example is you know how tourists take pictures of busking musicians. They are moved by the music but the music isn't going to show up in a photo so its just very often going to be a crap or ordinary picture. Another example is how people take pictures of wild animals. Its wonderful to come upon an animal in its natural environment but there's a long way between that and most photos of animals that amateur photographers take.

So my tip is wherever you go, consider the lighting and use it to give your film the atmosphere you want. Music or or soundtrack can also contribute.

Re: places with atmosphere for film

Sun 04 Sep, 2016 1:32 pm

Hi All,

Thank you so much for all your responses. I particularly like the personal impressions.

I'm looking for places that impart a feeling that may not be visible to the camera but will put performers in a certain mood. The Stringers Creek suggestion sounds fantastic.

Re: places with atmosphere for film

Sun 04 Sep, 2016 8:33 pm

Stroller wrote:A lot of times atmosphere comes from the weather conditions, time of day or even time of year. Getting that atmosphere onto film is an awareness about those issues - it all comes down to the light I think.

If you feel an atmosphere in a place, it may not show up on the film because there are other factors too - like the sounds (well you can record those) and smells and temperature.


Excellent observations. I attempt to shoot as many pics as possible at dawn and dusk, with fog a good place to be as well. The southern approach to Bright in autumn is lovely, really nice trees and colour, a good example of season. The Bogong High Plains will have flowers in the next two months, and especially places that have had no cattle for longer such as Mt Bogong and The Razorback.

Re: places with atmosphere for film

Wed 12 Oct, 2016 11:11 pm

From the Howitt plains Car Park you can easily hike into MacAlister Springs. That is an amazing place. The Howitt road should be open by the end of Nov.
The view from nearby Mt. Howitt had voodoo properties.
Sunrise and sunset at Tawonga huts make it a place that is worthwhile. In summer you can get a car in as far as Pretty valley from Falls Creek and then walk out to Tawonga huts in under 2 hours.

The top of Mt. Stirling is a great place, esp. in winter on a clear and sunny day and only about 2 hours hike from Telephone Box Junction in most weather.

Parts of the Prom and Mt. Buffalo are very easy to reach and are just timeless and magical.
The same is true of the Grampians.
The summit of Mt. Loch is an easy walk from Mt. Hotham and has much to recommend it.

The Blue Lake is less than 2 hours away on foot from Charlotte Pass in NSW and it is amazing. The road up there from Perisher Valley is set to open this weekend.
Parts of the Howqua river up stream from 8 Mile flat are very impressive. From the high track you can see the ski lifts on Mt. Buller.

Re: places with atmosphere for film

Wed 09 Nov, 2016 8:57 am

In NSW The area around Charlotte's Pass is superb.You can drive up there from mid October until June.

Re: places with atmosphere for film

Wed 09 Nov, 2016 10:19 am

Not so much a hike in but a really cool place to go is the Redwood Forest in East Warburton. The trees are absolutely amazing to look at and has been used for many photographs both amateur and professional alike.
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