Hawk's Head Lookout

Hawk's Head Lookout is a peaceful gorge viewpoint inside Kalbarri National Park, named after its hawk-shaped rock formation jutting out from the cliff edge. From the lookout you are up high above the Murchison River with deep red rock walls dropping away below you and wide open bush stretching out on the far side. It is a big, layered scene with a lot of depth. The red rock against the river and green brush gives you strong colour separation to work with. The walk from the car park is quite short and along a paved path, so you are shooting within minutes of arriving. That also means it is easy to time around the light. Late afternoon is the best pick. The warm sun brings out the reds in the gorge walls and the river below catches some nice colour. Compared to Nature's Window and Z Bend, this spot sees fewer visitors, so you can take your time without people in the frame. Wildflowers line the drive in and surround the lookout between roughly June and October, with August being peak season. Some species are unique to the park, including the Kalbarri spider orchid. Peregrine Falcons hunt along the cliffs here too, so keep an eye out if you have a longer lens in your kit. There is no path down to the river from this lookout, so everything is shot from above. Since the lookout is within the National Park entry fees apply and the flies out here can be relentless, so bring bug repellent. (Kalbarri National Park, Western Australia, Australia)