Moore River Estuary Lookout

The Moore River Estuary Lookout is an amazing shooting gem that sits on a hill above the river mouth in Guilderton, about an hour north of Perth. From up here you can see both the calm freshwater river and the long rolling waves of the Indian Ocean at the same time, separated by a big natural sandbar. That split between the two bodies of water is what makes the view so photogenic. The colours are completely different on each side, dark teal river water on one, white surf and blue ocean on the other, with a clean strip of sand running between them. For most of the year the sandbar holds the river back from the ocean, but after heavy winter and spring rains it opens up and the two connect. The scene changes depending on when you visit, so it is worth coming back in different seasons. You can drive straight to the lookout and park, or walk up from the foreshore past the caravan park. There is also a staircase on the beach side called Yoodook Karla Kada Stairway. Sunset is the obvious time to shoot here since you are looking west over the Indian Ocean, and the warm light picks up the colour contrast between the river and the sea nicely. Bird life is constant along the estuary. Pelicans, cormorants, and ducks are regulars, so it is worth bringing a longer lens in your kit. (Guilderton, Western Australia, Australia)