East Arnhem Land, Yolŋu Land

The air is warm, the crescent beach is lined azure water and scattered with palm trees and a few dwellings. Timmy, the Traditional Owner of the land is smacking together his clapsticks and Uncle is playing the Didgeridoo as I watch the last light of the day sink below the islands dotting the horizon and begin to notice the heat from the fire as it licks my face.

We learn of skin names and of the Dhuwa and the Yirritja moieties and the yin and the yang of Yolngu culture. All the while, a saltwater crocodile named Nike lingers in the shore, he is a part of the family; everything is equal and balanced here in Bawaka homeland.

 

I laid down on my back and stared at the velvet sky of stars - observing and listening, into the dark night. I know that my time in East Arnhem Land with Lirrwi will stay with me for many years to come.


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Animals, Adventures, South Africa, Tourism, Travel Melissa Findley Animals, Adventures, South Africa, Tourism, Travel Melissa Findley

G Adventures “CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE” in SOUTH AFRICA.

My second trip to South Africa was an assault to the senses of the best kind. So vividly I recall the colours, textures, sights, sounds, the fragrance of everything - evoking beautiful memories from years before. Albeit, no two journeys are ever the same or could be compared, but I as with my last visit, I spent the days with my head in a cloud. South Africa, as if from my dreams, is home to the most dramatic scenery and breath-taking coastlines and the most amazing and unique encounters with wildlife. 

 

We journeyed across the southern coast of the country, from Durban to Cape Town, sleeping under the stars and uncovering the diverse land and fascinating culture of the rainbow nation. An adrenaline filled ten days, which had me feeling less of a 30-year-old and more into my heart – as if seeing the world all over again with a child-like bewilderment and curiosity for everything surrounding me.

 

South Africa fills me with a deep sense of happiness that I’ve found very few places in the world.

 

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Adventures, Tourism, Travel, Ireland Melissa Findley Adventures, Tourism, Travel, Ireland Melissa Findley

Fill Your Heart with Ireland - A 6 Day Road Trip, The Wild Atlantic Way.

It has become apparent that I do not know how to take a true holiday, comfortable with the fact that wherever I travel my camera is an extension of my right limb. However, when December 2018 rolled around, I was in desperate need for a break and for once I actually had it penciled into my calendar: STAY HOME.

Little did I know that I would be booking a flight to the other side of the globe, packing my suitcase within two days and finding myself falling in love with the Irish way of life.

It wasn’t quite the break I had anticipated; yet, it was more than the break I expected.

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The Top End - with Northern Territory Tourism

 “Our land has a big story. Sometimes we tell a little bit at a time. Come and hear our stories, see our land. A little might stay in your hearts. If you want more, you can come back.” - Jacob Nayinggul, Manilargarr Clan - Kunwinjku language.

My first job back this year put me in the heart of The Top End ( The Northern Territory ) during the Wet Season and it was an exceptional few days of summer-storm-chasing, fleeting but blissful sunshine, and many heart-warming moments.

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Parrtjima and Central Australia with Tourism NT.

I was recently invited back to the Northern Territory for my 5th adventure in Central Australia. I will always jump at the opportunity to work here. There is SO much beauty left to see, to be inspired by and to explore.

The raw beauty of the Australian desert literally takes my breath away. It is, remarkably, one of the world’s most harsh and demanding natural landscapes. For 60,000 years Arrernte (the traditional owners of Mparntwe or Alice Springs) have survived here through a deep spiritual connection to land, an incredible level of skill and an encyclopaedic knowledge of the environment and it’s ecology.

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Adventures, Australia, NSW, Shellharbour Melissa Findley Adventures, Australia, NSW, Shellharbour Melissa Findley

A seaside escape: Shellharbour.

A favourite seaside escape, Shellharbour is blessed with a beautiful environment of beaches, lakes and national parks, incredible local food served with a genuine smile and magical underwater worlds. 

It really does have a summer vibe all year round, with a laid back lifestyle that gently washes away all the noise and replaces it with a sense of peacefulness. 

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Be Boundless with Adobe Lightroom.

"All the stress, noise, and distractions of life are left at the surface. The ocean is the last truly quiet place on Earth."

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As a photographer and storyteller I  capture moments and bring them to life. To do this, Adobe Lightroom is essential. So when they approached me to officially help launch their #BeBoundless campaign on the Lightroom Instagram, I couldn’t think of a greater honour. They invited me to share my unexpected moments to show you what being boundless means to me.

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Australia, Tourism, Travel Melissa Findley Australia, Tourism, Travel Melissa Findley

The Red Centre

Palya and welcome to The Northern Territory, Australia. 

World famous for its amazing desert landscapes, cultural experiences and chandler night sky, Uluru truly is the spiritual heart of Australia. Iconic and offering a true Australian experience, the Northern Territory presents a breadth and diversity of things to do in the outback and this beautiful country. 

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Adventures, Travel, Tourism Melissa Findley Adventures, Travel, Tourism Melissa Findley

Visit NSW - Discover The Blue Mountains.

Recently I found myself back in the Blue Mountains with [Visit NSW][1] and some of my favourite work peers/friends for a few quick but fulfilling days of adventure. 
Last time I was here I spoke to some locals about the ever-changing scenery of this stunning landscape, all of whom told me, with a certain enthusiasm, about the beauty of Autumn. And did it live up to its beautiful reputation? Did it ever!

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