The Sphinx, Girraween National Park, Queensland, Australia

"Australian Landscape Photography":http://www.chockstonephotos.com by Michael Boniwell. All images copyright. This is image is suitable for enormous prints. "View Larger on Chockstone Photography":http://www.chockstonephotos.com/Australian-Print.asp?ID=1068 The Sphinx is one of the signature granite formations in Girraween National Park, rising dramatically above the surrounding bushland on the park's southern walking circuit. The massive balancing boulder perched atop the granite pinnacle has weathered into a shape that resembles the mythical Egyptian Sphinx, making it one of the most photographed landmarks in the area. The walk to The Sphinx is a rewarding 7.4km return hike from the Castle Rock day-use area through classic Girraween scenery, featuring expansive granite slabs, eucalypt forest, seasonal wildflowers and panoramic views across the Granite Belt. Most visitors continue a short distance further to Turtle Rock, another impressive granite formation offering equally spectacular views. At the start of the track, the visitor area provides excellent facilities, including an information centre with interpretive displays, picnic tables, toilets, barbecues and ample parking. For those wishing to stay overnight, Girraween also offers several campgrounds, all of which require advance bookings. A number of other outstanding walking trails are located nearby, making the park an ideal destination for a weekend of exploration. On this particular trip, our lad and I trekked out to The Sphinx in search of a sunset photograph. After a little rock scrambling, we found a composition with plenty of potential, but it relied entirely on the hope that some direct golden light would rake across the landscape. We watched and waited as the clouds rolled and shifted overhead, stubbornly refusing to provide the break we needed. With only a couple of minutes remaining, hope was almost gone when suddenly it appeared, a red-orange tongue of flame licking across the oddly perched granite boulders. Within moments it had expanded to engulf the entire scene in a fiery spectacle, spotlighting our subject with blazing light while painting the clouds in extraordinary hues. We walked back in the dark by head torch, chatting all the way down about how fortunate we had been to witness such a rare combination of conditions. It was undoubtedly the highlight of our journey north and, hopefully, a wonderful photograph to add to the portfolio.

Also available on

Looking for something different?

Search below.

the sphinx posters

girraween national park posters

queensland posters

australia posters

Related Tags

Posters Tags

This section provides a collection of tags that relate to the Poster on this page. These tags each link to a search for the Posters that relate to the tag.

the sphinx posters

girraween national park posters

queensland posters

australia posters