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Experiencing the wildlife of Borneo - By Murray Foote
August 28, 2019
My partner Jools and I went on a NatureArt Lab tour to Sabah several months ago. I have been on twelve other photo tours or workshops in the last ...
Welcome to
Canberra NatureArt Lab
Workspace A, M16 Artspace, 21 Blaxland Crescent, Griffith, Canberra
Canberra NatureArt Lab offers unique art courses and workshops focusing on art inspired by nature.
We provide a fully equipped space for art, science and nature studies, with great tutors to guide your creative learning.
Our Field Trips
Galapagos, Amazonian Equador and Peru: August - September 2020 (fully booked - waitlist only)
Journey through the Galapagos Islands and Amazonian Equador with a nature, art and photography focus. Experience several of the world's great natural wonders! Our unique itinerary includes: • Galapagos Island Cruise 7 nights private chartered cruise - aboard the Coral II (23 – 30 August 2020)- visit the Santa Fe sea lion colonies, see blue-footed boobies, Galapagos finches, frigatebirds and land iguanas; visit Espanola, the only nesting place of the beautiful Waved Albatross and snorkel with the marine life and marine iguanas; explore Floreana with the archipelago’s largest flamingo colony; enjoy San Christabal Island Museum of Natural History; observe the famous giant tortoises on Santa Cruz Island. • Equador - Quito and Coca Includes 4 nights in Quito (pre/post Equador nights) plus 4 nights at La Selva Jungle Lodge (31 August – 4 Sept 2020)- Day and night canoe rides through the rainforest, trail walks with naturalist guides to see mammals, birds and insects; parrot clay-licks, black-mantled tamarin monkeys and tapirs; wilderness trail walks with a chance to see larger mammals, including the elusive giant otter. See seven primate species including capuchin, howler monkeys and maybe the tiny pigmy marmoset – the smallest monkey in the world. Our program offers an optional extra 8 nights in Peru (5 – 12 Sept)- Sacred Valley: enjoy breathtaking views of valley and its agricultural terraces- Macchu Picchu: guided tour of the mysterious, magical, majestic Macchu Picchu- Aguas Calientes – Cusco: get to know this UNESCO World Heritage site, see Incan and European architecture and culture. Visit Incan temples, Spanish cathedrals and impressive archeological sites of Qenko and Puca-Pucara. Tour Inclusions - Private chartered cruise, Galapagos Islands, 7 night cruise, twin share accommodation in air-conditioned cabins with private bathroom (no single supplements), scheduled meals on board, daily visits to the islands with English-speaking guides, snorkeling opportunities, briefings and lectures on board, transfers to and from the islands from/to the ship. Snorkelling equipment (optional). - Equador, Pre and Post Stay twin share accommodation (no single supplements), 4 nights bed and breakfast. - Equador, La Selva Jungle Lodge, twin share accommodation (no single supplements), 4 nights, all meals, all sightseeing included, private transportation by air-conditioned vehicle, English-speaking guide. - Travel with expert guides and award-winning Australian artist Janet Matthews for individual mentoring and art tuition (for the Galapagos and Equador components); accompanied by NatureArt Lab Directors Julia and Alan Landford for the entire trip. - All flights are included - economy ex Sydney/Melbourne (option to upgrade available); Flights to Peru optional extra. - All airport transfers are included. - Optional extra 8 nights in Peru, twin share accommodation (no single supplements), full day Pisac market, Pisac ruins, Maras and Moray with lunch; visit to the town and archeological site of Ollantaytambo; ticket train Ollanta/Mapi return - Vistadome; Full day at Macchu Picchu with lunch at the Belmond; Weaving demonstration at Chrinchero with lunch at local restaurant; Half-day city tour of Cusco/tour of archaelogical sites near Cusco, all airport transfers. Itinerary Please contact info@natureartlab for a copy of the itinerary, plus payment terms and conditions. If you are interested in joining a future NatureArt trip or would like to be wait listed for a place, let us know. Fitness to travel A reasonable level of fitness is required to participate in this tour. In some destinations there are extensive sight-seeing excursions by foot which may include climbing of stairs and uneven terrain. Some South American cities such as Quito and Cusco are situated at an altitude of over 2,850 metres above sea level. At these altitudes the lack of oxygen affects most people to some extent until they become acclimatised. We recommend that you visit a doctor and dentist prior to your decision to participate. Pricing Price is $16,652...
Montague Island Experience 8-11 November 2019 (SOLD OUT - Waiting list only)
Whether you are an artist or a nature photographer, you will love this opportunity to sit amidst hundreds of breeding terns and gulls with newly emerged chicks, watch the little penguins arrive ashore in the evenings and see seals on the rocky shoreline. There is an optional extra tour available for people wishing to snorkel with the seals (cost and further details available on application). This Montague Island trip includes: - boat trips from Narooma to Montague Island, and return - 3 nights accommodation at the historic lighthouse with twin share rooms (no single supplements available) - all meals are provided throughout the program (3 dinners, 3 breakfasts and 2 lunches, plus morning and afternoon tea refreshments) - 3 art workshops with NatureArt Lab tutors Lesley Wallington and Gillian Carden - 2 scientific presentations by experienced ecologist and bird expert - guided walks each day with ecologist and bird expert, including an opportunity to contribute to daily wildlife counts - evening viewings of Little Penguins coming ashore - Private ranger-guided tour of the historic Montague Island light house, with 360 degree views of the NSW coastline and surrounding island plus ocean Dates: 8 - 11 November 2019 - Departs Narooma, NSW, around midday on Friday 8 November (thirty minute boat trip across to Montague Island). - Returns to Narooma early afternoon on Monday 11 November 2018 (Note: Departure times and dates may vary depending on weather conditions). Full payment of $1,200.00 inc. GST is due by 1 August 2019; payments may be made by installments on request. Early bird discounts of $150.00 off the full price are available for bookings paid by 1 June 2019. Please use the following code to access this discount offer: Montague2019
Nature Photography in Borneo 3-14 May 2019 (Bookings Closed)
This exclusive, specially designed tour by NatureArt Lab and Adventure Alternative Borneo (AAB) from 3-14 May 2019 is for nature photographers and naturalists to experience one of the region's best wildlife destinations: Sabah in Malaysian Borneo.Internationally renowned for its animal and plant attractions, Sabah is justifiably famous for its Orang-utans, Proboscis Monkeys, Pygmy Elephants and dozens of other mammal species; amazing birdlife including 10 species of giant hornbill, nine species of pitta (truly the jewels of the rainforest) and the amazing Bristlehead. Sabah’s unique vegetation features pitcher plants, giant Rafflesia flowers and sprays of ferns and colourful orchids sprouting from towering rainforest trees. Insect life is prolific and includes the spectacular Rajah Brooke’s Birdwing among hundreds of other butterfly species; the giant Moon Moth and thousands of fascinating beetles, praying mantids and katydids.Our tour will focus on four of Sabah’s best wildlife-viewing areas. We will take you to the World Heritage Site of spectacular Mount Kinabalu, the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, Sun Bear Conservation Centre and Rainforest Discovery Centre, plus the mighty Kinabatangan River to see orangutan and proboscis monkeys in the wild, and the Ramsar Wetlands Reserves at Tabin - an unspoilt wildlife destination with an astonishing diversity of plant and animal species. Whether it’s botany, entomology, birds or mammals this tour will provide a spectacular program for photography inspired by nature. Itineraries are available on request at: info@natureartlab.com.au Sabah has excellent infrastructure and accommodation, and is well set up to cater for wildlife tourism. English is widely spoken, the food is excellent and the wildlife superlative. Accommodation will be in comfortable high-end lodges on a twin share basis, transport in air-conditioned vehicles between destinations and in four-wheel drives where necessary; and on safe river craft at certain points. Photographers will have opportunities for photo editing and mini-workshops throughout the tour, with support from experienced nature photographer and scientist Damien Esquerre. Partners and accompanying friends will be equally catered for throughout the trip. Participants may also have the opportunity to provide a local community contribution during the visit program - details to be confirmed. The tour price ~$5,400.00 AUD includes all meals, quality accommodation, in-country transport and professional guides. Final price may vary slightly depending on the number of participants. A maximum of 13 places are available. Experience the wildlife trip of a lifetime! Contact Jamison Travel, our nominated travel agent, for best available return flights*. Prices may be around $1,000 return depending on airlines. Deposits of $1,400.00 are due by early March; final payments by 22 March. Limited single supplements available by application only - through info@natureartlab.com.au Full details including terms and conditions are available separately. Insurance is required by all participants. NatureArt Lab will host an information session for participants prior to departure. Image: Mount Kinabalu National Park - Photography by Julia Landford
Abrolhos Islands, WA - 27-29 November 2019 - Deposit of $600 due by 30 August, balance of $1224.00 due by 31 October 2019.
Be inspired by nature ... on a remote island archipelago 60km off Geraldton on the west coast of Western Australia. Accompanied by expert terrestrial and marine ecologist Nic Dunlop and local author Moira McKinnon as well as international wildlife photographer/scientist Damien Esquerre and West Australian indigenous Tracey Heimberger bird photography specialist. This unique three-day trip provides nature lovers a rare opportunity to experience one of the most important seabird and marine ecosystems off the Western Australian coastline. The Abrolhos Islands are located in pristine waters, featuring a rich biodiversity of bird and marine life. They are among Australia's most important sites for breeding seabirds with over two million birds from 35 species breeding on the islands, islets and rocky atolls. Our visit coincides with the peak breeding season for seabirds on this island. Abundant schools of pelagic baitfish provide food for colonies of shearwaters, terns and noddies. There are also many protected flora and fauna species and notable endemic species found only on these islands. See up to 19 species of land and shore birds (including the Abrolhos Islands Painted Button Quail), and 26 terrestrial reptile species. Reptile fauna comprise 11 skink species including the Houtman Abrolhos spiny-tailed skink, seven species of geckos, four species of legless lizard, the Abrolhos dwarf bearded dragon, snakes and marine green turtles. The islands are home to the Tammar Wallaby and are the northern-most habitat for the Australian sea lion. Over 140 species of native flora have been identified, some with very high conservation values. The islands also have a fascinating history, named after Dutch Commander Frederik de Houtman, who discovered the islands in 1619. Learn about the shipwrecks, including the famous Batavia and Zeewijk wrecks, the stories of tragedy and atrocity and see Australia's first building constructed by Europeans. This three-day nature adventure departs from Geraldton with a flight to Rat Island arriving mid-morning on Day One, with ecology talks, photography workshops and walks on the first two days. Participants will have the opportunity to assist with bird banding and lizard trapping activities or join night walks in search of nocturnal wildlife. Enjoy early morning walks and bird watching and free time for snorkelling. The third day will include a flight with a stopover on East Wallabi Island to snorkel in Turtle Bay - and for those interested, a chance to do underwater photography. The return flight to Geraldton will fly via Long Island, Beacon Island and the Batavia shipwreck with spectacular aerial scenic views. During the program there will be discussions on bird ethics, camera basics, light and composition, capturing photographs of birds in flight, and discussions on conservation and nature. Note that conditions are likely to be windy and temperatures cooler in the evenings at this time of the year. Accommodation is in basic twin-share rooms at the island's research centre, with access to a shared bathroom, kitchen and meeting hall. A maximum of 7 places are available for this trip; with a luggage limitation of 15kg for flights. A deposit of $600.00 including GST is due by 30 August 2019. The balance of $1,224.00 is payable by 31 October 2019. Terms and conditions available separately. Dates: 27 - 29 November 2019 - Wednesday 27 November - Flight departs from Geraldton to Rat Island (accommodation on Rat Island for two nights (27, 28 November) - Friday 29 November 2019 - Flight departs from Rat Island to Geraldton (via East Wallabi Island, Long Island, Beacon Island and the Batavia Shipwreck) (Note: departure times may vary depending on weather conditions) What's included: - Airfares from Geraldton to Rat Island, and return - All meals are included throughout the program from Wednesday mid-morning through to Friday evening (3 dinners, 3 lunches, 2 breakfasts, plus...
Costa Rica & Panama: February - March 2020 From $12,200.00 (Deposit of $1,500.00, only 6 places left)
A 16-day ultimate wildlife adventure for photographers, artists and nature-lovers to the most pristine rainforests of Central America! Exotic Costa Rica, located in Central America, is famous for its biodiversity, lush rainforests, beautiful beaches and impressive volcanoes. From 23 February through to 9 March 2020, join us for a specially designed 16-day Costa Rica Ultimate Wildlife Eco-tour. Costa Rica contains nearly 6% of the world’s biodiversity, both in species and ecosystems and yet it is area is only 0.03% of the world’s surface! These dates have been chosen as they are at the absolute peak of wildlife activity and the best time of year to maximize the species we will observe. Our tour will take you through rugged mountains to the Caribbean lowlands, the cloud forests and volcanoes of the central mountains, the lush Pacific rainforests and an extended time in the Osa Peninsula, the most remote, wild and biodiverse region of Central America. We will be boating on the canals and lagoons that form the delta of the Estrella River, rafting on the Sarapiqui River, visit the world-famous La Selva Biological Research Station with hikes through the exceptionally lush rainforests, and a visit to the spectacular hot springs at the base of the Arenal Volcano. Among many other mammals, get to know the two species of sloth, spider, capuchin, howler and squirrel monkeys, river otters, kinkajous, tapirs, coatis, and possibly pumas. Costa Rica is home to a myriad of bird species (921 species!), with over 314 and counting at the Cahuita National Park area alone. Visit La Selva Biological Station with hikes through the exceptionally lush rainforests. Parrots, toucans, oropendolas, kingfishers and many other birds can be seen along the rivers. Reptiles and amphibians also display a remarkable diversity. We will see caimans, American crocodiles, boa constrictors, the magnificent basilisks or Jesus Christ lizards that run over water, red-eyed tree frogs, translucent jewel-like glass frogs, and of course a diversity of the extremely colourful poison-dart frogs. The diversity of insects and plants is too overwhelming to even give a glimpse here. We offer you a chance to witness one of the world’s capitals of wildlife and nature. See spectacular hummingbirds – around 50 species – and walk through the majestic forests of the Monteverde Reserve Cloud Forest. We will also be bird watching for Emerald Toucanets, MotMots and Quetzals (considered the most beautiful birds of the world). Our trip includes an opportunity to see the evening scarlet macaw migration at Carara National Park – with it’s old-growth forest of rare giant hardwood trees. We will also have time for relaxation with a stopover at some of Costa Rica’s famous beaches. Our program includes a short sea kayak paddle experience in the Golfito Bay in search of dolphins and whales, and an evening snorkel amongst trails of bioluminescent plankton. Our final destination is to Corcovado National Park – THE ultimate place in Costa Rica. It is the most remote and biodiverse location in the country to see many rare and endemic wildlife species. With an extended stay of four nights at this location, we will see beautiful birds such as the scarlet macaw, salty-tailed trogon; cats such as the jaguarundi, puma and rare mammals such tapir and tyra. For those interested in wildlife photography, there will be opportunities for private tuition and mini-workshops throughout the trip with accompanying biologist and wildlife photographer Dr Damien Esquerré. NatureArt Lab Director and artist Julia Landford will facilitate sketching workshops for artists, and Alan Landford will provide entomological expertise throughout the trip. Panama Pre-trip Extension (18 - 22 February 2020): POA We have been able to secure an extraordinary and rarely accessible optional five-day pre-trip extension to the Darien rainforests of Panama. This location provides a chance...
Nature Art and Photography in Borneo 1- 12 May 2020
This exclusive, custom-designed tour by NatureArt Lab and Adventure Alternative Borneo (AAB) from 1 - 12 May 2020 is for nature photographers and naturalists to experience one of the region's best wildlife destinations: Sabah in Malaysian Borneo.Internationally renowned for its animal and plant attractions, Sabah is justifiably famous for its Orang-utans, Proboscis Monkeys, Pygmy Elephants and dozens of other mammal species; amazing birdlife including 10 species of giant hornbill, nine species of pitta (truly the jewels of the rainforest) and the amazing Bristlehead. Sabah’s unique vegetation features pitcher plants, giant Rafflesia flowers and sprays of ferns and colourful orchids sprouting from towering rainforest trees. Insect life is prolific and includes the spectacular Rajah Brooke’s Birdwing among hundreds of other butterfly species; the giant Moon Moth and thousands of fascinating beetles, praying mantids and katydids.Our tour will focus on four of Sabah’s best wildlife-viewing areas. We will take you to the World Heritage Site of spectacular Mount Kinabalu, the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, Sun Bear Conservation Centre and Rainforest Discovery Centre, plus the mighty Kinabatangan River to see orangutan and proboscis monkeys in the wild, and the Ramsar Wetlands Reserves at Tabin - an unspoilt wildlife destination with an astonishing diversity of plant and animal species. Whether it’s botany, entomology, birds or mammals this tour will provide a spectacular program for photography inspired by nature. Itineraries are available on request at: info@natureartlab.com.au Sabah has excellent infrastructure and accommodation, and is well set up to cater for wildlife tourism. English is widely spoken, the food is excellent and the wildlife superlative. Accommodation will be in comfortable high-end lodges on a twin share basis, transport in air-conditioned vehicles between destinations and in four-wheel drives where necessary; and on safe river craft at certain points. Photographers will have opportunities for photo editing and mini-workshops throughout the tour, with support from experienced nature photographer and scientist Damien Esquerre. Partners and accompanying friends will be equally catered for throughout the trip. Participants may also have the opportunity to provide a local community contribution during the visit program - details to be confirmed. The tour price ~$6,400.00 AUD includes all meals, quality accommodation, in-country transport and professional guides. Final price may vary slightly depending on the number of participants. A maximum of 13 places are available. Experience the wildlife trip of a lifetime! Flights can be arranged through Jamison Travel, our nominated travel agent. Prices may be around $1,000 return depending on airlines. Deposits of $1,400.00 are due by early November; final payments by 20 March. Limited single supplements available by application only - through info@natureartlab.com.au Full details including terms and conditions are available separately. Insurance is required by all participants. NatureArt Lab will host an information session for participants prior to departure. Image: Mount Kinabalu National Park - Photography by Julia Landford
NatureArt Sketchers - Free Monthly Field Outings
Join a friendly group of NatureArt sketchers once a month for nature-based field sketching outings. The next session will start again from October! Monday 21 October - Australian National Botanic Gardens Monday 18 November - Australian National Botanic Gardens Monday 16 December - Australian National Botanic Gardens The group meets from 10.15am - 12.15pm on the third Monday of each month at different locations around the Canberra region. The focus will be on wildlife and botanical drawing and sketching, large or small format, with artwork inspired by nature. No tutor will be provided. This is a free social activity providing artists with an opportunity to practice and refine their sketching skills, and to meet other people with similar interests. Please bring your own sketching equipment including pens, pencils, papers, nature journals, drawing boards. Please note that participation is voluntary, no costs are involved, and NatureArt Lab does not accept any liability or responsibility for participants in relation to these activities. Bookings can be made through our volunteer coordinator Annette Dahler by email: Annette_dahler@yahoo.com If you have any questions please contact Annette by email (see above) or by phone 0423 085 589
Our Blog
Wildlife photography adventure in Malaysian Borneo - by Dr Damien Esquerre
May 22, 2019
Borneo, is along with places like Madagascar, the Amazon, and the Serengeti, a life-time dream destination for all nature lovers who grew up readin...
