This is a blog containing random thoughts and photos on a variety of subjects that are often to do with the outdoors and nature. I am a bushwalker with a passion for exploring the wilderness of the Blue Mountains and other places. As well as bushwalking, I spend time canyoning, rock climbing, ski touring, cycling and pack rafting. On most of my trips I take a camera and try and record the beauty of the places I visit. I am also interested in the natural world and like photographing wild flowers, birds and wild animals. A more recent interest is the photography and study of fungi and slime moulds.
For information about me you can read this blog interview
I can be contacted directly by email – dnoble(at)ozemail.com.au
David, what a great website/blog!! As a hack photographer your photos inspire me to get and shoot. 15 years ago a friend and I travelled to New Zealand for 2 months. We traveled around camping and hiking. In Jan-March my wife and I will be flying from Canada to Auckland to start a new adventure. While there I hope to take lots of images.
What camera/lenses do you bring with you on your trips? What is the best way to carry your gear while hiking? Any information you have would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
matt
Thanks for your comments. Cameras – it varies. Often take a DSLR (Canon 550D body) and a variety of lenses (10-22mm, 17-55mm and 70-200mm) and sometimes a tripod. Pack them in dry bags (e.g. Sea to Summit ones). I have been using a small Olympus XZ1 lately – and I have been very impressed with its lens.
Dave
Hi David,
Are you the David Noble who discovered the Wollemi Pine in 1994??
No – see my website here for a disambiguation
Hi David,
Yours must be a great web site but it does not work well on my computer’s Edge, Firefox or Brave browser, not sure why. And the disambiguation link is broken by the way.
Keep well
Pascal
Thanks. Yes I know there are issues with certain browsers eg Chrome. I thought the blog should work OK with Firefox. You may have to change security settings?
Hi Sir,
Having recently started rock climbing, it was a pleasure to run into your site. Amazing photos by the way.
Rifat
Hi Dave, GREAT blog!!! I’m Suzanne from Adelaide, I searched the Travers-Sabine Circuits on line and then I found your blog, and then I traced here!! I did a very good reading of your 9 days hiking in Travers-Sabine Circuits because I want to go there during X’mas time, can I ask how well it is marked? I went to overland track this new year, and how does it compare to the overland? Could you pls give me some advices? Really appreciate!!!!
Looking fwd to your reply!!
The Travers-Sabine is a great walk – and very well marked – probably almost as good as the Overland Track. You need to go over one high pass (Travers Saddle) – which I don’t think is too hard to climb from the Travers side. Then a steep descent (a lot on scree) down the Sabine side. Watch your knees for this. Nice huts and beautiful mountains.
Hi David
Just received the latest edition (SEPT/OCT) Aust Geo Outdoor.
I liked Chris Ord’s section “skills” focusing on canyoning.
BTW I do enjoy your website posts and images they have kept me inspired over this long wet winter!
I have one question for you, do you use a thermometer when canyoning?
No – never use a thermometer when canyoning (but often take one on long hikes)
Dave
W-O-W-Z-I-E! i happened across your site/photographs when searching for landscapes that relate to my writing. i must admit that you have a plethera of photographic documentation that is absolutely inspiring!!!! but, actually, i’d really like to own a BOOK of your photographs – do you have one published? are you planning on publishing one soon?
thanks & blessed-be, jo
Hi David,
Wow, what a website. The photos and text are inspiring. I’ve just moved to Australia with my partner. We’re living in Moss Vale and trying to get out as much as possible. However I new country is hard to figure out in terms of access, permits, surveys. I know it maybe ridiculous but do you know who we could get in touch with for access to Colong cave and where do people get rigging info for the canyons around the Blue Mountains? We’re both cavers and mountaineers back home and wherever life may take us but aren’t really sure where to start here. Do the canyons really look that colourful here? Your photos make the landscape look incredible!
Thanks for a fantastic motivating website to get us out into the wilds. Do you see your photos too? Gemma Wadey
Thanks for your comments! A good way to start these activities here is to join a club. There are caving clubs (see http://www.caves.org.au/c_directory.htm) and bushwalking clubs (see – http://www.bushwalking.org.au/findclub.html)
David,
Thanks for the site.
I’m an avid rock climber and will be moving to Sydney soon and would like to do some winter climbing in the blue mountains. Is there much to climb, say in July, in the blue mountains in the winter or do most people wait out the winter and climb indoors?
Cheers,
Ryan
Most Blue Mountains is done in the warmer months, but it can still be done in winter. Some crags get the sun and are warm. The standard Blue Mts climbing guidebook has a chart showing which crags get the sun for certain times of the day. Also – if you are in Sydney, then there are quite a few local crags that are good in winter, and a lot of climbers head south to Nowra (2 hours south of Sydney) for great sports climbing. Indoor climbing – during the evenings and wet days.
Dave
hi david,
big fan of all your online information regarding canyoning and we use it often. we’re planning on doing galah canyon this weekend, and have read the track notes. however at the exit, is the exit on the left or the right do you recall?
this would be useful to know if you can recall.
many thanks,
maddie
It is possible to climb out either left (downstream) or right (upstream) from the end of the canyon. But the “usual” exit is now to go upstream (right) about 200m to a pass. The pass is steep and involves an exposed section where you used a fixed rope to pull yourself up a section. You can see this rope from the bottom. Then you head back up the creek for a bit (stay under the upper cliff line at first) – and then cross the creek and climb up a log to get up the upper cliff line. Or you can reverse the upper part of the canyon till you can climb out.
Hello David, also love your website and the photos. I am planning to mount my 3rd climb of Pantoney’s Crown in May. On previous occasions I have climbed from the northern end up through a pass just east of the point. This time I am thinking of camping up there and of climbing up via the southern pass. Your 2008 GPS trail seems to show the southern access as being west of the southern point? Would you be able to share GPS coords of the bottom of this southern pass? Alternatively a few pointers to finding where to start. Hoping you can help. Many thanks. Marty
Marty – Thanks for your comments! I don’t have the gps file any more – but the southern pass is easy to find (a lot easier than the northern one) – you go to the southern point, then walk around the western side – about 50 m or so – till you get to a very steep gully. It may be marked by a cairn? Anyway – look out for lots of skuffle – caused by the passage of other bushwalkers. Scramble up the gully, easy at first, then slightly right – up a steep slab, then left a bit more up a corner (pass packs here) – to a ledge. You can go up from here, or easier – through a hole on the left follow a ledge for a bit – then up easier slopes to the top. This pass is steep and does involve scrambling – exposed a bit in places, but I think it is generally easier than the northern pass – you don’t have to wander around as much. Enjoy your walk.
Dave
Hey David,
Man your one well traveled dude!
Its really inspiring for me anyway seeing the places you’ve been and seen.
I have done a few trips up the blue mountains and down to Tassie as well but the way you portray yours through your albums is like something else. Seriously.
Keep up the good work man and thank you for sharing
kind regards
iain
Hi David,
Your photography is awe inspiring. Did you once work at the RBG? Looking forward to seeing more of your work.
Hello Julie. Thanks for your kind comments. I did once work at the RBG – as a casual teacher in the education section (then a demountable classroom). This was around 1980.
Hi David
I’ve been reading about some of your awesome adventures and was wondering if you’ve got an email address or contact I can ask you some questions direct?
Regards
Tim
Yes – its above.
Were you one of my science teachers at Randwick Boys’ High School?
Yes Carl.
Still seem to be problems — images not displaying, no recent posts etc.
OK Dave I have read your blog interview and may have asked you this in the past.
Apologies but I am trying to get straight in my mind my ancient history before old age creeps even further up.
I recall many trips with Mt Druitt Bushwalking Club in the years 1975 to about 79/80. I recall meeting a Dave Noble back then who was associated with Springwood bushwalking club. As I recall the president of MDBC, Gordon B, used to tell us stories about this bloke. I’m still a bit confused whether that was you or the other Dave Noble?
I’m assuming you definitely ARE the Dave Noble who authored some science teaching resources I may have used in the distant past as well?
Yes – you have the correct one.
Thanks for creating this website. It’s an amazing resource which has inspired many trips. It’s really great knowing that things are a) doable and b) worth doing before setting out.
I would like to use one of your photo’s of Tasmania’s Rock Garden as reference for a painting.
Yes, that is OK
Thank you – I’ll post a photo of my painting after it’s finished. – if I can work out how to post photos on your site.
I have followed your fantastic blog for a few years now and I’m always amazed at the quality of your photographs, particularly of the birds. What camera equipment do you currently use David ?
Thanks for your kind comments.
For birds – I currently use a Sony A9 with a Sony FE 200-600 G lens, and often with a 1.4x Teleconverter. That system is my main camera for bird photography. For landscapes I mostly use Sony a7r series cameras. Where weight is important, I often carry a Sony 6400 with various lenses.
Thanks so much David.
Hey David, I love your blog and often type hikes in your search box before I set off on an adventure.
I was just wondering, are you the David Noble who discovered the wollemi pine? We were at the Botanic Gardens and the sign said it was you.
Thanks heaps in advance, keep rocking!!
Thanks for your kind comments. No – it was a different “Dave Noble” that found the Wollemi Pine.
Dave,
i think our paths crossed many years ago when i was working on GIS mapping layers for NPWS –
anyway …looking at doing Mittagong to Katoomba in June -wondered if you knew of any diversions/blockers that might be in play since you last did that route and wrote it up. Thanks
David E
I think you may be thinking of the other Dave Noble who works for NPWS at Blackheath? I am a retired science teacher. Anyway – M to K. I would expect a not of flood damage along the Nattai – and also a lot of post bushfire regrowth. Some of that may be less in winter? I would try and stick to the fire road down the Nattai if possible. Below Pass and Wollondilly should be OK. I know there has a been a lot of regrowth along the Kowmung. Scotts Main should be OK.
Hi David,
First of all WOW love the website/blog.
Are you able to email me i have some very specific questions regarding Bruce’s Walk (Eastern Section).
Cheers,
Matt
Feel free to email me Matt (see my email address above).
G’day David,
I am looking for information on a route from Hartz lake to The Picton River. Could you help me?
Sorry – have not walked off track from Hartz Mountain. If you need to ask – then perhaps you are not prepared for off track walking in Tasmania? It is not easy country and finding a good route can be difficult. I do know some walkers many years ago, that wanted to walk from the Picton Range to Hartz Mountain – and were advised not to try it. If you are experienced at off track walking in SW Tasmania – then you should be able to work out a route using online maps and air photos. One obvious route would be to follow the outlet creek from the lake – but note the map shows several sets of waterfalls – so that could be slow tricky going. The morraine on the west of the lake looks scrubby and may be slow. Th dark green on the map would be forest and probably easier going.
Hi David,
My name is Noah. I’m 12 years old and got introduced to this blog as my mum teaches yoga to Valerie. I am an avid bird photographer (though only using a phone camera) and I especially love cockatoos. Do you know any great starter-cameras that take good photos and any tracks around Sydney that are good for photographing glossy/yellow tailed black cockatoos? Your work looks amazing and your photos are exquisite. I love the angle and the use of light on your photos. I reckon they are some of the best nature photos out there. I’d love to hear back and have added my mums email below.
Noah – for bird photography, I use an expensive camera and a large and heavy telephoto lens. Phone cameras are good for many things, but not very good for distant birds. Small compact cameras are not that good either. I have seen people get good results from what are called “Bridge Cameras” such as the Nikon P900 (and newer models) or the Sony RX10 series. You may be able to get an older model second hand for a cheap price. Also – a lot of bird photographers are moving from digital single lens reflex cameras to mirrorless cameras, and they may be selling their old gear (which is still quite good). Models such as the Canon 7DII or Nikon D500 are still very good cameras, that you may be able to get cheap, but you still need to add the price of a telephoto lens.
The black Cockatoos – move about depending on food. Yellow-tailed are more common in Sydney. If you want to find some, a resource like eBird is good – it is where people report their bird sittings and you can search for a particular species to see where it has been recently seen. Here is a link to the eBird hotspot of Sydney Park at St Peters.
Just stumbled upon your Blog, David.
Brilliant.
Thanks for the inspiration.
Hi David,
I was at Nolan reserve Manly vale this evening and noticed a birds nest in the lights. I’m not sure if these are osprey? The birds have two very long feathers at the back.
I’ve tried googling and what bird is that but can’t seem to figure out the type of bird.
Can you be if any help please?
Larissa
That sounds like an Osprey nest. I often visit one there, but have not been there recently. There could be chicks? Perhaps the birds you saw? If you have time visit again and see if adults bring in food (fish).
Hi there David
Someone on here asked a similar question if you were the same person from there past
I use to bushwalk with a David Noble
The use to be in a nature club that held meetings at the Australian museum
He lived at Normanhurst and his birthday was the same as mine 13 November
But I think his year of birth might have been before yours being 1966
But I’ve always wondered if the same person or not
No – that must be a different David Noble.
Hi David
Are you the same David who gave me his map of The Labyrinth at Pine Valley Hut last Saturday?
No.
Hello David,
I am Working for a Tropical Indoor Garden in Germany and cultural place and we are preparing at the moment an exhibition about orchids in upcoming spring. We are looking for one or two images of a Rhizanthella Orchid to present on a graphic panel within the exhibition. Your photos are really beautiful and we would be so happy if Our could provide us with one of them. Of course we would state your name. If you that might somehow be an option for your, please contact me back.
Looking forward to hearing from you!
Susan