Community
3 July, 2026
Corangamite’s hidden beauty
A PHOTOGRAPHER is shining a light on the lesser-known wonders of the Corangamite Shire at this month’s exhibition at the Camperdown Courthouse.
Wayne Smith will be displaying a large variety of photos, ranging from the mountains in the region to trees hidden away on back roads.
Mr Smith said he loves taking photos, especially of dead trees and gum trees hidden across the district.
“There’s quite a few I’ve done in the fog because I’ve been driving about and seen these trees in the fog and thought it looked fantastic,” he said.
“I’ve got no other artistic talent – I can’t paint – but I’ve got a bit of an artistic vision.
“Photography is a natural thing because the camera does all the hard work.
“I couldn’t paint any of these photos, so taking the photo is the next best thing.
“I’ve always loved photography, especially now in the digital age.”
Some of Mr Smith’s photos have been edited digitally, including applying a monochrome filter, to enhance the shot.
“All the photos I’ve shown at the Courthouse have been to try and promote the Corangamite area,” Mr Smith said.
“Most people seem to just go through – when I was younger I remember just driving through Camperdown and I never stopped.
“There’s so much around here that’s fantastic – the stone fences, the old trees, the mountains and the hills.
“It’s not spectacular stuff like the Twelve Apostles, but there’s little things around Corangamite I think are beautiful.
“I love the dead trees and the lone gum trees – when you look, it’s spectacular.”
Mr Smith said he hoped his exhibition encouraged residents and visitors alike to explore the area.
“I hope someone might look at these and consider spending some time here and go for a drive down some of the back roads,” he said.
“That’s where all of this beauty is – it’s not on the highway, but it’s down on the side roads.”
Read More: Camperdown, local