Photographer and writer GARRY SIMS

This image of Telopea truncata, commonly known as the Tasmanian waratah. was taken on December 9, 2023, which a cold and windy Saturday on kunanyi/Mt Wellington. We were introducing friends on their first Tasmanian visit and the summit was promised to offer views they would long remember. Unfortunately, the cloud was in and you couldn’t see the Pinnacle observation shelter from the car park!

Determined to show them something classically Tasmanian, the vibrant colour of the Tasmanian waratah stood out like a beacon in the misty conditions, and quickly became a topic of discussion as we admired the stunning display of Tasmanian flora. As the saying goes, “If life serves up a lemon, make lemonade!” Despite the gloomy, cold conditions, these waratah’s lit up the afternoon and gave our visitors something to admire on the mountain.

Garry Sims lives in Katoomba in the Blue Mountains and travels frequently to Tasmania, where he visits and photographs Hobart, Bruny Island and the west coast..