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Incredible Islands

The Great Barrier Reef thrives as much above water as below. View mountaintop vistas, lush forests, rain-fed waterfalls, and pristine beaches that rival anything you’ll see when you slip on a snorkel.

Photo taken with the Lumia 950 XL

Photo 1 of 7

When the tide goes out, a snail shell is revealed on Australia's Cooya Beach mud flat. The Aboriginal communities in this mangrove swamp area have foraged on the flats for more than 30,000 years.

Photo taken with the Lumia 950 XL

Photo 2 of 7

Watch your step. With spear at the ready, a member of the Cooya Beach Aboriginal community stalks an adult female mud crab, now considered a local delicacy. Shell fish and other animals from this mangrove swamp landscape have sustained Australians for 30,000 years.

Photo taken with the Lumia 950 XL

Photo 3 of 7

Ready to spear dinner, Khyl Walker combs the tidal mud flat at Cooya Beach in search of mud crabs. The Great Barrier Reef ecosystem has sustained Aboriginal communities in this mangrove swamp landscape since the beginning of human history in Australia.

Photo taken with the Lumia 950 XL

Photo 4 of 7

Natural treasures abound on Sand Cay, Australia. Here, Gemma Francis holds a shell she scooped up on an afternoon stroll.

Photo taken with the Lumia 950 XL

Photo 5 of 7

Boats dot the water surrounding Whitsunday Island's lush tree-covered hills, seen here on a morning hike up Whitsunday Peak, Australia.

Photo taken with the Lumia 950 XL

Photo 6 of 7

Rewarded with a stunning view, John Burcham surveys the rugged wilderness of Australia's Whitsunday Islands after reaching the top of Whitsunday Peak.

Photo taken with the Lumia 950 XL

Photo 7 of 7

Who wouldn’t be smiling here? Local guide, Taylor Simpkins, anticipates sunset on Whitehaven Beach. The more than five-mile stretch of perfect white sand and shallow shore fringes Whitsunday Island, in the heart of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.

Assignment Journal

Stephen's day-by-day personal diary and favorite photos bring the journey to life.

Zoom to Discover

Zoom in and interact with these images to discover hidden details from iconic coral formations to intricate underwater creatures to remote island corners.

Video: Epic Odyssey

A mid-air dive into Angel’s Pool. A glimpse of bone-chilling cheetah teeth. Rainbows glowing…and gone. See the shots that catch the action.

Seven Natural Wonders of the World,
Explore Them All!

Follow National Geographic photographer Stephen Alvarez on his incredible assignment to explore and capture the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.

Tips from the Pros

National Geographic photographer Stephen Alvarez shares insights that can help you hone your own photo skills.

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All images shot with Lumia camera prototype software.
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