Beyond studio walls, with Christian Fletcher

Few people see Australia’s South West quite like a photographer. For Christian Fletcher, inspiration can be found in the changing light across a familiar landscape, a deserted stretch of coastline or the everyday rituals that celebrate connection and community.

As one of the region’s best-known landscape photographers – and a long-time Dunsborough local – Christian has spent years exploring the coast, forests and country roads of the South West. We sit down with the photographer as he shares some of the places he keeps returning to again and again.

Christian Fletcher. Photography: Supplied

PP: Where do you go for creative inspiration?

CF: The Nannup to Balingup drive is possibly the most European-feeling landscape in the region. The rolling green hills, forests and the Blackwood River all meet to create a photographer’s heaven. And then there’s Cape Naturaliste. I love it out on the Cape because it is so untouched. There are no houses, very few people and to get to the best spots you have to walk. I have often had times out there when I am completely alone; I have the whole landscape to myself, and I feel like the last person on earth.

Cape Naturaliste, Western Australia. Photography: Christian Fletcher

PP: You love a good walk. Other than the Cape, where are some of your favourite places to hike?

CF: Smiths Beach to Injidup. It’s roughly 6km (one way) and passes through some truly breathtaking landscapes. My wife and I do the Eagle Bay to Bunker Bay track often. There are a few hidden swimming holes along the way, and if the tide is right, you can have a coffee, breakfast or lunch at Ilma Beach House and hike back.

Cape Naturaliste, Western Australia. Photography: Christian Fletcher

PP: What are some of your favourite rituals?

CF: We loved to get Vitality Steam Sauna to bring their wood-fired mobile barrel sauna to somewhere like Meelup Beach. We loved it so much we bought one. Then there’s the Devonshire tea at Cape Lavender – probably the best scones I have ever had.

We also try a different winery every weekend, and love going to Sugarloaf Rock when there are 10m swells.  You will never see anything as impressive. Waves explode off the back of the rock and cover it entirely in foam and white water. Truly spectacular.

Cape Naturaliste, Western Australia. Photography: Christian Fletcher

PP: What’s your favourite café/coffee stop in the Margaret River Region?

CF: I have two favourites: La Lah Cafe, next door to my gallery, and Little Iris. The coffee and food are amazing, and so are the staff! I know the baristas and get special treatment when I go in. That’s what I want when I shop local – to create a relationship with the people who make my coffee and food. It’s a way to keep the community alive and connected, while showing the people behind our local businesses that they are appreciated.

La Lah Café, Dunsborough. Photography: Lily Yeang

PP: Margaret River Region Open Studios is back again this year. Who are you visiting?

CF: Happs Pottery for the beautiful pottery, deep and funny conversations, the scones and their amazing honey. You haven’t lived until you taste their Blackbutt & Redgum honey. Nathan Day has a new showroom and his work is incredible. He has been at it for a long time and deserves the attention. Noa Williams at Yallingup Galleries. Noa went to school with my son and is a really lovely young man (and his art is interesting and worth seeing).

Myles Happs of Happs Pottery. Photography: Margaret River Region Open Studios

Visit Christian Fletcher and many more artists’ creative spaces during the annual Margaret River Region Open Studios. Planning your MRROS road trip? Start with these equally inspiring places to stay.

Cover image: Nannup, Western Australia. Photography: Christian Fletcher.