Photographing Woomera

About Woomera

Woomera is one of Australia's most unusual outback towns.

Located just off the Stuart Highway in northern South Australia, Woomera was established as part of the Anglo-Australian long-range weapons testing project following the Second World War.

The first military trials were conducted in 1947 and, during the following decades, Woomera became an internationally important centre for:

  1. Rocket development.
  2. Missile testing.
  3. Weapons research.
  4. Space tracking.
  5. Satellite launches.
  6. Experimental aircraft and aerospace research.

During the 1950s and 1960s Woomera was one of the busiest rocket-testing locations in the world.

Australia also entered the space age here.

On 29 November 1967, Australia's first satellite, WRESAT-1, was launched from the Woomera Rocket Range.

For photographers, Woomera is fascinating because the town combines:

  1. Historic rockets and missiles.
  2. Military aircraft.
  3. Cold War architecture.
  4. Large open spaces.
  5. Red-earth outback landscape.
  6. Clear desert skies.
  7. A strong sense of isolation.

The result is a location where documentary photography, architectural photography, detail photography and landscape photography can all be combined within a relatively small area.

Viewpoints

  1. Woomera Rocket Park

    The Woomera Rocket Park should be the principal photographic location in town.

    The outdoor display contains a collection of historically significant:

    1. Rockets.
    2. Missiles.
    3. Aircraft.
    4. Bombs.
    5. Launch equipment.
    6. Radar and tracking equipment.

    The display is divided between the area near the History Museum and another section across the road near the school.

    The tall rocket structures work particularly well against a clean blue sky or dramatic cloud.

    Recommended lenses: 16-35mm, 24-70mm and 70-200mm.

  2. Rocket Park - Low-Angle Compositions

    One of the strongest ways to photograph the rockets is from a relatively low camera position.

    This exaggerates their height and separates them from surrounding buildings and trees.

    Try placing the camera low enough that the rocket projects cleanly into the sky.

    A 16-35mm lens can create dramatic perspective, but be careful not to introduce excessive distortion.

  3. Rocket and Aircraft Details

    Do not photograph only complete rockets and aircraft.

    The strongest Auspano gallery will also include:

    1. Nose cones.
    2. Fins.
    3. Exhausts.
    4. Rivets and panels.
    5. Paint markings.
    6. Weathering.
    7. Support structures.
    8. Identification signs.

    The 70-200mm is excellent for isolating these details.

  4. Woomera Heritage Centre and Museum Precinct

    The Heritage Centre and museum precinct provide the historical context needed to understand the objects displayed outside.

    Displays cover the history of the Woomera Range, rocket components, photographs, test programs and the former Joint Defence Facility at Nurrungar.

    Allow time to photograph:

    1. Historic photographs where photography is permitted.
    2. Rocket components.
    3. Interpretive displays.
    4. Buildings and signage.
    5. The relationship between the museum and outdoor Rocket Park.

    Always obey any indoor photography restrictions.

  5. Woomera Streets and Architecture

    Woomera's streets are photographically interesting in their own right.

    Much of the town was designed to support a large defence and research workforce, and the surviving streetscape has a distinctive mid-20th-century character.

    Look for:

    1. Long empty roads.
    2. Institutional buildings.
    3. Old accommodation blocks.
    4. Military-style architecture.
    5. Signs.
    6. Water towers and utility structures.
    7. Desert vegetation reclaiming open spaces.

    A 35-70mm focal length often works particularly well because it avoids excessive distortion while retaining environmental context.

  6. Woomera Cemetery

    Woomera Cemetery is an important historical location.

    The cemetery includes the grave of surveyor Len Beadell, who played an important role in surveying the Woomera range and many remote roads through central Australia.

    This should be approached as a documentary and historical location rather than simply another tourist attraction.

    Photograph respectfully and avoid photographing mourners or private commemorations without permission.

  7. Woomera Baker Observatory

    Woomera's clear desert skies make astronomy an important part of the town's identity.

    The Woomera Baker Observatory contains a 14-inch computer-controlled Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope beneath a 3.5-metre dome.

    The observatory is volunteer operated and usually opens on selected Friday nights, weather permitting.

    Check current opening arrangements before relying on it being open.

    For photographers, the observatory also creates an excellent visual link between Woomera's historic involvement in space research and the night sky above the town.

  8. Night Sky around Woomera

    Away from the brightest town lights, Woomera can provide excellent night-sky photography.

    Possible compositions include:

    1. Milky Way above desert landscape.
    2. Stars above Woomera's skyline.
    3. Silhouetted trees.
    4. Outback road disappearing beneath the stars.
    5. Observatory dome beneath the night sky where photography is permitted.

    Do not enter Defence land or leave authorised roads simply to obtain a better night photograph.

Google Map - Woomera Photographic Locations

How I photographed Woomera

What I took - what was in my kit

I took my LowePro Backpack loaded with Canon 5DSR body, Canon 24-70mm zoom, Manfrotto 190 Tripod, and of course a range of lens wipes, spare batteries, sunscreen and bug repellant. I tended to shoot 28-55mm

Techniques

Not many specialist techiques are required here. It is standard photography, so I used my 'Normal Style', and basically shot Aperature Priority, ISO 100, F10.

Other things to look out for

Old Signage

Woomera contains many signs, plaques and interpretive panels relating to its defence and aerospace history.

These can make excellent supporting photographs for the final Auspano page.

Desert Colour

The muted colours of the buildings contrast strongly with:

  1. Red earth.
  2. Yellow grass.
  3. Blue sky.
  4. White rockets.

Look for simple colour relationships rather than attempting to include too many objects within a single frame.

Weathered Surfaces

Heat, dust and age have produced interesting textures on some of Woomera's older structures and outdoor exhibits.

These work particularly well with a 70-200mm lens.

Long Shadows

Early and late in the day, rockets, aircraft and buildings can cast strong geometric shadows.

These can become important compositional elements in their own right.

Desert Wildlife

Watch for birds and other wildlife around the town and surrounding open country.

Carrying the longer wildlife lens can add useful natural-history images to what might otherwise become a completely technology-focused gallery.

Heat Haze

Heat haze can make conventional telephoto landscape photography difficult during the middle of the day.

However, it can also be used deliberately to reinforce the sense of heat and distance.

Google Map - Woomera and Nearby Photographic Locations

The route map is intended only to show the relationship between locations. It should not be interpreted as permission to leave public roads within the Woomera Prohibited Area.

Nearby Photographic Locations

Lake Hart

Lake Hart is one of the best photographic additions to a visit to Woomera.

The large salt lake lies beside the Stuart Highway north of Pimba and provides:

  1. Expansive salt-flat landscapes.
  2. Minimalist horizons.
  3. Cloud reflections when water is present.
  4. Strong foreground salt textures.
  5. Excellent sunset opportunities.

A 16-35mm lens is useful for strong foreground patterns, while the 70-200mm can compress distant landforms and heat haze.

Pimba

Pimba sits at the junction of the Stuart Highway and the road to Woomera.

It is useful photographically for documenting the broader outback journey and as a contrast between highway transport infrastructure and the isolated desert environment.

Island Lagoon

Island Lagoon, south of Woomera, is historically important because NASA established a deep-space tracking station there in 1960.

The station supported early missions to the Moon and planets.

However, do not assume that surviving installations or side roads can be freely accessed.

Remain on authorised public routes unless specific permission has been obtained.

Roxby Downs

Roxby Downs provides a useful modern counterpoint to Woomera.

The contrast between a historic defence town and a modern mining community can form an interesting documentary sequence.

Andamooka

Andamooka is an excellent side trip if time allows.

The opal-mining landscape, old cottages, mining machinery and stark surrounding desert create a completely different visual character from Woomera.

Location

Woomera is located in northern South Australia, approximately 6 km from the Stuart Highway at Pimba.

It lies approximately 450-490 km north-west of Adelaide, depending on the route and reference point used.

Google Maps: Woomera

Woomera Heritage Centre: Google Map

Woomera Rocket Park: Google Map

Woomera Baker Observatory: Google Map

Techniques used

Kit used

How to get there

From Adelaide

Travel north through Port Augusta and continue along the Stuart Highway towards Pimba.

At Pimba, turn towards Woomera.

The town is only a short drive from the highway.

From Port Augusta

Woomera is approximately 180 km north of Port Augusta by road.

The route follows the Stuart Highway to Pimba before turning into Woomera.

From Coober Pedy

Woomera lies approximately 370 km south of Coober Pedy.

This makes it a very practical stop when travelling between Port Augusta and Coober Pedy.

Current Access and the Woomera Prohibited Area

Do not treat the country surrounding Woomera as unrestricted public land.

Woomera lies within the much larger Woomera Prohibited Area, which remains an active Defence test range.

Woomera Village itself can normally be accessed by visitors without a permit using authorised routes.

Other routes through the Woomera Prohibited Area may require a Defence-issued tourist permit.

Travellers can normally use designated public routes including:

  1. The Stuart Highway.
  2. The Olympic Dam Highway.
  3. Woomera Village.
  4. Lake Cadibarrawirracanna Road public-access route.
  5. William Creek Road.

Other roads and tracks generally require permission.

Defence can also impose temporary exclusion periods for testing.

Never follow an interesting track, old installation or distant structure merely because it appears accessible.

Drone Photography

Woomera is an active Defence environment.

Do not fly a drone around Woomera unless you have positively confirmed that the flight is legal, authorised and clear of all Defence and aviation restrictions.

For this location I would plan the entire photographic visit on the assumption that ground photography is the appropriate approach.

Best time to visit

April to September

The cooler months are generally the best period for photography and touring.

Temperatures are more comfortable and the lower sun produces stronger shadows and warmer light.

This is particularly useful for:

  1. Rocket Park photography.
  2. Architecture.
  3. Desert landscapes.
  4. Night photography.

Summer

Summer temperatures can be extreme.

The middle of the day is generally less productive photographically because of:

  1. Harsh overhead light.
  2. Deep shadows.
  3. Heat haze.
  4. Very high temperatures.

If travelling in summer, concentrate photography around dawn and late afternoon.

Early Morning

Early morning can provide:

  1. Cooler temperatures.
  2. Long shadows.
  3. Cleaner air.
  4. Fewer visitors around the Rocket Park.

Late Afternoon

Late afternoon is probably the strongest general photographic period in Woomera.

Warm side light can transform otherwise plain structures and bring out texture in:

  1. Rockets.
  2. Aircraft.
  3. Brickwork.
  4. Red soil.
  5. Weathered metal.

Blue Hour

Blue hour can create particularly interesting contrasts between the historic technology displays and the deep desert sky.

However, check whether individual display areas remain publicly accessible after dark before planning a long tripod session.

Accessability

Woomera is relatively easy to explore compared with many remote Australian photographic locations.

Much of the town can be seen from:

  1. Sealed roads.
  2. Parking areas.
  3. Short formed paths.
  4. Flat public areas.

The Rocket Park is an outdoor display and does not require a long bushwalk.

This makes it possible for photographers with limited walking ability to see many of Woomera's principal subjects.

The Woomera Heritage Museum currently identifies disabled access as available, although visitors with specific requirements should contact the operator before travelling.

Public toilets are available within the visitor precinct.

Surfaces around some outdoor historical displays may include:

  1. Gravel.
  2. Uneven ground.
  3. Kerbs.
  4. Unshaded outdoor areas.

Heat can be a greater accessibility issue than walking distance, particularly during summer.

Where to stay

Woomera Traveller's Village and Caravan Park

For caravan travellers, the most convenient base is Woomera Traveller's Village and Caravan Park.

The park offers:

  1. Powered caravan sites.
  2. Unpowered sites.
  3. Motorhome sites.
  4. Cabins and rooms.
  5. Camp kitchen.
  6. Laundry.
  7. Dump point.

It is only a short distance from the town centre and Rocket Park.

For a large combination such as a Chevrolet Silverado and 23-foot caravan, contact the park before arrival and provide:

  1. Total caravan length including drawbar.
  2. Overall tow-vehicle length.
  3. Any rear-mounted equipment.
  4. Awning or slide-out requirements.

Ask for the easiest available site for a large rig.

I have not found a sufficiently current official statement guaranteeing a particular drive-through site size, so this should be confirmed directly rather than assumed.

Photographic Recommendations

16-35mm

Useful for:

  1. Low-angle rocket photographs.
  2. Large aircraft at close range.
  3. Environmental architecture.
  4. Night sky.

Be cautious when photographing rockets near the edge of the frame because very wide focal lengths can introduce severe perspective distortion.

24-70mm

This would be my main lens for Woomera.

It works particularly well for:

  1. Complete rockets.
  2. Aircraft.
  3. Street scenes.
  4. Buildings.
  5. Documentary photography.

70-200mm

The 70-200mm may produce some of the most interesting images of the trip.

Use it to isolate:

  1. Rocket nose cones.
  2. Aircraft cockpits.
  3. Fins.
  4. Old lettering.
  5. Weathered paint.
  6. Repeating mechanical details.
  7. Buildings against compressed desert backgrounds.

Long Wildlife Lens

Carry the longer lens if convenient, but it is not essential for the main Woomera subjects.

It can be useful for wildlife or extremely compressed desert details.

Tripod

A tripod is useful for:

  1. Blue hour.
  2. Night photography.
  3. Long exposures.
  4. Architectural precision.

Do not obstruct public walkways or place equipment inside restricted or fenced display areas.

Polarising Filter

A polariser can deepen the blue sky and reduce reflections from painted surfaces.

Use it carefully on very wide lenses because polarisation can become uneven across a large expanse of clear blue sky.

Architecture and Symmetry

Woomera contains many strong geometric shapes.

Look deliberately for:

  1. Symmetry.
  2. Repeating windows.
  3. Parallel roads.
  4. Vertical rockets.
  5. Curved aircraft surfaces.
  6. Contrasting shadows.

Include Scale

Some of the rockets are difficult to appreciate without a reference for scale.

A person standing at a safe and permitted distance can help communicate their size.

Leave Space around the Rockets

Avoid filling every photograph completely with machinery.

The empty desert sky is part of the visual character of Woomera.

In some images, the surrounding emptiness should occupy more of the frame than the object itself.

Try Black and White

Woomera can work particularly well in monochrome.

Subjects such as:

  1. Rockets.
  2. Old buildings.
  3. Weathered metal.
  4. Hard shadows.

can take on a stronger Cold War documentary character in black and white.

Suggested photographic sequence

  1. Arrive during the afternoon and establish the caravan.

    Avoid trying to manoeuvre the complete rig around the town while concentrating on photography.

  2. Visit the Heritage Centre and museum first.

    Understanding Woomera's history will make the outdoor photographs considerably more meaningful.

  3. Photograph the Rocket Park in normal daylight.

    Begin with documentary images that clearly show the complete exhibits.

  4. Switch to the 70-200mm.

    Photograph details of rockets, missiles and aircraft.

  5. Walk or drive slowly through the town.

    Look for architecture, signs, empty streets and utility structures.

  6. Visit Woomera Cemetery if time permits.

    Photograph respectfully and include the location primarily as an historical record.

  7. Return to the Rocket Park in late-afternoon light.

    Concentrate on long shadows and warm illumination.

  8. Blue hour.

    Photograph the town or publicly accessible displays against the deepening sky where permitted.

  9. Night photography.

    If conditions are clear, move to an authorised public location away from the strongest town lighting.

  10. Woomera Baker Observatory.

    If your visit coincides with an announced opening night, include the observatory as part of the evening.

  11. Next morning - Lake Hart.

    Continue north and photograph the salt lake before travelling towards Coober Pedy.

How long should a photographer stay?

A traveller can see the main Woomera attractions in a few hours, but this would be too short for a serious Auspano photographic visit.

I recommend at least one night.

This allows:

  1. Afternoon museum visit.
  2. Late-afternoon Rocket Park photography.
  3. Blue hour.
  4. Night-sky photography.
  5. Early morning photography.

Two nights would be worthwhile if:

  1. The Baker Observatory is open.
  2. You want a substantial documentary gallery.
  3. You plan to explore Roxby Downs or Andamooka.
  4. The first sunset or night sky is poor.

My priority photographs

  1. Wide establishing photograph of Woomera Rocket Park.
  2. Low-angle rocket against clean blue sky.
  3. Rocket silhouetted against late-afternoon colour.
  4. Historic aircraft within the Rocket Park.
  5. 70-200mm detail of rocket nose cone.
  6. Fins and propulsion detail.
  7. Weathered paint and old lettering.
  8. Person included for scale beside one of the larger exhibits.
  9. Rocket and its long afternoon shadow.
  10. Symmetrical photograph of historic architecture.
  11. Empty Woomera street with desert vegetation.
  12. Historical sign or interpretive display.
  13. Woomera Cemetery documentary image.
  14. Len Beadell memorial / grave recorded respectfully.
  15. Baker Observatory exterior.
  16. Observatory dome against twilight if permitted.
  17. Milky Way above an authorised desert foreground.
  18. Strong black-and-white Cold War-style architectural image.
  19. Lake Hart salt landscape as the next stage of the journey.

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