Mount Hay and Butterbox Point Photo Adventure

Explore Mount Hay & Butterbox Point with Sony Advocate Jay Evans

Join Sony Advocate and Blue Mountains guide, Jay Evans, on an unforgettable photo walk through one of the hidden gems of the Blue Mountains. This incredible adventure promises breathtaking views, fascinating wildlife, and expert photography coaching—an experience not to be missed!

Our previous outing on this trail was filled with fun, laughter, and spectacular landscapes. Now it’s your turn to explore the beauty and serenity of the Mount Hay and Butterbox Point wilderness areas.

Why This Photo Walk Is Special

The Mount Hay and Butterbox Point areas are pristine wilderness zones, untouched and natural, offering endless photographic opportunities. Highlights include:

• Epic vistas of the Grose Valley, renowned for its signature blue haze.
• A rich diversity of eucalypt forests, hanging swamps, and sandstone cliffs.
• Seasonal wildflowers and unique wildlife like cockatoos, eagles, wallabies, and even reptiles.

What to Expect

• Start Time & Meeting Point:
  Begin at the National Park entry gate on Mount Hay Road. We’ll travel in convoy along a recently repaired 2WD-accessible dirt trail to the Butterbox Point car park.

• Sunrise Shoot:
  Capture the first light over the Grose Valley with guidance on composition and techniques for stunning sunrise photography.

• Guided Hike & Photography Coaching:
  Hike bush tracks to the summit of Mount Hay and return via Butterbox Point, with stops to photograph:

  • Panoramic views
  • Unique flora and fauna
  • The area's recovery since the 2019/2020 Black Summer Bushfires

Your guide will share stories about the wilderness area's history and ecology while helping you capture its beauty through your lens.

• Session End:
  Return to your vehicles around 12:00 PM, concluding a fulfilling morning of adventure and photography.

Why Choose This Workshop?

• Expert Guidance:
  Jay Evans, an experienced guide and photographer, provides personalized coaching on landscape, macro, and wildlife photography.

• Sony Equipment Access:
  Depending on availability, you may have the chance to try Sony Digital Imaging gear. Let us know in advance if there’s specific equipment you’d like to test.

Costs Include:
Your small fee includes:

• National Park entry fees ($4.64 per person per day)
• NSW National Parks EcoPass license fees
• Public liability insurance for bushwalking and wilderness activities
• Guidance from an experienced, accredited guide with remote area first aid certification
• Other necessary operational costs

Fitness Requirements

• Grade 3:
  Suitable for moderate fitness levels. The hike is less than 5km but includes:
  • Uneven tracks with some inclines
  • Rocky outcrops (may require climbing)
  • Possible muddy sections

Good personal awareness and mobility are recommended.

Acknowledgment of Traditional Owners

Jay Evans operates under an Eco Pass License (#LIC20/116) and acknowledges the Gundungurra, Dharug, Wiradjuri, Darkinjung, and Thawawal people, the Traditional Custodians of this land. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present, and future.

• Landscape & Nature Photography
• Macro Photography
• Wildlife Photography
• Wilderness bushwalking for photographers
• Sony Cameras and Lenses
• Landscape Composition

• Good Walking Boots - Mid/high ankle boots preferred
• Hiking appropriate clothing including base layers, fleece and rain jacket
• Hiking poles if used
• Comfortable camera backpack with rain cover
• Water Bottle (minimum 750ml recommended)
• Packed lunch and snacks if required
• Your camera with batteries and empty memory cards
• Selection of lenses - Ultra wide (12-24mm), Medium Tele (24-105mm), Tele (70-600mm)
• Bring your macro lenses for Spring Wildflowers
• Tripod
• Shutter remote
• Any landscape filters including Circular Polariser