Jimmy Raper is an Australian photographer hailing from The Northern Beaches of Sydney. In this photo essay, he explains why exploring Australia should be at the top of every travel-lover’s bucket list.

How did you get into photography?

I grew up in a picturesque area of Sydney, Australia called The Northern Beaches. It’s located just outside of Sydney’s Central Business District and is an amazing stretch of coastline between Manly to Palm Beach. The area itself actually made me fall in love with photography; I appreciate and am inspired by the beauty of my surroundings, and it is hard not to want to capture it every day.

Describe your photography style. What do you look for when you go out to capture images?

My style of shooting has changed and evolved so much in the past couple of years. A lot of my inspiration comes from guys like Chris Burkard and Alex Strohl; I love the way they compose their stunning landscapes. When I go out and shoot, I try and look for ways to show my subject from different perspectives as they often do.

Tell us about Australia. Why should travelers put the country on their bucket list?

Anyone who is looking to travel should have Australia on the top of their bucket list. The landscape is so diverse and so much of it is untouched: you can find beautiful, white sand beaches, lush rainforests, barren deserts, or snow-capped mountains if that’s what you are after.  Australia accommodates it all. The opportunities for adventure are endless, really.

Do you have a favorite place within the country that you like to travel to?

My favorite place in Australia would have to be Tasmania. It’s an isolated part of the country, located 240km off the south of the main continent, separated by the Bass Straight. At the beginning of the year, I took a two-week trip around the whole island with two mates. We hired a campervan on arrival in the city of Hobart and did a full lap around the perimeter before crossing through the middle to visit Cradle Mountain. The beauty of the area is pure and astounding, from its crystal beaches, rivers and lakes to its unbelievable mountain ranges. It felt like we were visiting another, more foreign country.

What country is at the top of your bucket list?

I’d have to say Iceland. The rawness and beauty of the country literally make it look unreal, as if it is a fictional place. I really want to go check out some of the glaciers there in particular. Hoping to get there soon!

Do you have any upcoming trips planned?

I actually have a large trip in the works. I’ll be starting off on New Zealand’s South Island, where I’ll rent a camper van again and take a trip through “middle earth” (a reference to Lord of the Rings for those who don’t know!). From there, I’ll fly into Chile and head across to Argentina before going down into Patagonia. I really want to see Torres Del Paine; that place looks crazy. I plan to then make my way up to Bolivia and Brazil, and continue through Central America, stopping in Costa Rica and Nicaragua. Once I get to Mexico, I hope to spend a lot of time just hanging out, surfing and relaxing.  The last part of my journey will be a road trip into and through America to visit friends and see inspiring places like Yosemite, Acadia and Zion National Parks. I can’t wait.