Exploring the Hidden Gem of Gippsland’s Coastline
Last weekend, I packed up my gear and headed down to Port Albert, a historic coastal town in Gippsland. It’s one of those places where time seems to move a little slower, where the skies are wide and the waters calm. It’s a town steeped in maritime history, with a rich story to tell. But this time, I wasn’t just visiting; I was capturing it all from the air, armed with my drone to shoot stunning 360-degree images, 180 panoramas, and videos of this picturesque corner of Victoria.
I arrived early on Saturday, just as the first light crept over the horizon. There’s something magical about that first golden hour—before the town stirs and the day fully begins. The drone whirred to life, and from above, Port Albert revealed itself in a way that you just can’t see from the ground. The quiet, peaceful harbour. The expanse of marshlands stretching out toward Corner Inlet. The morning mist lingering on the water’s surface. It was like watching the world wake up.
The Morning: A Tranquil Start
The first 360-degree images I captured show Port Albert bathed in soft morning light. As I flew the drone over the water, the sun slowly rose higher, casting long shadows across the docks and homes. In one of the shots, you can see the boats tied up, bobbing gently in the calm water, the town’s buildings just starting to reflect the early glow of the sun. It’s one of those places where you can almost feel the history beneath your feet—and in this case, beneath the drone's lens.
The aerial panoramas captured the small islands dotted across Corner Inlet, their shapes gently carved out by the tides. The marshlands, a mix of rich greens and muted browns, seemed to stretch on forever, giving the town a sense of solitude and separation from the fast-paced world beyond its borders.
Midday: Vibrancy Under a Clear Sky
By midday, the town was alive with activity—locals out for a stroll, fishermen preparing for a day on the water, and the sun high in a cloudless blue sky. The drone soared above the township, capturing wide-angle views of Port Albert from all directions. The inlet sparkled under the midday sun, and the 180-degree panoramas show how the water almost seems to wrap itself around the town.
In the drone video, you can see the boats coming and going from the marina. The water, so clear and still in the morning, took on a deeper blue-green hue by midday. The shots of the boats and jetties give you a real sense of Port Albert’s relationship with the sea—this town was built on its connection to the water, and that bond remains strong today.
Late Afternoon: The Golden Glow
As the day wore on, the light began to change again. Late afternoon in Port Albert is something special—the golden hour stretches out, casting everything in a soft, warm glow. The drone circled the town again, capturing more 360-degree images, this time with longer shadows and a richness to the colours that was simply breathtaking.
In the 180 panoramas, you can see how the sun bathes the landscape in a golden light, making the green of the marshes and trees pop against the deep blue of the inlet. The water seemed to reflect every shade of the sky, from light blue to warm orange as the sun began its descent.
Sunset: A Perfect Finish to the Day
Sunset at Port Albert is a photographer's dream. The drone soared high as the sun sank lower, capturing that beautiful moment when the sky is a mix of oranges, pinks, and purples, and the water below mirrors the fading light. The final 360-degree image of the day shows the sun just above the horizon, casting its final rays across the marshes and the quiet town.
The 180-degree panorama from this time is one of my favourites—it captures the entire scene from the calm waters of the inlet to the far-off edges of town, with the golden light stretching across the sky. This shot alone could explain why Port Albert is such a special place.
The Full Experience
In between those moments, I captured a series of drone videos showing Port Albert from every angle, every elevation, and every mood that day. The sweeping shots of the marina, the marshlands, and the distant ocean brought to life the natural beauty that surrounds this quaint coastal town. There’s something about seeing it all from above—how everything connects, how the land and water weave together in perfect harmony—that makes you appreciate Port Albert even more.
If you want to experience it for yourself, I’ve put together a video compilation of the day, with 360-degree stills and 180 panoramas showcasing Port Albert’s beauty from dawn to dusk. It's a stunning reminder of what a peaceful, unique, and charming spot this town truly is.
So, if you’re looking for a place to slow down, breathe in the sea air, and soak up the beauty of Victoria’s coastline, you can’t go wrong with a weekend at Port Albert. I know I’ll be back soon.