Nothofagus gunnii

Celebration of "the turning of the fagus (Nothofagus gunnii)", is a pretty special and unique Tasmanian event. Each year these deciduous beech trees put on a spectacular colour change and shed their leaves, a trait that is unlike most other southern hemisphere trees.
The timing of the change is dependent upon a range of conditions, making it unpredictable and just that little bit more exciting, wondering what you're going to find when you go the effort to climb a mountain and photograph them.
This is the first time I've gone out on a dedicated 'pilgrimage' to photograph the fagus in the past I've witnessed it while I've been on some other mission. I took a drive up to Cradle Mountain, taking the anti-clock wise route to Hanson's Peak, then across the face track and down into Wilks Lake, to get as many interesting images as I could.
The weather was predictably unpredictable as can only be expected at this time of year, fortunately I managed to get a little bit of sun to help bring out the colours of the leaves and the beautiful scenery.