Chasing waterfalls across Tasmania – don't stick to the rivers and lakes that you're used to
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Chasing waterfalls changed Craig Doumouras's life for the better, and now he's sharing his experiences online with other likeminded nature lovers.
"It's a growing community," he said.
"There's a lot of people just like me who run around photographing waterfalls and just like to be a part of the journey."
Mr Doumouras started seeking out waterfalls to photograph in the hopes of getting better acquainted with his camera.
The outdoor activity also helped motivate him to exercise.
"The journey is the biggest part of going to waterfalls," he told Sarah Gillman on ABC Radio Hobart.
"Some of the scenery you see along the way to waterfalls is just stunning, especially here in Tasmania."
Mr Doumouras has an inherited heart condition, one which claimed his mother's life.
It's motivated him to do something to improve his health.
He said it was hard at the start as he struggled with easy walks such as the 45-minute return walk to Liffey Falls in the Midlands.
"I was so unfit at the time ... I was barely breathing when I got back to the car.
"Now I think a five-hour walk is a short walk."
To share his experiences and photos, Mr Doumouras started the Waterfalls of Tasmania website and Facebook group.
The group has more than 7,000 members who share stories, photos and videos from waterfalls around the state.
Mr Doumouras said he loved to see more and more people getting out to see waterfalls and enjoying the natural environment.
"I think promoting our wilderness is so important because we're promoting something that is natural and Tasmania is building its reputation on its natural qualities," he said.
"The more waterfalls we can promote, in many ways it's really good, but we need to prepare ourselves for that traffic as well."
And while drier months might not give you the most impressive waterfalls, the walk to their locations can be worth it no matter what you see at the end.
"Getting out and walking and seeing the environment and having nature just constantly talk to you, it just helps you refresh your mind and your wellbeing," Mr Doumouras said.
"I've learnt so much about the environment and learnt so much about Tasmania.
"I think the biggest thing for me is how much I love Tasmania more so than I did previously."
Topics: rivers, photography, exercise-and-fitness, human-interest, national-parks, hobart-7000
