A mining town in Australia’s outback appears to be completely deserted, but its residents have escaped the scorching heat by living in underground caves. The town of Coober Pedy is home to over 1,500 people, as well as hotels, restaurants and churches, all of which are located up to 100ft below ground. “Coober Pedy is renowned for its below-ground residences, called dugouts, which are used to avoid the scorching daytime heat,” says photographer Abigail Varney, who visited the unusual town, located 846km north of Adelaide.
BASKING in smug satisfaction, a confident squirrel gives a wink to the camera .
PERCHING on top of a gate, this young barn swallow waits patiently for his mum to return with dinner .
A small Indian monkey is seemingly gob-smacked after reading the latest stock market news .
Throwing a right hook as he launches onto his opponent with his gnarling teeth at the ready, this is the OTTER-LY ruthless showdown between two otters .
CLINGING onto nothing but ice, this brave climber reaches heights of 1000 FEET as he scales frozen solid waterfalls .
PERCHED on a branch, these two frogs hold hands as they look into the camera .
A SPECTACULAR array of stars fills the night sky as they soar over this active volcano .
AN EXERCISING turtle and an ice-skating chick are hardly everyday exploits in the animal community .
BREATHING life back into old photographs, these black and white images are transformed by colour .
WITH the mystical clouds forming a thick blanket and the electrifying lights below, these stunning pictures provide a unique view of the cityscape of Dubai taken from the tallest building in the world .
GETTING behind the camera, this monkey practices his photography skills on his friends .