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.
A DETERMINED great blue heron holds on tightly to its prey as the furry gopher attempts to wriggle free .
Dogs catch waves at the Coronado Bay dog surf championships Saturday 22nd June 2013- DOG SURFING mutts have never looked so gnarly .
TUGGING at his exhausted mum's ears, a beautiful baby orangutan refuses to settle for a nap as he begins a game of peek-a-boo .
PUSHING the diver out of his way, this little sea turtle shows he’s not in the mood for photographs .
CLINGING onto nothing but ice, this brave climber reaches heights of 1000 FEET as he scales frozen solid waterfalls .
BLOWING bubbles underwater, this adorable polar bear slides into his tank for a playful dip .
A diving guide leaves a shark completely docile and balanced in the palm of his hand .
A grand 56-bedroom hotel, once heaving with injured soldiers during the First World War, now lies completely abandoned .
AN OLD ENGLISH cottage packed full of history and valuables has been left to rot .
Sprawled out on top of a log, this sleeping leopard takes a relaxing break from his daily routine .
THIS is the EXPLOSIVE moment when a 50 metre high pylon came crashing down to earth in a rural field .
A TEN-THOUSAND square foot wide Avatar-style grove is such a beauty it will leave you feeling VINE .