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.
FULL OF STUNNING colours and swirling shapes, the furrows on these fields create a mix of mesmerising patterns .
A carefree bear cub reclines in the water with his feet raised in the air .
STRIKING photos capture nature at its most raw and powerful during Earth’s most electrifying event .
WITH his spiked ears and yellow and blue body, a colourful monkey bears an uncanny resemblance to Marvel Comics’ Wolverine .
STARING intently into the camera, a polar bear appears to be lost in thought while relaxing in the snow .
PUSHING the diver out of his way, this little sea turtle shows he’s not in the mood for photographs .
A disabled sheep is enjoying a new fleece of life after receiving a specially-designed wheelchair .
WITH A wide smile plastered across his face, this little gecko is ready for his close up .
THIS is the shocking moment a clumsy radio newsreader plunged into a freezing canal while texting her boyfriend instead of looking where she was going .
SURROUNDED by divers, a hungry green sea turtle enjoys being the centre of attention .
A little caterpillar fearlessly scampers down a branch and confronts a praying mantis .