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.
COURAGEOUS CLIMBERS scale frozen waterfalls in Canada, as the ice threatens to collapse beneath them .
With the vivid red smoke billowing into the sky amid the misty sand dunes, these are the blissful views provided at the break of dawn at a volcano .
THESE LOVE BIRDS can’t keep their beaks off each other as they share a very public display of affection .
FINALLY catching a meal, a pair of great white egrets fight over their dinner .
ARM extended and head flung back, this little chipmunk performs a loose-limbed yoga move .
This cheeky chappie is getting into all kinds of monkey business as he enjoys cooling off on a scorching hot day .
A SPECTACULAR array of stars fills the night sky as they soar over this active volcano .
Leaping out of the ocean, a group of gentoo penguins fly through the air before landing safely on an iceberg .
HUDDLED together on a branch, a pair of adorable Javan scops owls soak up the sun .
A lively lemon shark grins into the camera and showcases his impressive teeth .
HEART-MELTING shots of a French bulldog and a ten-month-old French baby could be the cutest you’re likely to see .