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.
An Italian photographer travelled to Chile where he visited several star-gazing sites, home to some of the world's most advanced telescopes, located in the spectacular setting of the Atacama desert .
BEAUTIFULLY lit by the dim glow of lanterns, a cave in Iceland is transformed into the perfect wedding venue .
DASHING through the snow, this little stoat is on the lookout for a Christmas feast .
WITH A LITTLE cap of fresh snow resting on his head, this squirrel tries his best to pull off his new look .
These are the men with one of the most unpleasant jobs in the world .
FLEXING his muscles and staring straight at his opponent, this bodybuilding squirrel is the nuts .
BREATHING life back into old photographs, these black and white images are transformed by colour .
ARMED with her camera, bikini and flippers, this brave diver goes swimming with SHARKS .
A pair of snarling foxes go paw-to-paw and brawl after unexpectedly crossing paths .
These uninvited guests ELEPHANTLY make their annual trip through the reception of this welcoming lodge .
YOU’VE heard of the northern lights now feast your eyes on the natural wonder of the SOUTHERN lights .
STARING intently into the camera, a polar bear appears to be lost in thought while relaxing in the snow .