Girt by Sea Project Pty Ltd

Our vast and magnificent land has always ignited a spirit of exploration—a deep curiosity about what lies beyond the horizon, over the ridge, or across the desert. This relentless drive for discovery led Matthew Flinders to become the first to circumnavigate Australia between 1801 and 1803, meticulously charting its coastline. By completing and linking together partial surveys, he provided the first complete depiction of our island continent. While he may not have coined the phrase, Flinders was among the first to truly grasp that Australia is indeed “girt by sea.” Fast forward more than two centuries, and with the belief that modern Australia had been fully explored, Tony Hewitt and Denis Glennon embarked on a journey that redefined discovery. Their vision was not to navigate by sea, but by air—to circumnavigate the entire coastline of Australia in a small plane. Their mission was twofold: to prove it could be done and to offer a breathtaking, never before-seen perspective of our country’s shores.

In doing so, they have added a new chapter to Flinders’ legacy. Through fine art photography that is both intimate and awe-inspiring, they invite us to witness Australia’s coastline in a way few ever have. Each image captures the beauty, isolation, and grandeur of this island nation, evoking a deep sense of wonder. As you browse through this work, let it remind you of the extraordinary place we call home one that is, in every sense, truly ‘girt by sea.’