The saturating rains of La Nina have had an extraordinary impact on the Australian landscape, the firey reds and earthy browns for which this sunburnt country’s interior is so renowned replaced by expanses of green which hum with life.

With a longstanding interest in environmental photojournalism, photographer Peter Elfes has spent the past three years documenting the amazing transformation in a series called Green Desert.

This photographic essay reflects the significant value of photography in highlighting the critical importance of preserving our natural heritage.

Of his work, Peter explains:

To me photography is an art in observation. I see the abstract forms of nature, like nature’s poetry and the more time I spend in nature, the more I understand her poetry.

Here are some sample images from Peter’s gorgeous series:

Such an intriguing landscape, don’t you think? I especially like the abstracted forms that Peter’s captured in many of his images.

If you’re interested in learning more about this stunning project, you can hear an engaging ABC Radio National interview with Peter here.