SOCIAL media is often slammed for keeping us cooped up indoors, but one photographer is using it to achieve exactly the opposite.

Whenever he gets the chance, Jake Watson is out with his camera capturing the stunning scenery around the Southern Downs.

By sharing his photographs on Instagram, Mr Watson is encouraging others to get out and do the same.

"I think social media has a huge impact on people travelling to the area,” Mr Watson said.

"If you use it as a tool just to explore, it's great.”

Mr Watson, who is based in Brisbane, said many people had no idea of the beautiful bush walks and scenery at their disposal.

"The pictures say it all, otherwise people wouldn't' have a clue what's out there.”

Along with a professional level camera, Mr Watson utilises a drone to give viewers a different perspective on the region.

"I like the drone because you can put a person in the picture and it gives a good sense of how vast and expansive the area is.”

But the eye-capturing images are only part of the adventure for Mr Watson.

Long before he even owned a camera, Mr Watson had a passion for adventure and hiking.

"You're spoilt for choice out in that area, really,” he said.

With places like Main Range National Park filling up on weekends, discovering nature in our region is certainly becoming a more popular destination.

Mr Watson said he hoped his photos encouraged more people branch out to discover some incredible gems of the Southern Downs.

Girraween National Park and Main Range National Park are two of his favourite places to explore.