This was a strange looking fellow. It was almost sunset, and he was in deep shade, so used the KP's built-in flash, which may have caused the web strands to become hidden, to make it appear as if he is hanging in mid-air. I didn't actually plan for that effect.
This version is a heavy crop of the original





HERE are two other shots taken at the same time.

[MikeNArk]

It is a Spiny Orb Weaver. We have had them in our back yard in Arkansas for the last several years. Weird looking spider. Comes in many color combinations.

[eaglem]

We used to call them Christmas Spiders as they were only seen in late Novenber and over Christmas and then they disappeared again.

[Kerrowdown]

Weird Spiky Spider

Be careful, like some many other things you have there "down under"... it's probably working out a way to kill you and then eat you.

[PJ1]

Nice shot and great "suspension" effect. I often get spiny spiders like that caught on the tractor when I am doing the tracks.

[Janse]

Nice. Well done!

[K2 to K50]

It is a Spiny Orb Weaver. We have had them in our back yard in Arkansas for the last several years. Weird looking spider. Comes in many color combinations.

So, not a uniquely Australian critter.

We used to call them Christmas Spiders as they were only seen in late Novenber and over Christmas and then they disappeared again.

Interesting - I shot this fellow in May, but maybe their appearance/disappearance is a climate thing, and they hang around longer up here in QLD.

Be careful, like some many other things you have there "down under"... it's probably working out a way to kill you and then eat you.

Thanks Kerrowdown, warning heeded - I have a healthy fear of anything that poisons, stings, or bites.

Nice shot and great "suspension" effect. I often get spiny spiders like that caught on the tractor when I am doing the tracks.

Thanks PJ1 - I cannot take too much credit for the "suspension" effect, it was not foreseen or planned, when I chose to use the flash. That choice was dictated by the available light. And thanks for the "Like".

Nice. Well done!

Thank you very much, Janse - glad you liked it. And thanks for the "Like".

And thanks also to Bengan, Charlie Victor,, Kdgparnell, for your "Like"s.

[Mike L]

So, not a uniquely Australian critter.

I know these as Jewels spiders, your model is a female The Find-a-spider Guide - Jewel spider

[K2 to K50]

I know these as Jewels spiders, your model is a female The Find-a-spider Guide - Jewel spider

Thanks for that link, Mike. You have definitely nailed it.