TaraDeS — 7 months ago(September 01, 2025 06:28 AM)

Winners & Finalists in Pictures
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selection
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A retired mechanical engineer from Queensland won the top prize
for his stunning shot of a
cauliflower soft coral
. ​
The 2025 winners and the 99 shortlisted images are featured in an exhibition
at the South Australian Museum from August 30, 2025 to February 01, 2026.
CAULIFLOWER SOFT CORAL "Fractal Forest" (overall) WINNER

Inside-out view of a cauliflower soft coral. Named for its characteristic appearance that resembles a cauliflower with numerous small, rounded, bump-like polyps that give it a puffy texture. There’s nothing fake here, but still we ponder, is this nature or a painting?
Photograph: Ross Gudgeon
Now in its 22nd edition, Australia’s most prestigious nature photography contest attracted 1,864 images from 449 photographers in 18 countries. Submissions showcase life and landscapes throughout the ANZANG bioregion –
A
ustralia,
N
ew
Z
ealand,
A
ntarctica and
N
ew
G
uinea – in overall and ten categories. These include: aerial, animals in nature, astrophotography, junior, landscape, macro, monochrome, our impact, portfolio and threatened species.
NUMBATS standing Watch (threatened species) Finalist
Huddled together for warmth on a cold morning, these juvenile numbats (affectionately known as numbubs) survey their surroundings for any potential threats.
Wiilman country, Dryandra, Western Australia
Photograph: Lewis Burnett
BOTTLENOSE DOLPHINS and HUMPBACK WHALE "The Chase" (aerial) Finalist
I’m fascinated by interspecies interactions. Is it just social interaction or are these encounters driven by deeper connections, communication or even cooperation? These two bottlenose dolphins were riding the humpback’s wake then swimming to his eye and pausing. It was like a reunion of old friends in a fleeting moment.
Nyangbul country, Lennox Head, New South Wales
Photograph: Craig Parry
FEATHER HORNS (macro) Finalist
Feather-horned beetles are quite small, but their antennae are truly fantastic. A large group of beetles were flying around and this one perched on a stick, where I snapped their unique symmetrical portrait. I was with my father-in-law Fernando Leon, who is now battling ALS, a neurodegenerative disorder, so I would like to dedicate this photo to him.
Gadubanud country, Great Ocean Road, Victoria
Photograph: Damien Esquerre
GHOST BAT "Red Dawn" (threatened species) WINNER
​
Ghost bats are rare and elusive, with strict roost requirements. After years studying these nocturnal predators with thermal optics, I’ve discovered a handful of regularly frequented locations in the escarpment surrounding my home. This image was captured on January 01, 2025 – an incredible way to usher in the new year.
Wagiman country, Adelaide River Hills, Northern Territory
Photograph: Etienne Littlefair
GALAH pink and grey cockatoo "Perched" (junior) WINNER

I took this photo during a morning walk in Hewett. As I was walking home, a little disappointed with the unsuccessful outcome of my shoot, I saw the two galahs. The light post being turned on in the early morning light helped my subjects to stand out.
Kaurna country, Adelaide, South Australia
Photograph: Isabella Rogers
ORCA "Party Streamer" (monochrome) WINNER

Orca WA007 joyfully leaps out of the Bremer Canyon after devouring a Cuvier’s beaked whale, her prey’s intestines subtly hanging from her mouth like a festive decoration. Around 300 orcas were recorded in this remote Southern Ocean hotspot, with unfolding research suggesting they may be their own ecotype.
Noongar country, Southern Ocean, off Bremer Bay, Western Australia
Photograph: Rachelle Mackintosh
CLOUD-TO-GROUND LIGHTNING "The Beast" (landscape) WINNER

I love the raw power and beauty of storms. Watching this severe storm making its way to me, I was filled with excitement and anticipation. To capture the only CG (cloud-to-ground) bolt to come from this amazing shelf cloud was absolute bliss.
Kabi Kabi country, Kings Beach, Queensland
Photograph: Darren Wassell
AURORA "Oberon Kenobi" (astrophotography) WINNER

An amphitheatre of pandani watch on as the galactic core, swathed in airglow, rises over an alpine lake, nestled in a rugged Tassie mountain range. Lady Aurora dances under the Magellanic Clouds. This image was captured on a crisp night in one of Tasmania’s more rugged and majestic multi-day walks.
Loinnekumme country, South-west national park, Tasmania
Photograph: Marley Butler
SKINK "in a tight Spot" (our impact) WINNER

Discovered in a brick wall at home, a small garden skink was trapped in a hole. I felt helpless as the lizard thrashed its body from side to side in an attempt to escape. Thankfully, it was eventually able to get free.
Gadigal country, Sydney, New South Wales
Photograph: Sara Corlis
BLACKNECKED STORK over MUDFLATS "Jabiru Leaf" (aerial) WINNER

This is not a dead leaf; it's a result of massive tides retreating over mudflats. I thought of a dead tree and a bird as we flew over the flats in the chopper. As this blacknecked stork