Australian Geographic nature photographer of the year 2025 winners – in pictures

Finalist – threatened species: Standing Watch

‘Huddled together for warmth on a cold morning, these juvenile numbats (affectionately known as numbubs) survey their surroundings for any potential threats. With introduced species such as the feral cat and European red fox to contend with, their formative years are spent learning to blend in with their woodland surroundings, always alert to danger.’ Wiilman country, Dryandra, Western Australia.

Photograph: Lewis Burnett

Finalist – aerial: The Chase

‘I’m fascinated by interspecies interactions. I question: 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 its 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

Finalist – macro: Feather Horns

‘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

Winner – threatened species: Red Dawn

‘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 1 January 2025 – an incredible way to usher in the new year. Wagiman country, Adelaide River Hills, Northern Territory.

Photograph: Etienne Littlefair

Winner – junior: Perched

‘I took this photo during a morning walk in Hewett, South Australia. 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 subject to stand out.’ Kaurna country, Adelaide, South Australia.

Photograph: Isabella Rogers

Winner – monochrome: Party Streamer

‘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 of these mammal-hunting orcas have been 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

Winner – landscape: The Beast

‘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. Once again, thank you Mother Nature!’ Kabi Kabi country, Kings Beach, Queensland.

Photograph: Darren Wassell

Winner – astrophotography: Oberon Kenobi

‘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

Winner – our impact: Skink in a Tight Spot

‘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 itself free.’ Gadigal country, Sydney, New South Wales.

Photograph: Sara Corlis

Winner – aerial: Jabiru Leaf

‘This is not a dead leaf; it is 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 flew towards the drainage, we banked hard just in time to capture them together.’ Balanggarra land, Wyndham, Western Australia.

Photograph: Charles Davis

Finalist – our impact: Felled Forest

‘Exploring the pristine Tarkine and its rainforests, it was common to see areas of land clear-felled. This area appeared to have been recently cleared. A large flock of cockatoos were present. I do not know the adaptability and resilience of these birds but wonder what they make of this destruction.’ Takayna/Tarkine, Tasmania.

Photograph: Craig McGowan

Finalist – landscape: Enchanted Forest

‘On a camping trip with my son, we came across this amazing section of silver beech that were stunted and beautifully sculpted by the elements. After several attempts, I was finally present when it snowed. Not long after dawn, the clouds departed, and the low angled sun added a hint of warmth to the fairytale scene.’ Te Rua-o-te-Moko/Fiordland, New Zealand.

Photograph: William Patino

Winner – animals in nature: PJ & Crabs

‘Each year, on the full moon, tens of thousands of spider crabs gather to shed their shells. At this time, they become soft and vulnerable to predation from sharks and large rays so they bunch up in epic numbers to protect themselves. This Port Jackson shark was cruising over the hoard.’ Nairm/Port Phillip Bay, Victoria.

Photograph: Charles Davis

Finalist – junior: Battle Scarred

‘This striking male jumping spider carries a battle scar – he’s missing his right-hand palp. Whenever I got too close, he would wave his remaining one around rather urgently. These versatile appendages are used for manipulating food, communicating, providing additional sensory input, and as sex organs. He appeared quite healthy despite his missing palp.’ Yuggera country, Brisbane, Queensland.

Photograph: Oliver Lacey

Winner – portfolio: Priscilla

‘About the size of a dumpling, the southern dumpling or bobtail squid are treasured photography subjects. These nocturnal creatures emerge cloaked in vivid colours as if wearing shimmering eye makeup. Usually timid, they tend to hide when seen. This one however, affectionately named Priscilla, happily lingered, posing for a photoshoot.’ Gadigal country, Sydney, New South Wales.

Photograph: Peter McGee

Finalist – astrophotography: Celestial Iris After the Fires

‘On New Year’s Eve 2019, a huge fire devastated the tiny town of Mallacoota and the surrounding forests. This photograph was taken looking vertically up through the burnt coastal melaleuca. Amongst all the devastation, the Milky Way, so clear in our dark skies, seemed to symbolise the hope of renewal and regrowth.’ Bidwell country, Mallacoota, Victoria.

Photograph: Caroline Jones

Winner – macro: Liftoff

‘Vertical migrations are some of the most remarkable in the world. Billions of animals hide in deep waters and then travel to the surface at night to feed under the cover of darkness. This paper nautilus hitched a ride on a passing jellyfish – a truly unique and magical encounter on one of the world’s greatest vertical currents.’ Lembeh Strait, North Sulawesi, Indonesia.

Photograph: Talia Greis

Finalist – animals in nature: Rifleman Stare

‘After a demanding four-hour hike into the rugged Southern Alps of New Zealand, I spotted a titipounamu/rifleman (New Zealand’s smallest bird) darting through the dense forest. The bird’s intense gaze pierced through the foliage and, after multiple attempts, I captured the photograph I was hoping for, defying the bird’s lightning-fast movements.’ Kā Tiritiri o te Moana/Southern Alps, New Zealand.

Photograph: Bernie Shore

Finalist – monochrome: Transpiration

‘While driving home from a pre-dawn shoot in the Meander Valley, I stopped to admire the dawn breaking behind a young Blackwood tree. Its silhouette struck a beautiful contrast as the sun warmed its transpiring leaves, with the evaporating water droplets rising from the branches to mingle with the surrounding mist.’ Tommeginne country, Deloraine, Tasmania.

Photograph: Joy Kachina