Fractal Forest by Ross Gudgeon

A striking underwater image of cauliflower soft coral has been named the 2025 Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year.

The photograph, titled Fractal Forest, was taken by Western Australian photographer Ross Gudgeon in the waters of Lembeh Strait, Indonesia. Using a specialised macro wide lens, Gudgeon captured the coral’s intricate details in a way rarely seen, earning him the overall prize of $10,000 and a Coral Expeditions cruise.

Now in its 22nd year, the Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year is produced by the South Australian Museum and is considered the nation’s leading nature photography competition.

Palm Beach Orange Sunrise by Glen Parker

This year, the contest attracted 1,864 images from 449 photographers across 18 countries, covering wildlife, landscapes, macro, astrophotography and more from the ANZANG bioregion – Australia, New Zealand, Antarctica and New Guinea.

Otherworldly by Nicholas Cullen

Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year Exhibition

An exhibition showcasing the 99 shortlisted images opens at the South Australian Museum in Adelaide on 30 August 2025 and runs until 1 February 2026. The full collection of 2025 winning and shortlisted photographs can be viewed at the South Australian Museum or online.

Tickets: Adult tickets: $12 | Concession/students: $10 | Children under 12: Free

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO

The Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year competition is a partnership between the South Australian Museum and Australian Geographic.

Junior Winner:

Perched by Isabella Rogers

For more information and all enquiries please visit the SA Museum website.

What:  Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year Exhibition 2025

When:    30 August 2025 – 1 February 2026

Where:   SA Museum | North Terrace, Adelaide 

Who:   Everyone

At Play & Go Adelaide we make every effort to provide accurate information to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication. We recommend confirming times, dates and details directly before making any plans as details may be subject to change.

Image Source: SA Museum Facebook 

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