Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year Exhibition 2026
Some of the most breathtaking images of the natural world are back in Adelaide, with the Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year Exhibition returning to the South Australian Museum.
Now in its 23rd year, the Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year competition is Australia’s most prestigious nature photography competition. This year’s event attracted 2,129 entries from 501 photographers across 17 countries, with just 100 spectacular images making the shortlist for the 2026 exhibition.
The shortlisted photographs capture the extraordinary beauty, diversity and fragility of the ANZANG region, including Australia, New Zealand, Antarctica and New Guinea. Visitors can expect an inspiring collection of images showcasing remarkable wildlife encounters, stunning landscapes, intricate macro photography and thought-provoking environmental stories.
© Dylan Giannakopoulos
2026 Winner, Matt Deakin
Broome-based professional drone photographer Matt Deakin has been named the 2026 Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year. The Western Australian won with Ethereal Encounter, a ghost like photograph of a critically endangered green sawfish swimming with a green turtle, captured in waters off the Pilbara in the far north of his home State. Matt snapped the image with a Hasselblad L2D-20c aerial camera mounted on a DJI Mavic 3 Pro drone. This was his first entry in the competition. For his achievement, he received the overall winner’s prize of $10,000 and a cruise with Coral Expeditions.
© Matt Deakin
The 10 Competition Categories & Winners for 2026:
- Animals in Nature: Colin Chan, NSW (Just in Time)
- Animal Behaviour: Nathan Watson, WA (Worm Wars)
- Botanical: Ben Alldridge, Tas (Alchemy)
- Threatened Species: Matt Cornish, Qld (Resilience – A fight for survival)
- Our Impact: Dave Sanderson, SA (Neglect)
- Landscape: Wayne Sorensen, Qld (Flicker)
- Macro: Georgina Steytler, WA (Insect Trails)
- Monochrome: Natalie Murray, Qld (Flight of Fancy)
- Portfolio: Lewis Burnett, WA (Our Island Ark)
- Junior: Aaryan Dhakal, Vic (Silent Grace)
© Lewis Burnett
Exhibition Details
- Dates: 29 August 2026 – 14 February 2027
- Times: Open daily from 10am – 5pm, closed Christmas Day
- Tickets: $16 adults, $14 concession, seniors and students. Free entry for kids under 12 years and Museum members
- Tickets available at the door or book online and save $2 off your ticket
BOOK TICKETS
Please note the Museum is cashless for exhibition ticket sales.
© Kendra Campbell
Father’s Day Special: Nature Photography and Café Treat
Celebrate Father’s Day with a visit to the Museum and the Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year exhibition. Then take a break at the Museum Café and enjoy a freshly baked scone with jam and cream, served with your choice of tea or coffee.
Tickets are $22 and each ticket receives entry to the Nature Photographer exhibition, one scone with jam and cream, and a tea or coffee. Only available on Sunday 6 September 2026, 10am to 5pm. To book, follow the link below and click Get Tickets, then select Sunday 6 September 2026 and add a Father’s Day ticket.
BOOK TICKETS
Following a record-breaking exhibition in 2025 that attracted almost 25,000 visitors to the South Australian Museum, organisers expect another outstanding display. Beyond their visual beauty, the shortlisted photographs offer powerful insights into the natural world and the importance of protecting our unique environment.
Whether you’re a keen photographer, nature lover or simply appreciate incredible imagery, the Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year Exhibition is one of Adelaide’s must-see exhibitions this spring.
© Luke Tscharke
For more information and all enquiries please visit the SA Museum website
What: Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year competition.
When: 29 August 2026 – 14 February 2027 | Open daily from 10am – 5pm, closed Christmas Day
Where: South Australian 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: supplied
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