Beautiful Winning Photos from the 2025 Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year

Overall Winner: “Fractal Forest” by Ross Gudgeon, Western Australia

The 2025 Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year competition celebrated its 22nd edition by showcasing the breathtaking beauty and delicate state of the natural world.

Western Australian photographer Ross Gudgeon won top honors with a mesmerizing macro shot of cauliflower soft coral, praised for its originality and technical finesse. The contest featured a wide range of perspectives, including Etienne Littlefair’s acclaimed camera trap image of a ghost bat in flight, revealing rarely seen animal behaviors. Other winning entries spotlighted fragile ecosystems and endangered species, underscoring the urgent need for conservation. Judged by Scott Portelli, David Stowe, and Jasmine Vink, the final selection of images offers a compelling visual narrative of environmental transformation and a call to preserve nature’s wonders.

More: Australian Geographic, Instagram

Threatened Species Winner: “Red Dawn” by Etienne Littlefair, Northern Territory

Animals in Nature Winner: “PJ and Crabs” by Charles Davis, New South Wales

Aerial Winner: “Jabiru Leaf” by Charles Davis, New South Wales

Macro Winner: “Liftoff” by Talia Greis, New South Wales

Astrophotography Winner: “Oberon Kenobi” by Marley Butler, Western Australia

Our Impact Winner: “Skink in a Tight Spot” by Sara Corlis, New South Wales

Landscape Winner: “The Beast” by Darren Wassell, Queensland

Monochrome Winner: “Party Streamer” by Rachelle Mackintosh, New South Wales

Junior Winner: “Perched” by Isabella Rogers, 17 years old, South Australia

Portfolio Winner: “Sydney Cephalopod Portraits” by Peter McGee, New South Wales