NSW National Parks photo competition
The 2023 NSW National Parks photo competition is closed
A big thank you to everyone who visited a NSW national park this summer, took out their camera or phone, and entered their best snaps into the competition.
Read more about NSW National Parks photo competition
The competition was an opportunity for nature lovers, amateur and professional photographers to showcase the incredible beauty and diversity of our parks and reserves and help tell the story of our important natural places and cultural heritage.
We received an incredible response, with more than 8,000 entries.
Winning entries
We are thrilled to announce the following winning photographs.
Landscapes and vistas
- Winners: Summer Solstice Sunrise at Wallagoot Gap, Bournda National Park by David Rogers, and Deep Space, Warrumbungle National Park by Ben Heaton.
- Highly commended: Ball’s Pyramid, Lord Howe Island by Ava Kirkby.
Animals and plants
- Winner: Breakfast with Friends, Wollemi National Park by Allan Cronin.
- Highly commended: Hitchhiker, Willi Willi National Park by Anthony Murphy.
Enjoying nature
- Winner: Love under the Milky Way, Yuraygir National Park by Lisa Russo.
- Highly commended: Ascending Crater Bluff, Warrumbungle National Park by Gavin Kellett.
Remote country
- Winner: Mountain Spa, Mount Kaputar National Park by James Hastings.
Judging
Photos were judged on the extent that they:
- showcase the specific entry category with originality and visual appeal.
- highlight the beauty and diversity of our parks and wildlife.
- encourage people to be in and enjoy nature.
- promote awareness and inspire support for conservation.
The winning shots were selected by an independent panel of talented media personalities.
Meet our guest judges:
- Chris Bath – Renowned journalist, TV presenter and news anchor since 1988. An avid bird watcher, you may have caught Bathie’s Bird Club.
- Edwina Bartholomew – Journalist and TV presenter. You’ll hear the news with Edwina each morning on channel 7’s Sunrise.
- Rae Johnston – Award winning STEM journalist, radio presenter, podcaster, and first science and technology editor with NITV on SBS.
- James Valentine – Saxophonist, author, and television presenter. James currently hosts ABC Radio Sydney’s Breakfast program.
Categories
- Landscapes and vistas – taking in diverse natural landscapes, habitats and ecosystems, the challenge is to capture a breathtaking view of NSW national parks in one perfect photo. Images can include people, objects and wildlife, but the primary focus is the landscape and vista. Images captured with a personal drone are not permitted.
- Animals and plants – showcase the many native animals and plants that call our national parks home. Animals may include native mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles, insects, and fish. Plants may include flowers, leaves, trees, shrubs, forests, or the whole flora ecosystem. Be mindful of treading lightly and taking photos without disturbing the subject or surroundings. Images of non-native species or causing damage or disturbance to native species are not permitted.
- Enjoying nature – from camping and hiking to sightseeing and picnicking, people love to spend time in NSW national parks. Show us what being in nature means to you. This may include a person or people in an outdoor setting enjoying recreational activities or caring for the bush. Think walking, bird watching, picnicking, swimming, camping, cycling, kayaking and volunteering.
- Remote country – find your path and explore our lesser-known parks’ remote and rugged landscapes. Escape the crowds and capture spectacular landscapes, wildlife and recreation activities far from big cities and the coast. Visit Country NSW region, Outback NSW region and Murray-Riverina region webpages for inspiration.
Prizes
All Category winners were awarded a holiday of their choice in unique NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) accommodation, valued between $1,200 and $2,100. Stay options were:
- Assistant Lighthouse Keepers Cottages, Cape Byron State Conservation Area (3 nights)
- The Chalet, New England National Park (7 nights)
- Middle Head Officers Quarters, Sydney Harbour National Park (3 nights)
- Galong cabins, Blue Mountains National Park (4 nights)
- The Post Office Residence or Stables, Hill End Historic Site (5 nights)
- Creel Bay cottages, Kosciuszko National Park (4 nights)
- Judges House, Murramarang National Park (3 or 4 nights)
Assistant Lighthouse Keepers Cottages, Cape Byron State Conservation Area
The Chalet, New England National Park
Middle Head Officers Quarters, Sydney Harbour National Park
Galong cabins, Blue Mountains National Park
The Post Office Residence and Stables, Hill End Historic Site
Creel Bay cottages, Kosciuszko National Park
Judges House, Murramarang National Park
Photo competition rules
This photo competition was open from 13 December 2022 until 31 January 2023. Find out more details by reading the terms and conditions.
If you have any questions, please contact the Photo Competition Team via email.
