Outback Scene Snaps Up 2025 Australian Life Photography Prize

A stunning image of young drovers on a dusty Queensland stock route has claimed the top prize in the City of Sydney‘s annual Australian Life photography competition.

Shot by photojournalist Carly Earl, Riley Swanson on the Roma Southern Road was crowned the winning image on Thursday night, marking the launch of the outdoor exhibition at Customs House Square.

Earl, also a picture editor at The Guardian, beat out 29 other finalists to win $10,000 and some well-earned bragging rights.

Australian Life exhibition captures the nation’s POV

Judges praised Earl’s photo for offering “a beautiful insight into a part of Australia most people wouldn’t know exists.”

A three-person panel, including 2024 Australian Life winner Hank Paul, photographer Milly Hooper, and travel/documentary photographer Matt Horspool, selected the winners.

“It’s always tough to pick one image from the final 30, and this year was one of the hardest yet,” said Lord Mayor Clover Moore. “The diversity, colour and spirit of our amazing country has been perfectly captured in these incredible shots.”

One of the nation’s biggest photography prizes and part of the City of Sydney’s Art & About program, Australian Life offers a unique look at life across the country, from remote outback scenes to urban snapshots.

From city skyline to gallery after dark

Works from finalists, including pros and amateurs, are now on display at Customs House Square and online.

And after dark in the CBD, look up as a rotating selection will light up digital billboards across the city from 5pm to 6am for the next two weeks.

Budding talents take the stage in Australian Life youth categories

Alongside the main event, this year’s program also shines a spotlight on emerging talent through two youth categories: the teen division of Australian Life and Little Sydney Lives.

Seventeen-year-old Callum Poling won the teen prize for February Boat Carnival, an atmospheric capture that earned him $2,000 and a gear bundle from OM System camera bundle valued at over $2,500.

Meanwhile, Little Sydney Lives, the pint-sized sibling of Australian Life, celebrated its youngest photographers.

Open to kids aged 5 to 12, this year’s first prize went to Chloe Wiseman for her haunting double exposure portrait Home-made Mummy, featuring her mum.

The judges appreciated Wiseman’s bold technique and emotional weight.

Runner-up Zoe Morris landed laughs and second place with Sibling Love, a cheeky, satirical take on family life.

“A heartfelt congratulations to our winner, runner-up, and all the young finalists,” Moore said. “Little Sydney Lives is such a joyful part of this event—and it’s always inspiring to see what our youngest creatives come up with.”

An online gallery featuring all finalist images is live now, where the public can vote for a People’s Choice award. The winning photographer will take home an OM System prize pack worth $5,400.

The Australian Life and Little Sydney Lives exhibitions run until 24 August at Customs House Square and Customs House Library.