20 Years of Aus Geo Nature Photographer Exhibition: Meet Sydney’s Winners

Sydney’s Australian Museum marks 20 years of natural awe and environmental reflection, from backyard lizards to kaleidoscopic cephalopods, with the return of its annual Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year exhibition.

The free showcase features 120 striking wildlife and landscape images from across Australia, New Zealand, Antarctica and the Pacific. For the first time, past winners and current finalists appear side by side, forming a vivid record of how human impact interact with and impact the natural world

For Sydney-based photographer Sara Corlis, the milestone feels deeply personal. Her image, Skink in a Tight Spot, appearing in the “Our Impact” category, was captured in her backyard, “I photograph to tell stories about animals and how we impact the creatures we coexist with,” she told CityHub.

After capturing the skink struggling, she helped it escape. Later, she noticed a small weed sprouting from the same gap. “Now, no more lizards will be harmed,” she said with a laugh.

Corlis said joining the ranks of these photographers feels surreal. “I’ve admired this exhibition for years. To now be part of it feels incredible—and gives me a voice to advocate for kindness and awareness.”

She urges visitors to see the show as a call to care: “We need to co-exist, we need to co-habitat and we need to be aware.”

On the Northern Beaches, Peter McGee echoes that drive to connect.

Speaking to CityHub, the portfolio category winner said “I’ve always been keenly interested in nature. The ocean is another world full of wonderful creatures. Photography inspires me to capture the beauty and rawness of nature, and to share these photos with others.”

Calling it “the most prestigious nature photography competition in Australasia,” McGee said the recognition is a huge honour, and hopes visitors to “get out there and appreciate the natural world—it’s good for the body, mind and soul.”

Charles Davis, competing for the 12th year, won two categories this year (Animals in Nature and Aerial) with PJ & Crabs and Jabiru Leaf, images born of patience and risk.

“Those crabs were biting my chest,” he laughed. “I had about a minute underwater to get the shot, it was all about timing and problem-solving.” Davis describes photography as inseparable from his identity. “It’s who I am. It’s how I share my joy and the way I see the world.”

He hopes AGNPY exhibit visitors view the photos “not as distant, otherworldly places, but as real environments anyone can explore and protect.”

He also added that “the biggest part of the awards is that we get to meet other people like ourselves who are a bit unique.”

Australian Museum Director Kim McKay AO said the anniversary invites visitors to reflect on the beauty and fragility of the planet. “Each image offers a moment of wild wonder and a reminder of why conservation matters more than ever.”

The show closes its twentieth year with a clear message: the natural beauty on display surrounds us and is part of who we are.

The photogs similarly hope their images inspire people to step outside, pay attention, and protect the wonder that rests in our hands.

The Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year exhibition runs till 15 February 2026 at the Australian Museum.