Not often does a story start with mountain spas, marsupials and the Milky Way but photographs of 3 wonders are some of the winners in the NSW ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Parks and Wildlife Service’s inaugural photo competition.
Describing the 5 winning entries as simply awe-inspiring, the Head of ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Parks, Atticus Fleming, said more than 8,000 entries were received, an overwhelming response to the competition in its first year.
“The fact that we had so many entries representing hundreds of different species of plant and animal, and more than 250 national parks, just reinforces how much the community love our parks,” Mr Fleming said.
“We received entries from amateurs and professionals, and all showed us their appreciation for our protected areas and the native plants and animals that call them home.
“Due to the huge number and high calibre of entries in our most popular category, Landscapes and Vistas, we decided to award joint winners and both are so very deserving of the accolade,” Mr Fleming said.
The 5 winners were selected across 4 competition categories by a panel of talented guest judges, Chris Bath, Edwina Bartholomew, Rae Johnston and James Valentine.
“The winning photographs have a wow factor that inspires you to visit national parks. They give you a sense of the beauty of the Australian bush and the vastness of nature,” Ms Bath said.
“It was a difficult task for the judging panel as there was such an incredible selection of photos. The winning photographers captured the joy and wonder of being in national parks, and a unique place or moment in time,” Ms Bartholomew said.
“My favourite entries are genuinely breath-taking, capturing so much energy. Just like the locations themselves, they are striking and stunning,” Ms Johnston said.
The winners will receive prizes valued up to $2,100 each for a holiday in one of the superb cabins and cottages in a NSW national park.
To stay up to date with next year’s competition, join our Naturescapes mailing list via the .
Go to to see all the winning and highly commended entries.
The NSW ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Parks and Wildlife Service photo competition promotes sustainable visitation to our national parks and an appreciation for the diverse landscapes, plants, animals and cultural histories we protect.
