Entries to the 2026 BirdLife Australia Photography Awards will open on Tuesday 7 April and close on 13 July, with an early bird discount available to anyone who submits entries before 24 April.
As in previous years, the competition is open to photographers of all skill levels – from seasoned professionals to backyard enthusiasts. This year’s special theme will focus upon Australia’s native finches. Australia is home to 18 resident native finches, including grass-finches, parrot-finches and mannikins. They’re some of our smallest and most striking birds, renowned for their vibrant plumage, distinctive calls and lively, highly social behaviour. This category is a celebration of these iconic birds, highlighting their beauty and why they need our protection. Photos entered in this category must contain one or more Australian native finch species. Introduced finches aren’t eligible for this year’s Special Theme, but can be entered in other relevant categories. The competition will be judged across the following categories:
- Backyard Birds
- Bird Behaviour
- Bird Portrait
- Birds in Flight
- Birds in the Landscape
- Youth
- Human Impact
- Portfolio Prize
The 2026 BirdLife Australia Photography Awards are proudly sponsored by Nikon Australia and Lake Cowal Foundation. By entering any competition category, you’ll go in the running to win the Grand Prize – a Nikon Z 8 digital camera valued at $7,449 RRP. The winner of the Portfolio Prize will receive a $2,000 cash prize – both courtesy of Principal Sponsor, Nikon Australia.
Click here for full details of this year’s competition.
