The Friends have run an annual photographic competition for school and college students for over two decades. It is a great way to encourage young people to express their appreciation of Australian native plants through artistic creativity. In doing so, young photographers have an opportunity to explore and enjoy these wonderful Botanic Gardens – the world’s most comprehensive living collection of Australian native plants.
The competition provides an excellent opportunity for students to become aware of the value and beauty of the ANBG and, by exercising their photographic skills, to share that beauty with other visitors
26th Photographic Competition for students
The competition will be open to students studying in Years 3 to 12 at Australian primary or secondary schools or colleges, or undertaking home study in Australia.
All entries must:
- be digital photographs
- be taken by the student in the ANBG in the 12 months up to 28 August 2026
- feature some aspect of the Gardens such as plants, wildlife or scenery.
Entries will open on Wednesday 1 July 2026 and close at 5pm AEST on Friday 28 August. Visit the Annual Photographic Competition entry requirements page for details on how to enter.
2025 competition winners
In 2025 a total of 455 photographs were entered by 228 students, from 27 secondary schools and colleges, plus 3 homestudy students; and 25 primary schools, plus one homestudy student.
Prizes were awarded to the winners on Saturday 27 September by Cathy Robertson, Secretary of the Friends of the ANBG; and Dr Matthew Parker, Director ANBG, Parks Australia.
The organisers and judges thank everyone who entered, and encourage them to keep up their nature photography.
The Friends acknowledge an Australian Government 2024-25 Volunteer Program grant to support the 2025 Student Photographic Competition.
Categories: Primary Colour • Primary Monochrome • Secondary Monochrome • Secondary Colour • Secondary Altered Reality
Click on an image to see a larger version of the photograph.
Primary Schools - Colour
|
Winner
|
2nd
|
3rd
|
|
Highly Commended
|
Highly Commended
|
Commended
|
|
Commended
|
Primary Schools - Monochrome
|
Winner
|
2nd
|
3rd
|
|
Highly Commended
|
Commended
|
Commended
|
Secondary Schools - Monochrome
|
Winner
|
2nd
|
3rd
|
|
Highly Commended
|
Highly Commended
|
Commended
|
|
Commended
|
Secondary Schools - Colour
|
Winner
|
2nd
|
3rd
|
|
Highly Commended
|
Highly Commended
|
Commended
|
|
Commended
|
Secondary Schools - Altered Reality
|
Winner
|
2nd
|
3rd
|
|
Highly Commended
|
Highly Commended
|
Commended
|
|
Commended
|
Rangers' Award
|
Rangers' Award
|
Previous competition prizewinners
Prize-winning and highly-commended photos from recent competitions are available here online.
