Now in its fifth year, Northern Beaches Council is holding its annual Underwater Photography competition from Thursday 24 July to Sunday 18 August 2025.
The 2025 theme Wonder, sustaining what sustains us aligns with the World Ocean Day theme and gives photographers the opportunity to showcase the Northern Beaches five aquatic reserves and be in the running for part of the $4,000 prize pool.
With 80km of iconic coastline featuring 24 ocean and harbour beaches, five aquatic reserves, and five intertidal protected areas – including nationally and globally recognised surfing reserves – photographers are truly spoilt for choice when deciding where to capture the perfect shot.
“Our coastline is home to an extraordinary array of marine life, from delicate seagrass meadows to majestic sea creatures,” Council Mayor Sue Heins said.
“Each photograph taken helps tell the story of this precious underwater world and the urgent need to protect it for future generations.”
Peter McGee, “Clown doris nudibranch and ascidian”. Aquatic Reserve: Cabbage Tree Bay.
The competition celebrates all skill levels and is open to amateur and professional photographers and videographers.
“I encourage everyone, whether you’re a seasoned photographer or just starting out, to grab your camera, dive in, and capture the wonder that lies beneath our waves,” Mayor Heins added.
“Every image you share inspires greater understanding and appreciation for the ocean that sustains us all.”
With eight categories including a major award – The Valerie Taylor Underwater Photography Award for Excellence – entrants can enter up to three images.
Videographers can submit one reel.
Ian Donato, “Danse macabre”. Aquatic Reserve: Cabbage Tree Bay.
The categories are:
Behaviour: Capturing natural behaviour of marine life.
Macro: Getting up close to the subject matter.
Threatened Species: Portraying the vulnerability of a threatened species found, for example: black rod cod, grey nurse shark, green turtle.
Human Connection: Capturing the positive or negative connection between a person(s) and marine life (flora / fauna / megafauna). This could include monitoring citizen science projects or research undertaken in one of the Northern Beaches aquatic reserves.
Seascapes (wide angle): Capturing the raw beauty of the underwater vista in one of the Northern Beaches aquatic reserves.
Youth: For the budding young photographers aged 12 to 17 years old. The winner will be recognised as the Underwater Youth Photographer of the Year 2025.
Reels: Capturing the wonder of the biodiversity in our underwater world. Reel length is 15 to 30 seconds duration.
People’s Choice Award: Everyone can vote online for their favourite finalist image.
The People’s Choice voting opens Thursday 28 August and runs through to Sunday 21 September with winners announced in November.
For more information about the competition and the full terms and conditions, visit Council’s website.
Read about last year’s winners:
