The largest wildlife photography competition in the world, Wildlife Photographer of the Year, on loan from the Natural History Museum in London, is opening at the Australian National Maritime Museum on 7 March.
“Wildlife Photographer of the Year is one of our most successful touring exhibitions, enjoyed by millions of people all over the world. The awarded images shine a spotlight on nature photography as a work of art, whilst raising questions about our crucial role in shaping a sustainable future.” Sir Michael Dixon, Director of the Natural History Museum, commented.
Sir Michael explained that 100 breathtaking photographs have been shortlisted from over 50,000 entries from 92 countries, and celebrate the diversity of the natural world, from intimate animal portraits to astonishing wild landscapes. The competition has grown exponentially from its launch in 1965 which saw 361 entries. The exhibition arrives in Sydney at the National Maritime Museum in Darling Harbour, before touring around the country, and the world – the global tour providing a platform for them to be seen by millions of people.
“We are thrilled to be launching this popular and innovative exhibition here in Australia. One of the Museum’s main objectives is conservation of our beautiful marine ecosystems and this competition raises awareness about the beauty and the fragility of the natural world,” Kevin Sumption, Director of the Australian National Maritime Museum commented “This is one of the most prestigious photography competitions in the world and we are delighted that Sydney audiences can once again enjoy these unforgettable and inspiring images at the Australian National Maritime Museum.”
For more than 50 years, Wildlife Photographer of the Year has championed ethical wildlife photography while pushing boundaries of artistic freedom, narrative excellence and technical skill.

2019 will see three Australians in the finals:

• Georgina Steytler, Mud-Rolling Mud-Dauber, Winner, Behaviour: Invertebrates, 2019
• Justin Gilligan, Dinner for Two, Highly commended, Behaviour: Invertebrates, 2019
• Robert Irwin, The Catch, Highly commended, 11–14 Years Old, 2019.