Summary
- The photograph “Right of Way” by John Harrison was shortlisted for the Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year 2026.
- It depicts an elephant seal reacting to a group of king penguins.
- The competition received 2,129 entries from 17 countries.
- The awards cover the regions of Australia, New Zealand, Antarctica, and New Guinea.
From a dead koala on a forest road in Australia to impressive scenes from Antarctica, the shortlist of the Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year 2026 brings to the forefront some of the most powerful nature photographs of the year.
This year’s shortlist for the Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year 2026 has been revealed and includes images that capture both the beauty and the challenges faced by wildlife. Among the photographs that stand out is “Koalas Are Dying for You to Slow Down” by Douglas Gimesy, which has been selected as one of the most characteristic entries in the “Our Impact” category.
The competition is considered one of the most important nature photography institutions in the ANZANG region, which includes Australia, New Zealand, Antarctica and New Guinea.
The Photograph That Draws All Eyes
“Koalas Are Dying for You to Slow Down” shows a dead koala on the asphalt, while a car passes in the background of the frame. The image was taken on Gadubanud Country, in Victoria, Australia, and focuses on one of the most significant threats to koala populations.
According to the photographer, road accidents are a major cause of death and serious injuries for koalas. Fractures to the jaw, limbs and spine are among the most common injuries faced by animals that survive after being hit by a vehicle.
The message of the photograph is clear: reducing speed, especially from dusk until dawn, can substantially help reduce wildlife deaths.
The 2026 Competition
This year’s event gathered 2,129 entries from more than 500 photographers from 17 countries.
Participants compete in ten different categories, including Animals in Nature, Animal Behaviour, Landscapes, Macro Photography, Threatened Species and Human Impact on the Environment.
The images selected for the shortlist reflect a wide range of subjects, from rare moments of animal behaviour to environmental challenges affecting entire ecosystems.
The Other Photographs That Stood Out
See all the selected images here.
The Power of Nature Photography
Beyond their aesthetic value, many of the images in this year’s shortlist function as tools for information and awareness.
Douglas Gimesy’s photograph is a characteristic example of this approach. Instead of focusing on an impressive moment of wildlife, it records the consequences of human activity, turning a simple road scene into a powerful environmental message.
What We Believe
This year’s shortlist of the Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year proves that nature photography is not only about impressive animals and exotic landscapes. The images that stay in memory the most are often those that tell a story and provoke reflection. “Koalas Are Dying for You to Slow Down” is exactly such a photograph.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the photograph “Koalas Are Dying for You to Slow Down” show?
It shows a dead koala on a road in Victoria, Australia, highlighting the danger of road accidents for wildlife.
Who is the photographer?
Douglas Gimesy from Victoria, Australia.
How many entries did the competition have?
The event gathered 2,129 entries from more than 500 photographers.
Which regions does the competition cover?
Australia, New Zealand, Antarctica and New Guinea.
