Levitating penguins and predatory ants: Australian Geographic nature photographer of the year 2026 shortlist – in pictures

The South Australian Museum announced the shortlist for the 2026 Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year competition on June 23, 2026. This year marks the 23rd iteration of the competition, which received 2,129 submissions from 501 photographers spanning 17 countries. The photographic entries focused on subjects within the ANZANG bioregion, encompassing Australia, New Zealand, Antarctica, and New Guinea. Among the notable shortlisted images are those depicting levitating penguins and predatory ants, showcasing the diverse and often surprising aspects of nature. The competition aims to highlight the beauty and complexity of the natural world through the lens of talented photographers.