We want all Queenslanders to see the beauty of nature in our Outback, through your lens.

We want all Queenslanders to see the beauty of nature in our Outback, through your lens.

Outback Queensland covers almost two-thirds of the state and is one of the last great regions of nature left on Earth. From the tropical rainforests of Cape York, the Gulf Country’s savanna plains, the spinifex hills of the Mt Isa ranges and the vast floodplains of the Channel Country; our Outback has many beautiful landscapes that photographers have enjoyed exploring for decades.

The unique wildlife of our Outback has also captured our imaginations. Our Outback has an extraordinary diversity of native plants and animals- from Cassowaries and Cuscus in the rainforests of Cape York,  to Bilbies and Budgerigars in the desert lands of far-western Queensland.

Our Outback is also home to many people who work hard to carefully manage the landscape and its wildlife. Whether it’s a grazier in the west controlling weeds, Indigenous ranger to the north managing fire, a park ranger dealing with feral animals or scientists protecting threatened species, the health of the Outback relies on people.

We’re looking for the most interesting, original, and enticing photos of nature in Outback Queensland. 
Show us your best photos that represent what comes to mind when you think people and nature of Outback Queensland, and you could win some incredible prizes. The shortlisted images will be exhibited at the Outback Tourism Awards in Winton and a special Brisbane exhibition to celebrate the Year of the Outback. Competition closes 20th September 2019.

OutbackQLD map

SUBMIT YOUR BEST PHOTOS OF NATURE AND LAND MANAGEMENT IN OUTBACK QUEENSLAND

HERE’S SOME OF THE ENTRIES SO FAR

Nick Landles
Photo credit: Nick Landles
William Parker
Photo credit: William Parker
Sue Rutherford
Photo credit: Sue Rutherford
Judith Matthews
Photo credit: Judith Matthews

1. Enter your details


2. Upload your image (max 2)

Meet the judges

Meet the judges

Colin Bushell 
Professional Photographers Association Queensland

Greg Sullavan
Cannon Collective Ambassador QLD

Fiona Maxwell
The Pew Charitable Trusts

Fiona Maxwell

Fiona Maxwell

"As Queenslanders we are incredibly lucky to live in a state with more plant and animal species than any other in Australia. In fact, if Queensland was its own country, it would be one of the most species rich in the world. The extraordinary diversity of our species and landscapes means Queensland carries an immense responsibility when it comes to nature conservation. Our Outback covers almost two thirds of the state. It’s a place of extraordinary nature value and one of the last great regions of nature on Earth. Outback in Focus is about showcasing this natural wonderland and the people working hard to sustain its health. I’m excited to be part of this project and look forward to bringing the incredible natural beauty of the Outback to all Queenslanders.

Colin Bushell - Professional Photographers Association Queensland

Colin Bushell - Professional Photographers Association Queensland

"Whether you’ve got a $5000 camera or a $500 one, technical knowhow is meaningless if you can’t compose effectively. Draw your audience into your shot by understanding lines and framing. Lie or kneel down, get high, get low; move to get your shot, don’t just expect it to happen right there in front of you. The lazy photographer shoots from head height every time. To stand out, spend some valuable time considering what your shot is going to look like, before you get your camera out of the bag!

Greg Sullavan - Cannon Collective Ambassador QLD

Greg Sullavan - Cannon Collective Ambassador QLD

"Sometimes you need to wait and be patient for the nature to come to you. If you anticipate magic to happen, it often does.

Outback in Focus Photo Competition Image

FAQs

How much does it cost to enter?

Nothing! We want everyone to be able to participate and show us what nature in the Outback means to you.

Does my entry have to be a landscape photo?

No. We want to show off all our Outback has to offer, so you’re welcome to submit photos of wildlife, native plants and people working to sustain nature in the Queensland Outback too.

How many photos can I submit?

You can submit up to 2 photos in the competition, so take your time deciding and try and pick images that show the diversity of nature and the people working to sustain nature in Outback Queensland.

My child loves taking photos, can they enter too?

Of course they can. Everyone can enjoy Outback Queensland, and we want our images to reflect that. There will be a separately judged category for those under the age of 18.

Will my photos be shown on social media even if I’m not a winner?

Maybe. We’ll be showcasing some of our favourite entries each week, so keep your eyes on our Facebook page and our Instagram - make sure you give us your instagram handle so we can credit you!