A stunning image of a giant cuttlefish swooshing through shallow water at Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve has won the third annual UNDERWATER! 2023 Photo Competition.

As part of Northern Beaches Council's 30th Ocean Festival, the competition featured amazing images of underwater life at the five Aquatic Reserves on the Northern Beaches by new, emerging and established underwater photographers.

The competition's judges said Talia Greis’ winning image Torpedo “beautifully captures one of the Northern Beaches most iconic species and is technically masterful".

The aim of the exhibition is to celebrate the flora and fauna of the five Aquatic Reserves on the Northern Beaches.

In addition to the overall winner, there were eight other winners, one from each of the competition’s categories as well as a People’s Choice winner.

For the first time this year, a special category was included to appeal to underwater videographers.

Mayor Sue Heins congratulated the winners and thanked all entrants for taking part in the competition.

“UNDERWATER! is a competition that not only highlights the incredible talent of local photographers, but also shines a light on our pristine Aquatic reserves.

“There’s a valuable world of marine life in our waterways. The Ocean Festival and this competition bring to the surface an opportunity to look at what lies beneath and to value and protect our marine environment for future generations.”

More than 225 images were submitted this year, twice the number of entries from last year.

The competition's People's Choice award was won by Alana Abercrombie for her image, Taking a Breath. This category was judged online by more than 1000 residents.

The fascinating photo features a turtle’s view of the urban coast.

The competition’s judges included Ben Rak, Curator Manly Art Gallery & Museum; Bill Gladstone, a marine biologist and Emeritus Professor at the University of Technology Sydney and Harriet  Spark, a producer and photographer who specialises in underwater video production.

To view all the winners visit our website.