Now in its 5th year the Underwater Photography Competition returns with the theme 'Wonder: Sustaining what sustains us', in line with World Oceans Day 2025.

Capture the marine biodiversity, beauty, seascapes and human connection from our 5 aquatic reserves on the Northern Beaches through the power of visual storytelling.

The competition is open to photographers and videographers of all ages and skills, from amateur to professional, with a prize pool of $4,000.

Your images or videos will help drive awareness of the incredible life that exists below the water and showcase our aquatic reserves and marine sanctuaries.

How to enter

Step 1

Make sure you have read the terms and conditions of entry and familiarise yourself with the requirements, including for each category. The competition rules are reviewed annually and some terms may have changed from last year's competition.

Closing date Sunday 17 August 2025, midnight.

Step 2

Take your winning photo or video reel.

Step 3

Complete the entry form below.

You will receive a confirmation email on receipt of your submission.

If you need technical assistance to complete the form, please email website@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au

For any specific queries, please email robynne.millward@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au

Privacy protection notification

Purpose of collection: For applicants entering the Underwater Photo Competition 2025, part of Ocean Festival.

Intended recipients: Council staff and approved contractors of Northern Beaches Council with regard to the Ocean Festival.

Supply: Mandatory for purposes of entering the Underwater Photography Competition 2025, part of Ocean Festival.

Access/Correction: Contact the Customer Service Team to access or correct this information on 1300 434 434

Storage: Northern Beaches Council, 1 Belgrave Street, Manly NSW 2095

Your details
Must reside in Australia
Category

Applicants are asked to respond to the theme ‘Wonder: Sustaining what sustains us’.

All entries must be your original work and produced during the period of 17 August 2024 – 17 August 2025.

The 'underwater' photo / reel should be taken at one of the 5 aquatic reserves.

Select your category
Photo upload
One file only.
10 MB limit.
Allowed types: jpg, jpeg, png.
Place taken

Include the specifications of camera, lens, film (if applicable), ISO, f-stop and shutter speed.

If using a smartphone include Name: Apple or Android and Model Name e.g. Apple iPhone 14

A description of the inspiration behind your image. This information will be printed on your image should you win. Maximum 60 words.
Reel upload
Please upload the video to a file sharing platform such as Dropbox then enter the link to file share below.
Re-order Username Password Weight Operations
Place(s) taken

Tick all that applies

A description of the inspiration behind your reel. Maximum 60 words.
Parent / guardian details
Acknowledgement
I confirm the submission is correct and give my permission for my image to be used in the manner specified above.
Terms and conditions
CAPTCHA

Previous Underwater Photography Competition Winners

Check out the winners and their photography skills from previous years.

Camera taking a picture underwater