As part of Fascination of Plants Day 2026, Eucalypt Australia launched the photography competition “Our Eucalypt Home”, celebrating the remarkable connections between eucalypts, wildlife, people, and the Australian landscape.
Our sincere thanks go to Linda Baird, Chief Executive Officer of Eucalypt Australia, for organising the competition and to all the photographers and judges who contributed to its success.
The winners were announced on National Tree Day, 27 July 2026. A total of 143 photographs were submitted, showcasing the extraordinary diversity and beauty of eucalypt ecosystems. With so many outstanding entries, the judges had a difficult task selecting the winners. The quality of the photographs was so high that, this year, each guest judge also selected a Judges’ Commendation.
🥇 First Prize – Naidu Kumapatla
“A female Red-tailed Black Cockatoo enjoys a feast of honkey nuts amidst the Marri branches.”
Naidu Kumapatla’s winning photograph captures an intimate moment between a Red-tailed Black Cockatoo and its eucalypt environment.
The judges particularly appreciated how directly the image communicates the “Our Eucalypt Home” theme. The Marri foliage in the foreground and the casuarina in the background provide important ecological context, while the subtle hint of red tail feathers adds another beautiful detail.
The photographer described the image as a celebration of the connection between native wildlife and its environment, with the Marri (Corymbia calophylla) providing food and shelter—a true home for the bird.
🥈 Second Prize – Marianne Broug
“Yellow-footed Antechinus in a dead Eucalyptus tree.”
This striking photograph highlights the important role that dead trees continue to play in Australian ecosystems.
Marianne Broug watched the female Yellow-footed Antechinus moving up and down the tree, carrying leaves and other material to build a nest in a hollow.
The judges were particularly impressed by the composition and the natural appeal of the Antechinus, while also appreciating the important conservation message: old trees, whether living or dead, can provide essential habitat for wildlife.
🥉 Third Prize – Geoff Murray
“Alpine Eucalypts at sunrise, Walls of Jerusalem National Park”
Geoff Murray captured the beauty of Tasmanian Snowgum eucalypts (Eucalyptus coccifera) at sunrise in the Walls of Jerusalem National Park.
The landscape holds a special place for the photographer, who has visited the park 34 times across all seasons.
The judges connected strongly with the photograph’s sense of place and imagined themselves walking through this extraordinary landscape. They were particularly impressed by the beautiful early-morning light.
🏅 Judges’ Commendations
The exceptionally high standard of entries led the judges to select additional commendations.
Geri Barr – Tanja Kubitza
“A living home”
This charming portrait of a family of five Tawny Frogmouths perfectly captures the idea of an eucalypt as a living home.
The birds’ remarkable camouflage makes them almost disappear into the branches, while the curious young birds looking towards the camera add character and intimacy to the photograph.
The judges praised the exceptional composition, detail, and the way the image tells a story of belonging, family, and the importance of eucalypt habitat.
Tanja Kubitza, a wildlife rescuer and shelter volunteer, also reflected on the deeper meaning of the image: an eucalypt is not simply a tree, but a living ecosystem that provides shelter, supports biodiversity, and connects generations of wildlife.
Jess Harwood – Benjamin Wagner
“Next generation eucalypts”
Taken by drone during fieldwork near Lake Mountain, this photograph shows a stand of Alpine Ash affected by the 2008 Black Saturday bushfires, alongside its remarkable regeneration from seed.
The contrast between the almost snow-white dead trees and the vibrant green regeneration tells a powerful story of both vulnerability and resilience.
The judges admired the composition and the important story behind the image: the ability of eucalypt forests to recover after extreme fire events and continue providing vital ecosystem services such as water provision and carbon storage.
Ian Roberts – Kate Herren
“Eucalypt Cubby”
This photograph captures a wonderful moment of childhood exploration in a eucalypt woodland near the photographer’s home in the Perth Hills.
Kate Herren photographed her teenage son building a cubby in the woodland and described the joy of seeing children create, play, and feel at home in nature.
The judges loved the sense of childhood wonder, adventure, and connection with the Australian bush. They also saw the image as a reminder that experiences like these can help inspire the next generation of environmental guardians.
Celebrating our eucalypt homes
From birds and mammals to forests, children, and communities, the winning photographs demonstrate the many meanings of an “Eucalypt Home.”
They remind us that eucalypts are much more than iconic Australian trees. They provide food, shelter, habitats, inspiration, and places for people to connect with nature.
Congratulations to all the winners and photographers, and our sincere thanks to Eucalypt Australia, Linda Baird, the guest judges, and everyone who participated in the “Our Eucalypt Home” photography competition.
We look forward to seeing the next chapter of this wonderful initiative in 2028!