The Underwater Awards Australasia 2026 is now accepting submissions for the third iteration of the premier underwater imaging competition focused on the Australasian region.
Underwater Awards Australia is a three-way collaboration between the long-established Underwater Australasia, leading underwater photography and videography resource DivePhotoGuide, and underwater imaging equipment and dive gear distributor UW Images.
The competition is calling on underwater photographers and videographers from around the world to submit their most captivating images and videos from the Australasian region.
Shooters are invited to ‘immerse themselves in the challenge of capturing the essence of this extraordinary realm, where every frame tells a story of the delicate balance and breathtaking beauty that characterises our oceans.’
This year, entrants are competing for almost AU$70,000 worth of prizes in nine categories, including the unique new special category ‘Only Water’.
The top image or video among the category winners will receive the distinction of ‘Best of Show.’
Prizes include dive trips with some of the world’s top resorts and liveaboards, as well as the latest underwater imaging equipment and dive gear – even an underwater photography drone and an underwater scooter with photographic platform.
This year’s prestigious judging panel comprises photo judges Tobias Friedrich, Matty Smith, Scott Portelli, and Jayne Jenkins; video judge Ross Long; and special category guest judge Ray Collins.
The competition will culminate in an exhibition and awards ceremony at Go Diving Show ANZ in Sydney in September 2026, which will feature high-quality metal prints of the photo category finalists.
Half of the proceeds from sales of the prints will to the competition’s Envrionmental Partners, Australian Marine Conservation Society and Take 3 for the Sea.
Winners will be published in the 2027 Australian Marine Conservation Society calendar, with proceeds from sales going to marine conservation. All entry fees from the Conservation category will be donated to our Environmental Partners.
Winners will be revealed on UnderwaterCompetition.com and published by supporting media partners worldwide shortly thereafter.
Entry fees are US$10 per image or video entered. The competition closes on 19 July. To submit your entries head to www.underwaterawards.com
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