Australian Geographic

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100 best nature photos | Soundtrack to Australian life | Antarctic krill at risk

Plus, H5N1 bird flu reaches mainland Australia

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June 23, 2026 3:00am EDT

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Eastern grey kangaroos (Macropus giganteus) – Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, ACT

Image credit: Mitch Reardon/Australian Geographic

In this newsletter: The shortlist has been revealed for this year’s Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year competition (and you can see all 100 spectacular images via the link below!); this year’s National Film and Sound Archive ‘Sounds of Australia’ collection includes songs, speeches and a few cheeky surprises; a look back at the day the first Vietnam war refugees reached Australia’s shores; and more.

Candice Marshall
Digital Features Editor

PHOTOGRAPHY

100 images make nature photography awards shortlist

From over 2000 entries, these 100 photographs have been shortlisted in this year’s Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year (AGNPOTY) competition.

SEE PHOTOS

HISTORY & CULTURE

The soundtrack to life in Australia

Every year the National Film and Sound Archive reveals a selection of audio recordings to be inducted into the ‘Sounds of Australia’ capsule collection. Here’s what’s being showcased in 2026.

man using telescope with milky way in background

STORE

Winter skies are calling

Winter brings some of the year’s best stargazing conditions. With longer nights and crisp, clear skies, it’s the perfect time to explore the Moon’s craters, distant planets, sparkling star clusters and the sweeping band of the Milky Way. Whether you’re shopping for a budding astronomer or treating yourself, a telescope opens the door to a lifetime of discovery.

SHOP NOW

SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENT

It’s official: El Niño has been declared

After months of anticipation, the Bureau of Meteorology has officially declared the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is now in an El Niño phase. So, what does this mean for Australia?

SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENT

First case of H5N1 bird flu confirmed on mainland Australia

Despite being in Asia since the 1990s, and in Antarctica since 2024, the deadly virus has not been detected in Australia until now.

HISTORY & CULTURE

Sailing to safety

Fifty years ago the first Vietnam war refugees sailed into Darwin in a 20m-long wooden fishing boat, becoming what would later be known as Australia’s first ‘boat people’.

OPINION

Think before you krill

“Antarctic krill sustain the entire Southern Ocean food chain. So why are we harvesting them to stock pharmacy shelves?,” asks whale scientist Dr Vanessa Pirotta.

IN THE CALENDAR

Winter Solstice

Sunday (21 June) was the Southern Hemisphere’s Winter Solstice. But what exactly is it? Why does it happen? And how is it commemorated?

FIND OUT

IN THE CALENDAR

World Rainforest Day

Yesterday (22 June) was World Rainforest Day. To celebrate, take a journey through Tasmania’s Takayna/Tarkine ancient wilderness.

SPECIES HIGHLIGHT

Australian bustard

The Australian bustard (Ardeotis australis) is one of Australia’s heaviest flying birds. It holds its head high while strutting about on open plains – lending it an imperious, snobbish air.

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Do animals detect earthquakes?

There’s a lot of stories out there about animals acting strangely before an earthquake. Many scientists believe some animals can indeed sense seismic activity before humans, but it’s generally in the scope of seconds or minutes before.

AG SOCIETY

Keep the honey possum thriving in the wild

The honey possum is the beneficiary species of our bimonthly fundraising campaign through May and June. By donating, you can help protect the honey possum while it is still common, before it becomes another species in crisis. Your contribution will support habitat restoration, conservation science and on-ground action. All donations over $2 are tax deductible.

DONATE NOW

AG SOCIETY

Back the people making a difference for nature

Every conservation success begins with someone choosing to act. This end of financial year, your support can help protect Australia’s extraordinary wildlife, landscapes and natural heritage for generations to come.

DONATE NOW

Australian Geographic acknowledges the First Nations people of Australia as traditional custodians, and pays its respect to Elders past and present, and their stories and journeys.