Mount Kaputar’s beauty celebrated in National Parks photo competition

Not often does a story start with mountain spas, marsupials and the milky way but photographs of these three wonders are some of the winners in the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service’s inaugural photo competition.

Describing the five winning entries as simply awe-inspiring, the head of National Parks, Atticus Fleming, said more than 8000 entries were received, an overwhelming response to the competition in its first year.

An image of a mountain spa at Mount Kaputar National Park, captured by James Hastings, claimed top prize in the remote country section.

Ben Heaton’s photograph of Warrumbungle National Park, titled ‘deep space’, was the joint winner of the landscapes and vistas section.

Similarly, an image of Warrumbungle National Park titled ‘ascending crater bluff’ captured by Gavin Kellett was highly commended in the enjoying nature category.

“The fact that we had so many entries representing hundreds of different species of plant and animal, and more than 250 national parks, just reinforces how much the community love our parks,” Mr Fleming said.

“We received entries from amateurs and professionals, and all showed us their appreciation for our protected areas and the native plants and animals that call them home.

“Due to the huge number and high calibre of entries in our most popular category, landscapes and vistas, we decided to award joint winners and both are so very deserving of the accolade,” Mr Fleming said.

The five winners were selected across four competition categories by a panel of talented guest judges, Chris Bath, Edwina Bartholomew, Rae Johnston and James Valentine.

“The winning photographs have a wow factor that inspires you to visit national parks. They give you a sense of the beauty of the Australian bush and the vastness of nature,” Ms Bath said.

“It was a difficult task for the judging panel as there was such an incredible selection of photos. The winning photographers captured the joy and wonder of being in national parks, and a unique place or moment in time,” Ms Bartholomew said.

“My favourite entries are genuinely breath-taking, capturing so much energy. Just like the locations themselves, they are striking and stunning,” Ms Johnston said.