Into the wild: global blockbuster exhibition lands in Launceston
Image: A Tranquil Moment, © Hikkaduwa Liyanage Prasantha Vinod / Wildlife Photographer of the Year
Incredible wildlife moments captured by some of the best photographers from around the world are now on display in the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition, exclusively on display in Tasmania at the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery until 7 September.
The Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition and exhibition ignites curiosity about the natural world by showcasing Earth's extraordinary diversity and highlighting the fragility of wildlife on our planet.
Featuring 100 awe-inspiring shots selected by an international judging panel, this significant exhibition is now in its sixtieth year and on loan from the Natural History Museum in London.
This year’s competition attracted an astounding 59,228 entries from photographers of all ages and experience levels from 117 countries and territories.
Using photography's unique emotive power to engage and inspire audiences, the images shine a light on stories and species around the world and encourage a future of advocating for the planet.
City of Launceston Mayor Matthew Garwood said it was “an absolute pleasure” to welcome the return of the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition to QVMAG.
“This is hands-down one of my favourite exhibitions. The photos are mind-blowing but it’s the stories behind them that really stop you in your tracks,” Mayor Garwood said.
“Some of these shots have taken a lifetime to capture, and others were snapped by kids as young as 10. It’s wild in the best way.
“And what makes it even more special is that Launnie is the only place in Tasmania to host this global exhibition. You won’t see it anywhere else in the state so if you’re nearby, or even if you’re not, make sure you don’t miss it. It’s totally free and absolutely worth it.”
Overall winner: Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2024
A marine conservation photojournalist's picture of the magical underwater world of tadpoles was awarded the Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2024.
Image: The Swarm of Life © Shane Gross / Wildlife Photographer of the Year
Shane Gross from Canada captured the western toad tadpoles while snorkelling through lily pads in Cedar Lake on Vancouver Island, British Columbia.
Kathy Moran, Chair of the Jury and Editor, said: “The jury was captivated by the mix of light, energy and connectivity between the environment and the tadpoles. We were equally excited by the addition of a new species to the Wildlife Photographer of the Year archive.
"Over the last few years, the competition has highlighted environments and species that are often overlooked yet provoke the same wonder and delight when shared as the more typically photographed wildlife and wild places,” said Moran.
Wildlife Photographer of the Year is developed and produced by the Natural History Museum, London. It was founded in 1965 by BBC Wildlife Magazine, then called Animals. The Natural History Museum joined forces in 1984 to create the competition as it is known today. The competition is now run and owned by the Natural History Museum in London.
Wildlife Photographer of the Year is on display from 7 June to 7 September exclusively in Tasmania at the Queen Victoria Art Gallery at Royal Park and entry is free.
To find out what’s on at QVMAG, visit www.qvmag.tas.gov.au
Issued 27 June 2025.