Underwater Awards Australasia 2026

The Underwater Awards Australasia 2026 is an underwater imaging competition focused on the Australasian region—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 calls for passionate underwater shooters from around the world to submit their most captivating and compelling 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.

Entrants compete for prizes in nine categories—including the unique new special category “Only Water”—with the top image or video among the category winners receiving the distinction of “Best of Show.” The 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 prizes, worth almost AU$70,000, include dive trips with the world’s top resorts and liveaboards as well as the latest underwater photo and video gear. Organizers will also choose one of the category winners to have their work featured in an exclusive cover story in Scuba Diver magazine (ANZ Edition).