Young photographers invited to enter 2026 ocean-themed competition

The Australian National Maritime Museum is calling on young photographers across Australia to submit their best nature images as part of its 2026 OM Kids Photo Competition.

The competition, linked to the museum’s Ocean Photographer of the Year program, is open to children aged 16 and under and aims to encourage the next generation to explore and document the natural world through photography.

Entries close on 3 May 2026, with participants invited to capture images inspired by oceans, waterways and the environment.

The initiative forms part of the museum’s broader focus on ocean storytelling and conservation, with the wider Ocean Photographer of the Year exhibition showcasing thousands of global entries and highlighting both the beauty and fragility of marine ecosystems.

Organisers say the competition is designed to get kids outdoors and thinking creatively, while also building awareness of environmental issues through photography.

Winners will receive OM System Tough TG-7 underwater cameras, with three prizes on offer.

You can enter here.