Amanda Clarke, Harbour Giant in Flight (ANIMAL & NATURE 2025)

A humpback whale erupts from the blue just beyond the Heads, scattering silver spray against Sydney’s skyline. In a harbour famed for ferries and sails, this moment reveals a wilder heartbeat—an ocean traveller pausing mid-migration to breach, tail-flukes etched with inky markings. The frame captures the rare meeting of city and sea, where a protected waterway becomes a stage for power, grace, and renewal. Shot on Sydney Harbour, this image celebrates the resilience of our marine life and the privilege of sharing everyday spaces with extraordinary neighbours.

Images have been resized for web display, which may cause some loss of image quality. Note: Original high-resolution images are used for judging.