Rangers showcase photographic artistry in South Australia, 2026

We are delighted to unveil the winners of the 2026 South Australian Ranger Association photo competition, capturing the breathtaking beauty of South Australia’s parks and reserves through the eyes of those who know these places best, our dedicated SARA members. Each winning image offers a unique glimpse into the diverse landscapes and wildlife that make our state so special.

From sweeping vistas of rugged terrain to intimate close-ups of diverse wildlife, these stunning photographs highlight the incredible work and keen observation skills of our members. These winning shots will be featured in our upcoming calendar to inspire and delight throughout 2027 as each month unfolds a new masterpiece.

Congratulations Senior Ranger Alexander Dyer for taking out the overall prize with his outstanding photo titled ‘One of the most incredible sunsets I have ever seen’ taken at West Beach in Robe. Alexander won the Landscape category with this photo and it was also voted the most popular photo by attendees of the Annual Migration held in August in the Flinders Rangers at Wilmington.

Stay tuned to our Facebook members group and Instagram pages to learn more about the stories behind these beautiful shots and the SARA members who captured them.

A heartfelt thank you to all our members who participated and shared their extraordinary photos. We hope these images inspire and remind us all of the beauty and importance of preserving our parks and reserves.

Overall Winner

Alexander Dyer at West Beach, Robe

One of the most incredible sunsets I have ever seen

Flora & Fungi

1st Place Sam Cornell at Western River Refuge

Green wood cup

2nd Place Luke Hein at Mt Crawford Forest

Mush-Room with a view

Fauna

1st Place Steven Dunning at Deep Creek National Park

Southern emu-wren (Stipiturus malachurus) in the protected habitat post Deep Creek bushfire

2nd Place Sam Correll at Flinders Chase National Park

A Sooty oystercatcher takes flight with his catch before the swll crashes in

Landscape

1st Place Alexander Dyer at West Beach, Robe

One of the most incredible sunsets I have ever seen

2nd Place Emma Blythman at Gawler Ranges National Park

Misty mornings

Fire & Extreme Weather

1st Place Craig Lowe at Seal Bay Conservation Park

The plume (prescribed burning)

2nd Place Jen Pitman at Belair National Park

Sunlight through the smoke (prescribed burning)

Marine & Coast

1st Place Troy Horn at Edithburgh, Yorke Peninsula

A frolicking pair of Southern dumpling squid 13 months post harmful algal bloom

2nd Place Steven Dunning at Newland Head Conservation Park

Australasian gannet dive bombing

Heritage, People & Culture

1st Place Ricky Muller at Near Tapanappa Lookout, Deep Creek National Park

Deep Creek bushfire night shift watching the backburn from Tapanappa Ridge Track

2nd Place Steven Dunning at Gum Tree Gully Conservation Park

Ranger releasing Southern brown bandicoot during trapping to inform a conservation project

Portrait

1st Place Kameron Blanksby at Whyalla, Eyre Peninsula

Sand monitor on the lookout for a meal

2nd Place Steven Dunning at Deep Creek National Park

Beautiful Firetail (Stagonopleura bella)