Australia’s much-loved photography showcase, the Spirit of the Bush competition, is back for 2026, inviting people from across the country to capture the stories, landscapes and spirit of rural and regional Australia. Hosted by Rural Aid, the competition opened at 8am Wednesday 1 July and closes at 5pm Friday 31 July. Now in its seventh year, Spirit of the Bush has become a celebrated annual initiative showcasing breathtaking and often unseen moments from farming communities and rural landscapes right across Australia. Since launching in 2020, the competition has built a powerful visual archive of rural life, capturing the resilience, humour, hardship, pride and beauty that define the bush. This year, photographers are encouraged to share images that reflect the challenges, determination, people and natural beauty of rural and regional Australia, helping to bring the country to the city through the power of photography. Capturing the real Australia Rural Aid Chief Executive Officer John Warlters said the competition continues to reveal the extraordinary stories found in everyday rural life. “Every year we are reminded just how powerful a single image can be. These photographs do not just show us the bush, they tell us its stories, its resilience, and its heart,” Mr Warlters said. “Spirit of the Bush continues to bring rural Australia closer to the cities. It opens a window into the everyday realities, the challenges, and the incredible strength of farming communities.” He said the competition was open to all Australians, regardless of photography experience. “You do not need to be a professional photographer to enter. Some of our most moving and memorable images come from people simply capturing life as they see it, honest, raw and real,” he said. Prizes and judging Twelve winning photographs will be selected by a panel of judges, with each winner receiving a $250 prepaid Visa card. How to enter Entries can be submitted via: www.ruralaid.org.au/spirit-of-the-bush Photographers are encouraged to showcase rural and regional Australia in all its forms, from sweeping landscapes and working farms to candid everyday moments that reflect life in the bush. Rural Aid
