More than 8,000 entries received

NOT often does a story start with mountain spas, marsupials and the milky way but photographs of these three wonders are some of the winners in the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service’s inaugural photo competition.

Describing the five winning entries as simply awe-inspiring, the Head of National Parks, Atticus Fleming, said more than 8,000 entries were received, an overwhelming response to the competition in its first year.

“The fact that we had so many entries representing hundreds of different species of plant and animal, and more than 250 national parks, just reinforces how much the community love our parks,” Mr Fleming said.

“We received entries from amateurs and professionals, and all showed us their appreciation for our protected areas and the native plants and animals that call them home.

“Due to the huge number and high calibre of entries in our most popular category, Landscapes and Vistas, we decided to award joint winners and both are so very deserving of the accolade,” Mr Fleming said.

The five winners were selected across four competition categories by a panel of talented guest judges, Chris Bath, Edwina Bartholomew, Rae Johnston and James Valentine.

“The winning photographs have a wow factor that inspires you to visit national parks. They give you a sense of the beauty of the Australian bush and the vastness of nature,” Ms Bath said.

The winners will receive prizes valued up to $2,100 each for a holiday in one of the superb cabins and cottages in a NSW National Park.

To stay up to date with next year's competition, join the Naturescapes mailing list via the NPWS website.

Landscapes and Vistas

Joint Winners: Summer Solstice Sunrise at Wallagoot Gap, Bournda National Park by David Rogers AND Deep Space, Warrumbungle National Park by Ben Heaton

Highly commended: Balls Pyramid, Lord Howe Island by Ava Kirkby

Animals and Plants

Winner: Breakfast with Friends, Wollemi National Park by Allan Cronin

Highly commended: Hitchhiker, Willi Willi National Park by Anthony Murphy

Enjoying Nature

Winner: Love under the Milky Way, Yuraygir National Park by Lisa Russo

Highly commended: Ascending Crater Bluff, Warrumbungle National Park by Gavin Kellett

Remote Country

Winner: Mountain Spa, Mount Kaputar National Park by James Hastings