We collected the top photographs from Australia for 2025 as determined by Getty Images’ director of editorial content, Cassie Trotter.
“For the past 30 years, Getty Images has been dedicated to capturing history in real time, documenting both the stories that made headlines and the quieter moments that resonated deeply within communities worldwide,” says Trotter.
“Here are my top picks for the moments that defined Australia’s entertainment, news and sport industries in 2025.”
Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred brings severe weather to Australia’s east coast
“This image of a young woman taking a selfie in the flooded Brisbane suburb of Newmarket, caused by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, is a striking contrast that symbolises the year Australia spent grappling with the immediate and devastating reality of a changing climate. While downgraded from cyclone status, Alfred’s arrival in March brought damaging winds and record-breaking rainfall to the east coast. This event was not isolated; it was part of an extraordinary surge in severe environmental disasters that struck the nation this year.”
Australia votes
“This image beautifully captures the unique Australian ritual of democracy: early morning swimmers casting their vote at the Bondi Surf Bathers’ Life Saving Club on Election Day 2025. These iconic Bondi residents represent the everyday Australian going about their routine before the polls decide the future. In light of the recent tragedy that shook this beloved community, the image now carries an even deeper meaning – reflecting Bondi’s spirit, its culture of togetherness, and the resilience of a place that continues to unite people through shared traditions and values.”
Erin Patterson arrives at court
“This image is interesting because the ‘mushroom murder’ case captured a global audience, yet media were restricted from publishing images of Erin Patterson throughout much of the proceedings. When that restriction was lifted, images from her arrival at court for sentencing became some of the first visuals of Patterson after months of intense public attention.”
2025 ARIA Awards – Cody Simpson
“This image is fun. The photographer, Hanna Lassen, worked to get really direct engagement, making the viewer feel like they’re face to face with Cody. He’s one of Australia’s rare crossover figures, with a successful career as a singer, actor and Commonwealth Games Gold medal winning swimmer. He’s confident and brought a great energy and star power to this year’s awards.”
2025 ARIA Awards – Amy Taylor
“The photographer caught Amy in a playful, unguarded moment. It feels personal and really brings her charisma through. Amyl and the Sniffers were standout figures of the ARIAs this year, winning multiple awards, and they opened for AC/DC on their first Australian stadium tour. The energy in this shot is pure punk abandon.”
2025 Melbourne Cup Day
“This is an iconic Melbourne Cup moment. It’s clean and emotional, with the trophy reflecting the crowd as Jamie Melham takes in her historic double win on Half Yours. Beyond the emotion, this frame carries historic weight, capturing the moment of sporting glory where Melham became the first female jockey to win the Caulfield-Melbourne Cup.”
2025 Australian Athletics Championships – Gout Gout
“This frame captures Gout Gout exploding with celebration after winning the 200m. Gout Gout is part of a wave of young Australian sprinters rising on the athletics stage, suggesting Australia could become far more competitive on the international stage, especially with the Brisbane Olympics on the horizon.”
Yuendumu deaths in custody protest
“This image is compelling because it represents a national conversation unfolding for decades. Taken during a march in Sydney calling for action on the deaths of Kumanjayi Walker and Kumanjayi White, this moment reflects how communities continue to seek accountability, reform, and recognition.”
2025 Sydney Marathon
“This shot is pure joy, captured clean as Sifan Hassan celebrates her Sydney Marathon win. Her attendance and victory helped spotlight Sydney’s rise as a global marathon destination, and this image crystallises that moment of arrival. It’s the kind of image which captures why we watch sports: the unforgettable moments when human effort and ambition converge.”
Anthony Albanese and Donald Trump at The White House
“What is compelling about this image is the subtle push/pull in the handshake. Trump exerting control, Albanese maintaining composure, as they signed an $8.5 billion critical minerals agreement, strengthening Australia’s role as both sides look to diversify supply chains. This photo represents a triumph for Albanese in securing what was one of the most highly-anticipated, high-stakes meetings for the country, amid tariff and geopolitical tension.”
Dancing with the Stars: finale
“This moment shows the tension and anticipation – Robert and Witney bracing for the result, bringing us fully inside the suspense. It’s emotional, intimate, and draws the viewer straight into the frame. and moment seconds before everything changes. It’s an Aussie personality having a global pop culture moment, and the picture speaks for itself.”
2025 AFL Grand Final
“This image is pure, unadulterated energy. It captures the Brisbane Lions celebrating their powerful, back-to-back flag against Geelong, making them the fourth club this century to achieve that feat. The Lions sealed the victory with an extraordinary second-half blitz. The sea of maroon and gold from the crowd forms a wave of euphoria and a powerful message that Lions have returned to glory.”
Pro-Palestine march
“This image is striking because it captures one of the largest public demonstrations on the Sydney Harbour Bridge in recent years. Tens of thousands of people gathered to express their views on a major conflict, reflecting how international events can mobilise civic participation on a massive scale.”
NRL Preliminary Final
“This image is perfectly executed jubilation, showing Staggs and Mariner celebrating to the roar of the Suncorp Stadium crowd. It ties perfectly into the bigger story of the Broncos’ resurgence this season. This photo is full of energy, victory, and happiness. It is proof of the incredible skill a photographer needs to freeze these explosive sporting moments while still capturing all the emotion.”
Nationwide anti-immigration rallies
“This image captures the raw tension and unrest as anti-immigration protesters and counter-protesters clash in the streets of Melbourne in August. The confrontation is a powerful representation of the deep, polarised ideological debates gripping Australian society this year, forcing a national conversation on diversity, policy, and division.”
Australia v England: Ashes Series – First Test: Day 2
“The catch of the summer? This image is the glory of the First Test of the Ashes frozen in a single frame, capturing Mitchell Starc’s one-handed grab off his own bowling to dismiss Zak Crawley for his second duck of the Test. This shot perfectly captures the tension and the athleticism of the Ashes, and brings viewers right into the action.”
Albanese and Haydon wedding
“This image is compelling because it captures a rare, personal milestone in the life of a sitting Prime Minister. It was photographed by Mike Bowers, a 30-year veteran Australian photojournalist, and shared by the Office of the Prime Minister as a rare invitation for Australians to witness a personal chapter in their Prime Minister’s public life.”
