A trip to Australian National Maritime Museum in Darling Harbour is always a popular move with the kids. There’s one exhibition there that fascinates us every year though, and brings an extra level of special to an already great day out. We’re talking about Wildlife Photographer of the Year. Yep, it’s back… and we are loving this year’s theme.

This year, the exhibition features images that reveal important and surprising stories about our relationship with the world around us. These images been selected (from 49,000 entries!) because they allow us to see unique moments and encounter the diversity of life on Earth. They make you think about your place in nature and show the challenges the planet is facing. Dr Tim Littlewood, one of the judges of this exhibition, hopes it will remind people of the beauty of the natural world so they become motivated to protect it.

You’ll find the whole experience breathtaking and the kids will be excited by the amazing animal photography. What a total win-win!

  • Wildlife Photographer of the Year
    Image: © Catherine Dobbins d’Alessio
  • Wildlife Photographer of the Year
    Image: © Songda Cai
  • Wildlife Photographer of the Year
    Image: © Sergey Gorshkov

Speaking of kids, you can get them pumped for their visit to the museum and this exhibition with these cool animal craft activities the Australian National Maritime Museum has put together.

And when you’re done admiring the incredible images and everything the museum has to offer? Pancakes on the Rocks is a three minute walk away in Harbourside Shopping Centre. If you’re after something sweet, we recommend the Bananarama pancakes. There’s also a more substantial kids menu if you’re after savoury, including a beef burger, dinosaur chicken nuggets and fish and chips.

Wildlife Photographer of the Year Exhibition

When: Runs until October 31, 2021.
Where: The Australian National Maritime Museum, 2 Murray St, Sydney (Darling Harbour).
Cost: Adult: $25, Concession: $20, Child (under 15): $15, Child (under 4):free, Family: $65, Member free. Entry gets you access to all permanent galleries and special exhibitions, as well as access to maritime vessels. Please check the museum’s ticketing information before visiting. You can redeem your Service NSW $25 Dine and Discover vouchers at the museum until July 31, 2021.
Age: Young and old can attend, however some images contain animal behaviour, cruelty to animals and spiders. The museum warns that some visitors may find these images disturbing.

Looking for more things to do while you’re visiting Sydney? Head on over to our Day Trips section for ideas and inspo.

Header image: © Arshdeep Singh