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These are the incredible photos shortlisted for this year’s Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year competition

Every year, Australian Geographic runs a photography competition to seek out the region's most incredible nature photos, and this year's shortlist doesn't disappoint

THESE are the stunning photos which have been shortlisted for the 2017 Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year competition.

Every year, runs a photography competition to seek out the region's most incredible nature photos, and this year's shortlist doesn't disappoint.

Thunderclap – Scott Trageser

This incredible shot shows an endangered conondale spiny crayfish exhibiting its defensive behaviour. When threatened, the crabs smack their claws together with extreme force. The photo was taken in a stream in Brisbane
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This incredible shot shows an endangered conondale spiny crayfish exhibiting its defensive behaviour. When threatened, the crabs smack their claws together with extreme force. The photo was taken in a stream in BrisbaneCredit: Scott Trageser : National Geographic

Incoming Orange – Matthew Jones

This colourful orange bellied-parrot was snapped is Tasmania's southwest, where the birds flock in the summer to breed
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This colourful orange bellied-parrot was snapped is Tasmania's southwest, where the birds flock in the summer to breedCredit: Matthew Jones : National Geographic

Spiders’ Dew Homes – Tobias Hayashi,

Not one for the arachnophobes, this shot shows a nest full of dewy spider webs on the slopes of Polblue Swamp
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Not one for the arachnophobes, this shot shows a nest full of dewy spider webs on the slopes of Polblue SwampCredit: Tobias Hayashi : National Geographic

Arborek Jetty – Tracy Jennings

It took the photographer six hours to perfect this shot of a school of fish swimming around Arborek. Sunlight illuminated this perfect scene for a full minute, before the fish went their separate ways
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It took the photographer six hours to perfect this shot of a school of fish swimming around Arborek. Sunlight illuminated this perfect scene for a full minute, before the fish went their separate waysCredit: Tracy Jennings : National Geographic

Rainbow Bee-Eater orientating dragonfly – Stuart Blackwell

This rainbow bee-eater was captured tossing his catch around before feeding it to its young. The shot was taken near the North Para River
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This rainbow bee-eater was captured tossing his catch around before feeding it to its young. The shot was taken near the North Para RiverCredit: Stuart Blackwell : National Geographic

There is over AU$46,000 (£27,000) up for grabs in prize money, with the eventual winner of the photography competition earning themselves a trip to Antarctica.

And this years final shortlist is bursting with natural beauty, as seen in these shots of landscapes and animals taken throughout Australia, New Zealand, Antarctica and New Guinea.

Every year, finalists' photographs are displayed in a proud exhibit to showcase "the stunning beauty of our natural world".

The Rock – Jack Campbell Shick

This black-and-white shot shows Balls Pyramid to the south-east of Lord Howe Island. Locals call the 552m-tall sea stack 'The Rock'
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This black-and-white shot shows Balls Pyramid to the south-east of Lord Howe Island. Locals call the 552m-tall sea stack 'The Rock'Credit: Campbell Shick : National Geographic

Branching Out – Drew Hopper

This shot shows ghost gum branches reaching out into the sunset over New England National Park in New South Wales
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This shot shows ghost gum branches reaching out into the sunset over New England National Park in New South WalesCredit: Drew Hopper : National Geographic

Grubfish – Jack McKee

Like many shortlisted snaps, this photo of a grubfish was taken under the sea. The photographer said the 'curious' creature wouldn't stop staring at him
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Like many shortlisted snaps, this photo of a grubfish was taken under the sea. The photographer said the 'curious' creature wouldn't stop staring at himCredit: Jack McKee : National Geographic

Fungus Fair – Raoul Slater

This shot wasn't taken anywhere more exotic than the photographer's garden. He said: 'The humble scenes at our feet can be epic'
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This shot wasn't taken anywhere more exotic than the photographer's garden. He said: 'The humble scenes at our feet can be epic'Credit: Raoul Slater : National Geographic

First Wave – Matty Smith

A critically endangered hawksbill turtle, who only hatched minutes ago, can be seen taking its first swim. The creature is likely to die as a baby because of the harsh conditions out at sea
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A critically endangered hawksbill turtle, who only hatched minutes ago, can be seen taking its first swim. The creature is likely to die as a baby because of the harsh conditions out at seaCredit: Matty Smith : National Geographic

Some shots feature moody black-and-white waterfalls, whilst others are impeccably-timed works of art which capture the true beauty of the animal kingdom.

Meanwhile, some of the selected photos try to highlight the dangers facing the rare and vulnerable species which call Oceania home.

Jumping for joy – Beau Pilgrim

This playful photo shows a bottlenose dolphin jumping high above the water. The creature was riding a wave by the boat just a moment before
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This playful photo shows a bottlenose dolphin jumping high above the water. The creature was riding a wave by the boat just a moment beforeCredit: Beau Pilgrim : National Geographic

Unfurling Brilliance - Janelle de Soza

This shot features callistemon flower spikes, incredibly intricate native Aussie flowers. When you look closely, the details in each flower are mesmerising
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This shot features callistemon flower spikes, incredibly intricate native Aussie flowers. When you look closely, the details in each flower are mesmerisingCredit: Janelle de Soza : National Geographic

In My Heart – Dylan Fox

Hamersley Gorge was the subject of this photo, taken in Karijini National Park. The unique rock formations create smooth, photogenic curves and stunning, pristine rock pools
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Hamersley Gorge was the subject of this photo, taken in Karijini National Park. The unique rock formations create smooth, photogenic curves and stunning, pristine rock poolsCredit: Dylan Fox : National Geographic

Now You See Me – Timothy Chew

This endangered Australian sea lion pup made for a photogenic subject. The playful creature is part of a conservation effort underway in Seal Bay
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This endangered Australian sea lion pup made for a photogenic subject. The playful creature is part of a conservation effort underway in Seal BayCredit: Timothy Chew : National Geographic

Ghost Forest - Jason Freeman

Drought has killed off the trees in this former-forest, but their stumps remain as reminders of the past. The roots are shot to lead your eye throughout the photo and convey a full story
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Drought has killed off the trees in this former-forest, but their stumps remain as reminders of the past. The roots are shot to lead your eye throughout the photo and convey a full storyCredit: Jason Freeman : National Geographic

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The eventual winners of the competition will be announced on August 10, when the finalists will learn whether they can call themselves Australia's best nature photographer.

And we certainly don't envy the judges who have to choose between these truly-special works of art.

Guthega Wombat – Charles Davis

The photographer waited for a three-day storm to pass before snapping this little wombat. The stubborn creatures love the sunshine and don't seem at all fazed by people
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The photographer waited for a three-day storm to pass before snapping this little wombat. The stubborn creatures love the sunshine and don't seem at all fazed by peopleCredit: Charles Davis : National Geographic

Windblown Egret – Jennie Stock

This stunning snap shows a small egret in its full breeding plumage. The photo was taken on the banks of Herdsman Lake, near Perth, on a particularly windy day
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This stunning snap shows a small egret in its full breeding plumage. The photo was taken on the banks of Herdsman Lake, near Perth, on a particularly windy dayCredit: Jennie Stock : National Geographic

Sylvia – Lewis Dobbin

This serene waterfall was snapped in black-and-white to highlight the contrast between the rocks and the milky, sun-struck water
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This serene waterfall was snapped in black-and-white to highlight the contrast between the rocks and the milky, sun-struck waterCredit: Lewis Dobbin : National Geographic

Room With a View – Danny McCreadie

These eastern ospreys were photographed on their power-pole home in northern Queensland. The birds can see for miles around thanks to the location of their sky-high home
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These eastern ospreys were photographed on their power-pole home in northern Queensland. The birds can see for miles around thanks to the location of their sky-high homeCredit: Danny McCreadie : National Geographic

The Ties That Bind – Dominic Barrington

This tragic photo was taken on a remote subantarctic island, where humans barely set foot. Yet the impact of sea waste can be seen off the beaten track, suffocating this inquisitive young fir seal
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This tragic photo was taken on a remote subantarctic island, where humans barely set foot. Yet the impact of sea waste can be seen off the beaten track, suffocating this inquisitive young fir sealCredit: Dominic Barrington : National Geographic

This isn't the only photo series to dazzle us, after we shared the award-winning wildlife snaps which show critters posing at the perfect moment.

We also shared these amazing shots of harvest mice frolicking in the flowers.

 

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