Deep in western NSW is a town called White Cliffs. It was founded in the late 19th century after opal was discovered. The story goes that kangaroo hunters found an odd-looking stone, which was later confirmed to be opal. Although not the first time opal was found, it changed NSW forever. Crowds quickly flocked to the town, which is now inhabited by people who live under the ground and mine extensively, or live in hills like hobbits. The town is pockmarked with holes. This image called “Island Universe” shows the stunning features of the town. It won second place under the People Nature category of the 2024 Oceania Photo Contest. Join us on a journey as we examine the winning shots. Picture: Peter Harlow/TNC Oceania Photo Contest

The grand prize winner is this incredible photo named “Pot-bellied Seahorse Portrait”, It was taken at Bare Island, NSW. Here’s how the photographer got the great snap: “During an early morning dive at Bare Island in Sydney’s Botany Bay, we encountered a pot-bellied seahorse seeking shelter in the centre of a cluster of sea tulips. To capture the subtle movement of the sea tulips while keeping the seahorse in focus, I chose a slightly longer shutter speed. This allowed the gentle motion of the water to blur slightly, giving a sense of the underwater environment.” Picture: Daniel Sly/TNC Oceania Photo Contest

The winning image for the lands category was called “Where There’s Smoke... There’s Food”. The image was taken at Kakadu, Northern Territory. Picture: Michael S. Martin/TNC Oceania Photo Contest

The struggle in the animal kingdom for life and death is captured in this amazing photo. Titled “Roar of Anger” it was taken in Xiamen, China and won the first place in Wildlife. Picture: Xiaoping Lin/TNC Oceania Photo Contest

The second place pic for the lands category is called “Sand Forest”. It was taken at Gisborne, New Zealand. Picture: Hamish Ashton/TNC Oceania Photo Contest

Scoring third place for the lands category is “Time stands still” - a stunning image in French Polynesia. Picture: Justin Tan/TNC Oceania Photo Contest

This image is called “Salmon Surfer” and won the People & Nature category. It was taken at Margaret River, Western Australia. Picture: Duncan Macfarlane/TNC Oceania Photo Contest

The power of the elements is on full display with this image. Called “The Beast”, this was captured at Kings Beach, Caloundra, Queensland and won second place for Climate. Picture: Darren Wassell/TNC Oceania Photo Contest

Winning third place in Climate is this pic called “Opuha”. It was taken at Lake Ophua, Fairlie, New Zealand. Picture: Bailee Barton/TNC Oceania Photo Contest

This underwater image won third place for Water and is called “Jellyblubber split”. It was taken at Cabbage Tree Bay, NSW. Picture: Peter McGee/TNC Oceania Photo Contest

The best photo for the Climate category is this image called “Ice falls”. It was taken in the Arctic. Picture: Scott Portelli/TNC Oceania Photo Contest

Winning third place in Wildlife, this picture was named “Duck Dive”. It was taken in Christchurch, New Zealand. Picture: Stuart Attwood/TNC Oceania Photo Contest

The photographer said: “White color subjects are always the most challenging subject matter in macro photography when it comes to capturing the essence and details.” Under the great lighting condition, Chin Kang Chia was able to present these group of Marasmius genus fungi found in Puhipuhi Valley Scenic Reserve in their best forms. It won second place in Plants Fungi. Picture: Chin Kang Chia/TNC Oceania Photo Contest

A photo named “Beneath the Glow” taken at Eves Valley, Brightwater, New Zealand, won first place in Plants Fungi. Picture: Crystal Richardson/TNC Oceania Photo Contest

This image called “Vad” won second place in Water. It was taken at Karijini National Park, Western Australia. Picture: Aayushi Khillan/TNC Oceania Photo Contest

Open wide: This pic called “Toss of Life” won second place in Wildlife. It was taken at Lake Gwelup, Western Australia. Picture: Naidu Kumapatla/TNC Oceania Photo Contest

A misty pic taken at Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Northern Territory. It placed third in People Nature. Picture: Steven Genesin/TNC Oceania Photo Contest

“Lacy Lichen” won third place in Plants Fungi. The image was taken at Waimauku Residence, Auckland, New Zealand. Picture: Catilin Germanis/TNC Oceania Photo Contest