Our favourite Australian photos of 2016

From viral images that made us laugh to critical news photographs that depicted major events, here are some of the most memorable Australian images over the past 12 months
• Best of Bowers 2016: unicorns, pyjamas and a never-ending election – in pictures

Main image: Best Australian photos of 2016 composite Composite: -

  • When floods hit South Australia in September, thousands were left without power and sand bags were needed to protect homes. The wild weather even included twin tornadoes. This rain-soaked koala perched on a gatepost amid the floodwaters became a viral star. Named ‘Jimmy’, he was photographed by local resident Russell Latter.
    When floods hit South Australia in September, thousands were left without power and sand bags were needed to protect homes. The wild weather even included twin tornadoes. This rain-soaked koala perched on a gatepost amid the floodwaters became a viral star. Named ‘Jimmy’, he was photographed by local resident Russell Latter.

  • The year saw the longest federal election campaign in Australian history – and three of the most tedious campaign debates imaginable as Malcolm Turnbull and Bill Shorten traded snooze-worthy blows. Here, journalist Laura Tingle, one of the chairs for the debate at the National Press Club in Canberra, expresses the public mood perfectly as she slumps on her arm.
    2016 saw the longest federal election campaign in Australian history – and three of the most tedious campaign debates imaginable as Malcolm Turnbull and Bill Shorten traded snooze-worthy blows. Here, journalist Laura Tingle, one of the chairs for the debate at the National Press Club in Canberra, expresses the public mood perfectly as she slumps on her arm.

  • This shot, which was part of a beautiful audio-photo essay by Martine Perret, shows two Indigenous children, Keneisha and Levi, playing in a claypan in Wiluna, Western Australia. It was part of a body of work titled Ngala Wongga (meaning Come Talk) which examined Australia’s endangered Indigenous languages.
    This shot, which was part of a beautiful audio-photo essay by Martine Perret, shows two Indigenous children, Keneisha and Levi, playing in a claypan in Wiluna, Western Australia. It was part of a body of work titled Ngala Wongga (meaning Come Talk) which examined Australia’s endangered Indigenous languages.

  • Gable Tostee leaves the supreme court in Brisbane in October and wears a look of relief after jurors found him not guilty of killing New Zealand tourist Warriena Wright, whom he met via the dating app Tinder in 2014. Wright died when she fell from a balcony after the pair had argued – an argument that Tostee recorded on his phone.
    Gable Tostee leaves the Supreme Court in Brisbanein October and wears a look of relief after jurors found him not guilty of killing New Zealand tourist Warriena Wright, whom he met via the dating app Tinder in 2014. Wright died when she fell from a balcony after the pair had argued – an argument which Tostee recorded on his phone.

  • Locals watch as a helicopter drops water onto a blazing tyre fire in an industrial area in Melbourne in January.
    Locals watch as a helicopter drops water onto a blazing tyre fire in an industrial area in Melbourne in January.

  • If 2016 was the year of the drone, this shot by Todd Kennedy, taken at Cable Beach on his honeymoon, is a cracking example. It was named one of the best drone photos of the year by National Geographic.
    If 2016 was the year of the drone, this shot by Todd Kennedy, taken at Cable Beach on his honeymoon, is a cracking example. It was named one of the best drone photos of the year by national Geographic.

  • Milky Way over Bonnie Doon was a finalist in the 2016 David Malin Astrophotography awards.
    ‘Milky Way over Bonnie Doon’ was a finalist in the 2016 David Malin Astrophotography Awards.

  • Immigration minister Peter Dutton got well and truly trolled after Fairfax political reporter Stephanie Peatling tweeted a photo of him at a press conference in May. Dutton’s staffers asked that the photo be removed because it was unflattering, but Twitter users had other ideas. Here’s one of the best memes by Olivia Copse – the original photo having been taken by Alex Ellinghausen.
    Peter Dutton got well and truly trolled after Fairfax political reporter Stephanie Peatling tweeted a photo of Immigration Minister Peter Dutton at a press conference in May. Dutton’s staffers asked that the photo be removed because it was unflattering, but Twitter users had other ideas. here’s one of the best memes by Olivia Copse – the original photo having been taken by Alex Ellinghausen.

  • This peculiar scene in Townsville depicts an armed response to a simulated IED (improvised explosive device). The air force led field exercise is conducted to practice search and rescue activities both at sea and on land.
    This peculiar scene in Townsville depicts an armed response to a simulated IED (Improvised Explosive Device). The Air Force led field exercise is conducted to practice search and rescue activities both at sea and on land.

  • Local and international visitors flocked to McDougall Street in the Sydney suburb of Kirribilli in November as jacaranda trees came into bloom.
    Local and international visitors flocked to McDougall Street in the Sydney suburb of Kirribilli in November as jacaranda trees came into bloom.

  • This picture by Antonio Heredia won the portrait prize at Head On festival this year. The photographer explains: ‘Some years ago, 29-year-old lawyer Oscar Prieto was diagnosed with brain cancer. Following surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, Oscar was able to beat the disease. Nowadays he is the president of ASATE, an organisation which provides help and guidance to those affected by brain cancer. By showing his own scars, Oscar tries to inspire and demonstrate that one can overcome cancer.’
    This picture by Antonio Heredia won the portrait prize at Head On festival this year. The photographer explains: ‘Some years ago, 29 year-old lawyer Oscar Prieto was diagnosed with brain cancer. Following surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, Oscar was able to beat the disease. Nowadays, he is the president of ASATE, an organisation which provides help and guidance to those affected by brain cancer. By showing his own scars, Oscar tries to inspire and demonstrate that one can overcome cancer.’

  • The plight of the people who live in Wilcannia, NSW, is emblematic of the so-called ‘gap’ between Indigenous Australia and the wider population. Photojournalist David Maurice Smith went there in January and later wrote how this shot shows: ‘An extended family living cramped under a single roof, generating a constant flow of people coming and going ... A boy, not quite two years old plays lovingly with his father, unaware for now that he will soon lose [him] to prison for parole violations. Growing up in Wilcannia, this young boy faces a life expectancy of only 37 years.’.
    The plight of the people who live in Wilcannia, NSW, is emblematic of the so-called ‘gap’ between Indigenous Australia and the wider population. Photojournalist David Maurice Smith went there in January and later wrote how this shot shows: ‘An extended family living cramped under a single roof, generating a constant flow of people coming and going ... A boy, not quite two years old plays lovingly with his father, unaware for now that he will soon lose [him] to prison for parole violations. Growing up in Wilcannia, this young boy faces a life expectancy of only 37 years.’.

  • Keeper Lucy Truelson washes Asian elephant Bong Su as he lies against the barrier in his enclosure at Melbourne zoo. Bong Su, who is the largest animal in Australia, showed media his morning bath time routine ahead of World Environment Day.
    Keeper Lucy Truelson washes Asian elephant Bong Su as he lies agains the barrier in his enclosure at Melbourne Zoo. Bong Su, who is the largest animal in Australia, showed media his morning bath time routine ahead of World Environment Day.

  • Spectators watch the action from a swimming pool on the boundary of the Gabba on day one of the first Test match between Australia and Pakistan in Brisbane.
    Spectators watch the action from a swimming pool on the boundary of the Gabba on day one of the first Test match between Australia and Pakistan in Brisbane.

  • A visitor leaps inside the Cathedral of Light, part of Sydney’s annual Vivid festival of light, music and ideas.
    A visitor leaps inside the ‘Cathedral of Light’, part of Sydney’s annual Vivid Festival of light, music and ideas.

  • Former detective Roger Rogerson is escorted to a prison van at the supreme court in Sydney. Rogerson was found guilty of the murder of Jamie Gao during a drug deal at a storage unit in Sydney in May 2014.
    Former detective Roger Rogerson is escorted to a prison van at the Supreme Court in Sydney. Rogerson was found guilty of the murder of Jamie Gao during a drug deal at a storage unit in Sydney in May 2014.

  • The movements of Australian ballerina Brooke Lockett are beautifully detailed in this multiple exposure by Daniel Boud.
    The movements of Australian ballerina Brooke Lockett are beautifully detailed in this multiple exposure by Daniel Boud.

  • Badgerys Creek, a rural suburb in western Sydney, Australia, was called home by a small community and its livestock. Now the residents are gone and it will soon become the city’s second airport. Photographer Jeremy Piper explored the neighbourhood in its final throes, recording its lingering memories and mementos.
    Badgerys Creek, a rural suburb in western Sydney, Australia, was called home by a small community and its livestock. Now the residents are gone and it will soon become the city’s second airport. Photographer Jeremy Piper explored the neighbourhood in its final throes, recording its lingering memories and mementos

  • This image, which was rotated 180 degrees by the photographer, captures an alternative perspective on the AFL. The long shadows are cast across the turf as Mitch Wallis of the Bulldogs passes the ball in a game against the Melbourne Demons. The Bulldogs would go on to win the premiership.
    This image, which was rotated 180 degrees by the photographer, captures an alternative perspective on the AFL. The long shadows are cast across the turf as Mitch Wallis of the Bulldogs passes the ball in a game against the Melbourne Demons. The Bulldogs would go on to win the Premiership.

  • Star trails are seen over red sand dunes in the town of Windorah in the far south-west of Queensland.
    Star trails are seen over red sand dunes in the town of Windorah in the far south-west of Queensland.

  • A dead female kangaroo is cradled by her mate in River Heads, a coastal town close to Fraser Island in Queensland. While some people believed the animal was showing grief and affectionate, others cast doubt on the personification of the animal’s behaviour, suggesting instead that it was simply trying to mate with the dead roo or that it may even have killed it in the process of mating.
    A dead female kangaroo is cradled by her mate in River Heads, a coastal town close to Fraser Island in Queensland. While some people believed the animal was showing grief and affectionate, others cast doubt on the personification of the animal’s behaviour, suggesting instead that it was simply trying to mate with the dead ‘roo or that it may even have killed it in the process of mating.

  • A ring-flash was used to capture this unusual shot of a ‘cosplayer’ during the Smash Convention. Smash, which stands for Sydney Manga and Anime Show, is the biggest pop-culture convention in Australia focusing on comics, games, toys, films and animations.
    A ring-flash was used to capture this unusual shot of a ‘cosplayer’ during the SMASH! Convention. SMASH, which stands for Sydney Manga and Anime Show, is the biggest pop-culture convention in Australia focusing on comics, games, toys, films and animations.

  • Greek Orthodox men, including Alexandros Dimitriou (centre, raising his arm), during the festival of Epiphany in January. The men enter the water to retrieve a cross which is thrown into the Yarra Bay by a priest to mark the baptism of Jesus Christ by John the Baptist.
    Greek Orthodox men, including Alexandros Dimitriou (centre, raising his arm), during the Festival of Epiphany in January. The men enter the water to retrieve a cross which is thrown into the Yarra Bay by a priest to mark the baptism of Jesus Christ by John the Baptist.

  • Australian music producer Flume at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles before the first of four sold out shows at the venue. It was a big year for Flume, with a world tour, number one album, eight ARIA Award wins and two Grammy nominations.
    Australian music producer Flume at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles before the first of four sold out shows at the venue. It was a big year for Flume, with a world tour, number one album, eight ARIA Award wins and two Grammy nominations.

  • Prospero’s Island – North East by Valerie Sparks won this year’s Bowness Photography prize. The digitally composed image ‘explores the narrative arc of The Tempest from vengeance to forgiveness’, the artist explained. ‘The wild cliffs of Tasmania’s south coast are brought together with the sublime stillness of the north and east coasts to explore the theme of displacement, which is central to both The Tempest and the turbulent history of Tasmania.’
    ‘Prospero’s Island – North East’ by Valerie Sparks won this year’s Bowness Photography Prize. The digitally composed image ‘explores the narrative arc of The Tempest from vengeance to forgiveness’, the artist explained. ‘The wild cliffs of Tasmania’s south coast are brought together with the sublime stillness of the north and east coasts to explore the theme of displacement, which is central to both The Tempest and the turbulent history of Tasmania’.

  • A ‘True Blue Crew’ member is apprehended by police officers during competing rallies held in Melbourne in May. The ‘Say No To Racism’ group and the ‘Stop the Far Left’ group clashed amid violent scenes – seven men were arrested and police had to use pepper spray to regain order.
    A ‘True Blue Crew’ member is apprehended by police officers during competing rallies held in Melbourne in May. The ‘Say No To Racism’ group and the ‘Stop the Far Left’ group clashed amid violent scenes – seven men were arrested and police had to use pepper spray to regain order.

  • The opposition leader, Bill Shorten, handles a baby croc during a visit to Maningrida, 500km east of Darwin, during the election campaign in May. Our photographer Mike Bowers said it reminded him of the song Never Smile At a Crocodile from the Disney film Peter Pan.
    Opposition leader Bill Shorten handles a baby croc during a visit to Maningrida, 500km east of Darwin, during the election campaign in May. Our photographer Mike Bowers said it reminded him of the song ‘never Smile At a Crocodile’ from the Disney film Peter Pan.

  • The 30th Canberra Balloon Spectacular was one of the biggest such festivals in the world, with balloons filling the sky. But it was this lone craft hovering serenely above the water that caught the eye.
    The 30th Canberra Balloon Spectacular was one of the biggest such festivals in the world, with balloons as far as the eye could see. But it was this lone craft hovering serenely above the water which caught the eye.

  • Usain Bolt appeared to smile at his rivals as he blitzed past them in the men’s 100m semi-final at the Olympic Games in Rio in August. The shot, taken by Australian photographer Cameron Spencer, achieved global fame and was hailed in such publications as Time magazine.
    Usain Bolt appeared to smile at his rivals as he blitzed past them in the men’s 100m semi-final at the Olympic Games in Rio in August. The shot achieved global fame and was hailed in such publications as Time magazine

  • The scene of debris and debauchery as racegoers left Flemington Racecourse following Melbourne Cup day in November made for some comical snaps as well as this somewhat Hitchcockian frame.
    The scene of debris and debauchery as racegoers left Flemington Racecourse following Melbourne Cup day in November made for some comical snaps as well as this somewhat Hitchcockian frame.

  • Life dancers by Elizabeth Looker claimed the National Photographic Portrait prize this year. She said of the work: ‘These two people are those in the world to whom I feel most akin. I see in them things easily forgotten with age and time, which I am reminded of and urged to hang on to; true freedom and effortless movement, play and humour, empathy, compassion and kindness, all of which flow from within them and constantly remind me of what is important.’
    Life dancers by Elizabeth Looker claimed the National Photographic Portrait prize this year.

  • An animal liberationist with a dead bobby calf holding a counter protest in Melbourne after dairy farmers – their cattle in tow – descended into central Melbourne to protest over milk prices. The protest aimed to draw attention to the 450,000 calves slaughtered each year by the dairy industry.
    Angry dairy farmers – their cattle in tow – staged a protest in Melbourne in May demanding that the Australian government end what it perceives as corporate greed.

  • The super moon wasn’t visible for everyone in Australia, but fortunate crowds in Fremantle got a look at the biggest – or at least closest – moon for more than 70 years.
    The super moon wasn’t visible for everyone in Australia, but fortune crowds in Fremantlegot a look at the bigger – or at least closest – moon for more than 70 years.

  • One of many exceptional shots that captures the extraordinary colours and painterly flows of Kati Thanda – aka Lake Eyre – in central Australia. The images were taken by members of the Light Collective.
    One of many exceptional shots which captures the extraordinary colours and painterly flows of Kati Thanda – aka Lake Eyre – in central Australia. The images were taken by members of the Light Collective.

  • A double exposure showing a model posing and others on the runway at Mercedes-Benz fashion week at Carriageworks in Sydney in May.
    A double exposure showing a model posing and others on the runway at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Carriageworks in Sydney in May.

  • Mardi Gras in Sydney was awash with colour – and glitter. The first Sydney march took place in 1978 and was met with unexpected police violence and 53 arrests. The 2016 parade was the first since the NSW parliament apologised for the treatment of those who took part in the 1978 march.
    Mardi Gras in Sydney was awash with colour – and glitter. The first Sydney march took place in 1978 and was met with unexpected police violence and 53 arrests. The 2016 parade was the first since the NSW parliament apologised for the treatment of those who took part in the 1978 march.

  • A garden swimming pool was washed away from a property on the beachfront at Collaroy in northern Sydney in June, as the local coastline was battered by heavy rain and storms.
    A garden swimming pool was washed away from a property on the beachfront at Collaroy in northern Sydney in June, as the local coastline was battered by heavy rain and storms.

  • Mourners attend a candlelight vigil outside Dreamworld in October after four people were killed following an accident on the Thunder Rapids ride.
    Mourners attend a candlelight vigil outside Dreamworld in October after four people were killed following an accident on the Thunder Rapids ride.

  • An injured refugee from the Australian-funded Manus Island detention centre lies unconscious on the floor of a police station in Lorengau after an alleged attack by a group of Papua New Guinean men. Photographer Matthew Abbott happened to be on the spot as the aftermath of the incident unfolded. Abbott was later detained by police who wanted to confiscate the images.
    An injured refugee from the Australian-funded Manus Island detention centre lies unconscious on the floor of a police station in Lorengau after an alleged attack by a group of Papua New Guinean men. Photographer Matthew Abbott happened to be on the spot as the aftermath of the incident unfolded. Abbott was later detained by police who wanted to confiscate the images.

  • During the never-ending election campaign, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull toured flood-affected areas around La Trobe, Tasmania. This shot seemed rather symbolic: the Australian electorate fragmented and the road to victory a jagged, fractious one.
    During the never-ending election campaign, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull toured flood-affected areas around La Trobe, Tasmania. This shot seemed rather symbolic: the Australian electorate fragmented and the road to victory a jagged, fractious one.

  • Vickie Roach was one of those featured in our compelling series of portraits about the Indigenous women who are tackling domestic violence.
    Vickie Roach was one of those featured in our compelling series of portraits about the Indigenous women who are tackling domestic violence.

  • Rain water cascaded off Uluru in Uluru-Kata Tjuta national park on at least two occasions this year. First in January, shown here, and again more recently when the park had to be closed due to flooding.
    Rain water cascaded off Uluru in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park on at least two occasions this year. First in January, shown here, and again more recently when the park had to be closed due to flooding.

  • Two 40-tonne humpback whales put on a show to remember for the inhabitants of this small boat - at one point coming so close that they accidentally collided with it. The incredible encounter off the coast of Byron Bay was captured by a drone. The marine giants were in playful mood, circling the small boat for around 90 minutes.
    Two 40-tonne humpback whales put on a show to remember for the inhabitants of this small boat - at one point coming so close that they accidentally collided with it. The incredible encounter off the coast of Byron Bay was captured by a drone. The marine giants were in playful mood, circling the small boat for around 90 minutes.

  • A patient lying dead on an operating table at MSF Kunduz Trauma Center in Afghanistan following the October 3 attack by an American AC-130 gunship on the hospital. This image won the photographer, Andrew Quilty, the gold Walkley award for excellence in Australian journalism. He was the first photographer to win the award – we subsequently featured a retrospective of his work on our site.
    A patient lying dead on an operating table at MSF Kunduz Trauma Center in Afghanistan following the October 3 attack by an American AC-130 gunship on the hospital. This image won the photographer, Andrew Quilty, the gold Walkley award for excellence in Australian journalism. He was the first photographer to win the award – we subsequently featured a retrospective of his work on our site.
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