Nature writing creates connection and connection can inspire action.
Writing can change the way people see the world. A powerful piece of nature writing can transport readers to places they may never visit, reveal hidden beauty in familiar landscapes, and create emotional connections that statistics and headlines alone cannot. In a time of growing environmental challenges, storytelling has an important role to play in helping people reconnect with nature, understand what is at stake, and feel inspired to protect it.
2026 Nature Writing Prize
The Nature Writing Prize invites Australian writers to help bring the wonder, beauty and fragility of nature to life through storytelling - deepening our collective appreciation for the natural world and inspiring more people to care about its future.
2026 Nature Writing Prize
Now in its eighth instalment, the Nature Writing Prize has become an established and respected platform for exceptional Australian nature writing. Presented by The Nature Conservancy Australia in partnership with Australian Book Review, the prize brings together literary excellence and environmental storytelling.
Theme: Writing of place
Length: 3,000 - 5,000 words
Closing date: 5pm AEST, 23 September, 2026.
Entry Fee:
- Standard entry: $30
- Australia Book Review Subscriber discounted entry: $25
- Entry + Australian Book Review Subscriber Trial: $25 entry fee + $5 subscription fee
Prizes:
- Major Prize: $8,000 and winning essay published in January / February 2027 issue of Australian Book Review.
- Highly Commended: Rosina Joy Buckman Award - $1,000.
We extend our sincere gratitude to our generous supporters, in particular, Patron Paula McLean and the McLean Foundation for their support of the Winning Essay Prize, and to Kinchem Hegedus and Peter Barge for their support of the Rosina Joy Buckman Award. We are deeply appreciative of their continued generosity and contribution.
2023 Nature Writing Prize
2023 Nature Writing Prize
Presented by The Nature Conservancy Australia and The McLean Foundation.
Major Prize donated by: The McLean Foundation
The Rosina Joy Buckman Award for Highly Commended essay, prize donated by: Life at Springfield
Presented in partnership with: RMIT Culture
Media partner: The Monthly
Theme: Writing of Place
Shortlist: Connor Tomas O'Brien - 'The Cryptids', Lily Chan - 'The Golden Age', Bonny Cassidy - 'A Custodial Species', Lesley Head - 'The Preserves', Dave Witty - 'Unconformities'.
2023 Winner
Connor Tomas O'Brien - 'The Cryptids'
2023 Rosina Joy Buckman Award
Lily Chan - 'The Golden Age'
Nature Writing Prize Past Winners
2021 Winner
- Gregory Day - 'The Watergaw'
2019 Winners
- Jenny Sinclair - 'An Orchard for My Father.
- Sue Castrique - 'On the Margins of the Good Swamp.
2017 Winner
- Sophie Cunningham - 'Biyala Stones'.
2015 Winner
- Stephen Wright - 'Bunyip'.
2013 Inaugural Winner:
- Annamaria Weldon - 'Threshold Country'.
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