David O’Connor from Launceston has been named the winner of Destination Southern Tasmania’s ‘Autumn in Focus’ 2025 Photography Competition, it was announced last night.
The competition, which aimed to highlight the stunning seasonal transformations across southern Tasmania, attracted over 550 entries from photographers of all skill levels.
From these, 14 finalists were selected, with three highly commended entries and O’Connor’s winning shot standing out amongst the impressive collection.
Destination Southern Tasmania CEO Alex Heroys praised the quality of submissions, remarking,
“Autumn in Southern Tasmania is a photographer’s dream and has yielded some amazing images.”
Heroys noted that the competition was open to everyone, from professionals to enthusiastic amateurs, offering a chance to celebrate and showcase the region’s breathtaking autumn landscapes.
Darren Wright, Destination Southern Tasmania Marketing Coordinator, added, “This competition is not just about photography; it’s about appreciating the region’s stunning seasonal changes, living in the moment and sharing them with the world.”
Carolyn Smith, General Manager of The Tasman Hotel, expressed her gratitude to Destination Southern Tasmania and all the photographers.
“Guests frequently remark about how unexpectedly beautiful it is here this time of year,” Smith said. “We want to thank DST and all the photographers for capturing the essence of the season so that more people may choose to experience a Tasmanian autumn. We look forward to welcoming the winner to stay.”
Photographers focused on a diverse range of iconic locations, including the Tasmanian Botanical Gardens, the picturesque Huon and Derwent Valleys, historic Port Arthur and the vibrant streets of Hobart. Mt Field was also a popular subject, renowned for its fagus, Tasmania’s only endemic deciduous tree which transforms the landscape with its vibrant hues each autumn.
As the ‘Autumn in Focus’ winner, David O’Connor will enjoy a night’s accommodation at The Tasman Hotel in Hobart.
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