The best photographs from across Australia in July 2026 capture a diverse range of moments, from political transitions to sporting triumphs and cultural events.
Political and Sporting Highlights
Former Victorian premier Jacinta Allan was photographed walking out of Labor's caucus meeting after Ben Carroll was elected to replace her. In Sydney, NSW Blues head coach Laurie Daley was doused with ice water by Stephen Crichton following their State of Origin series win. AFL action featured Melbourne's Max Gawn and Richmond's Toby Nankervis competing in the ruck at the MCG.
Cultural and Community Events
Hot air balloons lit up for the Night Glow event to launch the 2026 Balloons over Mildura festival. A fire show performer entertained crowds as part of the Winter in the City event in Canberra. Models Cassie Black and Sebina Durrurrnga participated in East Arnhem Land's inaugural fashion week. The installation Fracture by Australian artist Chris Petridis was displayed at the Adelaide Botanic Gardens during Illuminate Adelaide. Bangarra Dance Theatre dancers Daniel Mateo and Chantelle Lee Lockhart performed at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre in Brisbane.
People and Personalities
Rachel Menzies and her father Ross Menzies, both psychologists and authors, were photographed in Sydney. Lawyer Marziyah Razi expressed concern about recent political rhetoric from Pauline Hanson. Climate advocate Ann Liao, one of Australia's more than 680,000 Mandarin speakers, was also featured. ABC presenter and journalist Lisa Millar was captured at Sandridge Beach near Port Melbourne. Jahari sang during the Sunday service at the Baptist church in Armidale, New South Wales. April Long was photographed with their son Kai; the 2026 census introduces non-gendered terms to questions on household and family relationships. Joanna Wood and Bruce Hart were pictured; she was initially unwilling to reveal she takes a GLP-1 drug, but he was unfazed upon finding out.
Sports and International Events
Football fans reacted as a flare was set off at Sydney's Tumbalong Park during a watch party for the FIFA World Cup match between Australia and Egypt. The Fiji Pearls and the Papua New Guinea Pepes competed in the inaugural Spirit Series at Sydney's Netball Central. Juan Diego Pinilla Garcia of Colombia crashed during the 2026 BMX Racing World Championships in Brisbane. Wests Tigers player Emily Bass was tackled during an NRLW match against the Parramatta Eels at CommBank Stadium in Sydney. Hungary's Zsombor Vismeg competed with Australia's Nicolas Constantin-Bicari during the Water Polo World Cup finals in Sydney.
Other Notable Images
A model competed in the bridal hair competition during the Hair Festival in Sydney. Crews painted over the Pam the Bird graffiti on Melbourne's Bolte Bridge. India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke during a press conference in Melbourne.
