Know any inspiring explorers that just blow your mind with their grit, determination, and courage? Well now’s the time to show some love by nominating them for one of Australia’s most prestigious adventure awards!

 

First launched in 1987, the annual Australian Geographic Adventure Awards recognise notable achievements in exploration and are Australia’s longest-running awards in this space.

Nominations by the general public are open until the 30th of June and will be considered by the AG awards committee, headed by Chrissie Goldrick, Chair of the Australian Geographic Society and former Editor-in-Chief of Australian Geographic.

‘The kinds of adventures recognised each year by the Australian Geographic Society are a heady mix of crazy ambition, pure courage, meticulous planning, punishing training and careful risk assessment. The personal qualities exemplified by our winners can be aspired to by any Australian no matter how big or small your own life’s adventure’, Goldrick said.

Australian Geographic Society gold medallions will be presented in the following categories:

  • Young Adventurer of the Year: Awarded to a person usually under the age of 30 for an expedition within the last 24 months
  • Spirit of Adventure: Awarded to those whose efforts reflect strength, determination, and the ability to overcome obstacles to attain their goals and achieve great things
  • Adventurer of the Year: Usually won by an Explorer who completed a particularly notable adventure
  • Lifetime of Adventure Award: The AG Society’s highest honour which is awarded to a person who hasn’t just lived a life of adventure but has also given back to Australia and inspired others

The 2023 awardees included; Dr Richard Barnes, the first person to kayak from Australia to New Zealand solo, non-stop, and unassisted; Lewi Taylor who climbed all 158 ‘Abels’ (peaks over 1,100m in height in Tasmania) in 158 days; endurance cyclist Dr Kate Leeming OAM; and wing-suiting couple Heather Swan and Dr Glenn Singleman.

 

Dr Kate Leeming OAM

Lewi Taylor

Dr Richard Barnes

This year’s winners will be announced in late November 2024. The winners will also participate in a series of Q&A award roadshow events around the country in 2025.

Nominations from the general public can be submitted via the nominations form on the Australian Geographic website.

 

Feature image by @jackson.groves | Other images supplied by AG

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  • Venue: Belanglo State Forest

Come enjoy a classic 6 hour Paddy Pallin rogaine that is only a short drive from Sydney or Canberra! We’ll be using our navigation skills to explore stunning native forest. There will be plenty of route options for all ages,...

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