HX has crowned its Wild Shots competition winner – and the winning photo is nothing short of spectacular. To celebrate World Ocean Day, HX and Karryon invited Aussie travel advisors to share their most breathtaking wildlife, ocean, or nature photo. From Antarctica to Greenland, HX has always inspired explorers to see the world differently – and the entries captured that spirit perfectly.
From seal pups and snow-drenched peaks to lion standoffs and penguin parades, the entries transported us across continents and left the Karryon inbox brimming with raw, emotional, and awe-inspiring travel moments.
But one image stood out.
Meet the HX Wild Shots competition winner
Congratulations to Tara Dickson from Helloworld Travel Buderim, who’s just been crowned the inaugural Wild Shots winner! Her shot of a juvenile bald eagle fishing for salmon captured the spirit of expedition travel — and stopped our judging panel in its tracks.
“This shot has incredible composition and timing,” said the HX judge. “It captures the raw beauty of nature in a way that’s both powerful and immersive—exactly what great wildlife photography should do.”
As the HX Wild Shots competition winner, Tara receives an expedition cruise worth over $10k. Departing Reykjavík in May 2026, this circular journey explores Iceland’s dramatic coastlines, with stops including the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Húsavík for whale watching, puffin-filled Bakkagerði, and volcanic Heimaey.
Speaking about the win, Tara said: “I’m beyond thrilled! Expedition travel is unlike anything else, and to be recognised for capturing even a slice of that magic means the world to me.”
Could you be next?
HX and Karryon are all about celebrating the agents who inspire others to explore further. Whether it’s through a camera lens or one-on-one with clients, your stories matter – and more opportunities to shine are coming soon.
Stay tuned for future competitions and famils with HX on Karryon. In the meantime, explore HX’s latest offers – including free suite upgrades and exclusive prices* – and get your clients set for the ultimate polar adventure.
👉 See the winning image and more Wild Shots highlights here
First prize
- A juvenile bald eagle fishing for salmon ©Tara Dickson
Highly commended Wild Shots
- Catherine Baker, Travel Associates Press & James – “Eyes on you!”
- Karen McNally, McNally Travel – “Curious, wild, and watching the tides — this coastal bear cub reminds us that protecting the ocean means protecting all life that depends on it. Photographed in the Great Bear Rainforest, where land and sea meet.”
- Rob Warner, Globenet Travel – “I need some peace away from the Colony on occasion!”
Stay in the know with Karryon
We’ll be sharing the winner’s epic Iceland adventure in 2026, so stay tuned.
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This article is brought to you by HX Expeditions and Karryon
