Underwater forests of seaweed known as kelp, cover over 1/3 of our world’s coastlines, and live right next door to 750 million people. Within their sunken branches, sea dragons still roam, sea otters hunt for urchins, families learn how to sustainably harvest from the sea, and people find new connections to the oceans.

Explore these “forgotten forests” at the first ever Kelp Forest Photo Awards and discover a wild and wonderful world just off your local beach. Featuring over 350 submissions from 17 countries around the world, these awards celebrate these incredible ecosystems, the life they support, and the people who depend on them for their well-being. Find yourself lost amongst the golden swaying branches of the kelp and reimagine your relationship with the ocean.

Set on a hectare of spectacular harbourside ex-industrial and now heritage listed site, The Coal Loader is an intricate mesh of history, culture, industry, nature and community in North Sydney.

Open daily from 10am to 3pm, Saturday 13 to Sunday 28 July. Free entry.

Join us at 10am on the 13th for a special launch event.

Reserve your free ticket here.