Australian Geographic's annual awards for adventure are the longest running and most prestigious accolades for Australia's adventure community.

Categories for 2026 include:

Young Adventurer of the Year:  Awarded to a person usually under the age of 30, this award usually reflects a particular expedition or adventure during the last 24 months. 

Spirit of Adventure:  This is awarded to those whose efforts reflect strength, determination and the ability to overcome obstacles to attain their goals and achieve great things. It also acknowledges that sometimes it takes more than one attempt to achieve those goals. There is no age limit. It usually reflects an achievement or attempt during the last 24 months. It's possible for there to be more than one winner in any given year.

Adventurer of the Year:  This award has been won by Australia's most celebrated explorers and adventurers such as Lisa Blair, Tim Jarvis AM and aviator Michael Smith. It usually reflects a particularly notable achievement in the last 24 months. There are no age limits.

Lifetime of Adventure Award:  This is the Society's highest honour and recognises special Australians who haven't just lived an adventurous life, but who have inspired others by their leadership and example. Past recipients include mountaineer Greg Mortimer OAM, Dick Smith AC, and even Apollo 11 astronaut Buzz Aldrin who received an honorary award in 2010 when he attended the awards night. There are no age limits but it's customary for the Lifetime of Adventure medallion to be given to an older Australian.

• Email: society@ausgeo.com.au