Where to Find Australian Stock Images for Your Business
When you are building a brand in Australia (especially if you are running a regional or rural business) finding stock photos that actually look Australian can be a challenge.
Too often, the free stock sites are packed with American or European imagery that just doesn’t feel right for our landscape, lifestyle, or market. (Because let's be honest not every café serves lattes in a cool converted warehouse.)
If you are looking for authentic, high-quality Australian stock images to use on your website, social media, or marketing, you are in the right place. Here’s a breakdown of the best places to find Australian stock images, including a few free options and some paid libraries well worth investing in.
Free Stock Image Sites (with Australian Images)
If you are on a budget or just getting started, there are some great free stock photo libraries where you can find Australian content — if you know where to look.
Unsplash
Unsplash offers beautiful, free images you can use for commercial projects. While it is not Australia-specific, you can simply search terms like “Australia”, “outback”, “Eucalyptus”, or "Sydney" to find stunning local imagery. They have recently introduced Unsplash+ which is a paid option with premium photos but the core library is still free.
Pexels
Pexels is another excellent free resource. Like Unsplash, it’s not focused solely on Australia, but you can search for Australian landscapes, lifestyle photos, native wildlife, and city scenes. Pexels also includes free videos, which can be a bonus if you want to add some movement to your marketing.
Paid Australian Stock Image Libraries
If you are looking for truly authentic Australian visuals, think real landscapes, real people and real communities these paid libraries are where you’ll find the gold.
Perfect for rural brands, tourism businesses, local services, and anyone who wants to make sure their imagery reflects Australian life.
TrueStock
TrueStock is all about diverse, local Australian imagery. Their library includes rural landscapes, urban settings, and everything in between — all photographed with the nuance and authenticity you want when representing real Aussie life.
Why we love it:
100% Australian-focused
High-quality, commercial use approved
Great range across industries (agriculture, retail, services, creative)
Australian Stock Images
Australian Stock Images is another solid option if you are after professional-quality Australian images. Their collection focuses on landscape, nature, and lifestyle, showcasing everything from the coastline to the countryside.
Why we love it:
Vast library covering all Australian states and territories
Beautiful nature, wildlife, and rural imagery
Flexible licensing options for businesses of all sizes
Austockphoto
Austockphoto is known for its real, unfiltered take on Australian life. Think less "perfect influencer" and more authentic small businesses, farmers' markets, and natural Australian scenery. If you want photos that actually feel like the real Australia (not a polished, Americanised version), this is a fantastic place to start.
Why we love it:
Real people, real settings, real stories
Rural, suburban, and urban scenes
Authentic lifestyle photography, ideal for brands who value honesty and connection
Snapping Your Own Photos (No Fancy Camera Needed)
If you cannot find the perfect Australian stock image or you want something even more personal, why not create your own?
You don’t need a professional camera to get great photos — your smartphone can absolutely do the job.
Benefits of Taking Your Own Photos:
Uniquely Yours: No one else will have your exact image, giving your brand a truly personal feel.
Cost-Effective: Free once you have your phone, no subscription fees or licences.
On-Brand Every Time: You can control the colours, style, and mood to match your brand aesthetic.
More Authentic: Real, relatable images often resonate better with audiences than overly polished stock photos.
Tips for Taking Better Photos on Your Phone:
Use natural light: Shoot near a window or head outside for the best lighting. Morning and late afternoon (golden hour) light is the most flattering.
Keep the background clean: A simple, uncluttered background helps your subject stand out.
Focus and frame: Tap your screen to focus on your subject. Take a moment to straighten and frame your shot — crooked photos can feel messy.
Shoot multiple angles: Try a few different perspectives (flat lay from above, eye-level, side angle) to get a variety of options.
Edit lightly: Use free apps like Snapseed or Lightroom Mobile to lightly tweak brightness, contrast, and colours without making it look over-filtered.
Stay consistent: Try using the same lighting, editing style, and framing to keep all your photos cohesive across your website, social media, and marketing.
Pro Tip: Even a handful of personalised photos sprinkled throughout your website or Instagram feed can make a huge difference in how professional and trustworthy your brand looks.
Why Choosing the Right Stock Images Matters
Using authentic Australian stock images makes a huge difference when building trust with your audience.
It shows that you understand your market, appreciate where you are from, and are genuinely part of the community you are trying to reach.
Whether you are creating a new website, updating your marketing materials, or planning your next Instagram campaign, investing in the right images will help you stand out — for all the right reasons.
Final Tip
If you are using free stock images, always double-check the licence to make sure it allows for commercial use (especially for paid advertising).
And if you are investing in paid stock imagery, think of it as part of your branding — it’s worth getting it right.
Need help choosing the right images for your brand?
At Prairie Studio, we work with regional businesses across Australia to create websites, branding, and marketing that feel like you.
Get in touch — we’d love to help you bring your story to life.
Need help choosing the right images for your brand?
At Prairie Studio, we work with regional businesses across Australia to create websites, branding, and marketing that feel like you.
Get in touch, we’d love to help you bring your story to life.