The Great Southern ReefGreat Southern Reef Foundation
The Great Southern Reef (GSR) is an interconnected system of temperate reefs spanning over 8,000 km around Australia's southern coastline - from Kalbarri in Western Australia to the New South Wales / Queensland state border.
Golden Kelp. Australia's Great Southern ReefGreat Southern Reef Foundation
Named to rival the famous Great Barrier Reef, the GSR is the home of Golden Kelp - a habitat, food and shelter for a diverse range of species.
Coast, Eyre Peninsula Aerial by Stefan AndrewsOriginal Source: @ocean_imaging
Despite it being the home of iconic locations, many people don't know it exists.
Here are just five that offer a unique glimpse into the diverse ecosystems that flourish both above and below the water.
Bells Beach - how a world first became a model for conservationGreat Southern Reef Foundation
Hear Australian National Surfing Museum Curator Craig Baird shed some light on the background behind the establishment of the Bells Surfing Recreation Reserve (a world first).
2. Kangaroo Island, SA
Over one third of South Australia's Kangaroo Island is protected in nature reserves, home to native wildlife like sea lions, koalas and diverse bird species. Beneath its rocky shorelines, a colourful array of marine life thrives in the surrounding isolated and productive reefs.
Discover Kangaroo Island's secret underwater worldGreat Southern Reef Foundation
Discover Kangaroo Island's secret underwater world - rarely visited by divers yet supports many species found nowhere else on the planet.
3. Port Phillip & 'The Rip', VIC
100 years ago, Victoria's Port Phillip Bay was home to an extensive oyster and mussel reef system that supported a vast range of other sea life including not only a variety of marine animals, but also the sponges and seaweeds necessary to form a habitat and a thriving reef.
Golden Kelp Forest by Stefan AndrewsOriginal Source: @ocean_imaging
The entrance to the Bay is considered one of the world’s most treacherous sea passages, flanked by kelp lined rocky reefs and hidden pinnacles on which many ships have fallen victim. The entrance can be extremely wild with ripping currents and breaking swells.
Sponge Gardens, Bicheno, TAS by Stefan AndrewsOriginal Source: @ocean_imaging
The Rip is a 100m deep trench and the ancient path of Melbourne’s Yarra River. Within around 800 meters of the heads, there is a shallow rocky flat known as the Rip Bank - an inequality of depth combined with extremely fast tidal streams which can reach over 6 knots.
Deep purple sponge by Stefan AndrewsOriginal Source: @ocean_imaging
The strong, consistent water movements make this passage a filter feeders paradise. Overhangs and sheer walls are lined with sponges, ascidians, gorgonians, hydroids, sea tulips, starfish and more. With all its nooks and crannies it's the perfect cray habitat.
Jaimen Hudson - Pristine EsperanceGreat Southern Reef Foundation
Explore Esperance's natural beauty through the eyes of the internationally recognised drone photographer, Jaimen Hudson.
Sydney harbour's incredible marine life revealed by Reef Life Survey diversGreat Southern Reef Foundation
Watch Sydney Harbour's incredible marine life revealed by Reef Life Survey divers.
- Venture to more untouched corners of the Great Southern Reef on our website.
- Discover a collection of our recommended Great Southern Reef themed resources
