The Australian Coast

Fun Facts

Population

95% of Australia's population lives along the coast. That's over 22 million people!

Nature

Many of Australia's plants and animals also live along the coast. This is because of it's lush climate.

Tourism

Tourism brings in $63,000,000,000 in annually, and almost all of it is from the coast.

The Sea

The ocean also plays an important part. It provides food, money, and relaxation.

Tim Burgess

Tim Burgess is an award winning photographer with who does a great job at capturing Australia's Natural Beauty

Simply Living Australia

Simply Living Australia is a channel dedicated to showing you what it's like to live in Australia

Robert Irwin

Son of the famed Steve Irwin, Robert Irwin provides educational and informative content on the wildlife of Australia

Animals of the Coast

Dugong (Dugon dugon)

Dugongs are gentle marine mammals related to manatees, found in the warm coastal waters of northern Australia. They have a large, torpedo-shaped body, a flat tail, and flippers that help them glide through the water. Dugongs feed on seagrasses, using their bristled, downward-facing mouths to uproot the plants from the sea floor. They are sometimes called "sea cows" because of their grazing habits.

Australian Sea Lion (Neophoca cinerea)

Australian sea lions are playful marine animals that live along the southern and western coasts of Australia. They are known for their strong social bonds and can often be seen resting on beaches or playing in the waves. These sea lions have a sleek body covered with short fur and large flippers that help them swim gracefully. They feed on fish, squid, and other marine creatures.

Great White Shark (Carcharodon carcharias)

Great White Sharks are powerful predators that live in coastal and offshore waters around Australia. They have a streamlined body, a pointed snout, and rows of sharp teeth that they use to catch their prey. These sharks are known for their impressive hunting skills and can swim at high speeds to catch fish, seals, and other marine animals. Despite their fearsome reputation, Great White Sharks are important for maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems.

Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas)

Green Sea Turtles are large marine turtles that can be found in the Great Barrier Reef and other coastal areas of Australia. They have a hard shell and flippers that make them excellent swimmers. These turtles come ashore to lay their eggs on sandy beaches, with the hatchlings making a dangerous journey back to the ocean. Green Sea Turtles mostly eat seagrasses and algae, which gives their fat a greenish color.

Saltwater Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus)

Saltwater Crocodiles are the largest living reptiles and are found in the coastal regions and estuaries of northern Australia. These formidable predators have a powerful body, a broad snout, and strong jaws filled with sharp teeth. Saltwater Crocodiles are excellent swimmers and can move quickly both in water and on land. They feed on fish, birds, and mammals, ambushing their prey with lightning-fast attacks.

Australian Pelican (Pelecanus conspicillatus)

Australian Pelicans are large birds with distinctive long beaks and large throat pouches, found along the coasts and inland waters of Australia. They use their pouches to scoop up fish and water, draining the water out before swallowing their catch. Pelicans have black and white feathers and are excellent flyers, often seen gliding gracefully in the sky. They live in colonies and work together to herd fish into shallow waters.

Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae)

Humpback whales are enormous creatures that migrate along the east and west coasts of Australia. They are famous for their spectacular breaches, where they leap out of the water, and their long, complex songs. Humpback whales travel thousands of miles each year from their feeding grounds to their breeding grounds. They feed on small fish and krill by taking huge gulps of water and filtering out their food.

Little Penguin (Eudyptula minor)

The Little Penguin, also known as the Fairy Penguin, is the smallest penguin species and lives along the southern coastlines of Australia, including Tasmania. These tiny birds are about a foot tall and have blue and white feathers. They spend their days hunting for fish in the ocean and return to their burrows on the shore at night. Little Penguins are excellent swimmers and can dive deep to catch their food.

Plants
of the Coast

Mangrove (Rhizophora spp.)

Mangroves are unique trees that grow along the coastlines, especially in northern Australia. They have special roots called "prop roots" that stick out of the water and help support the tree in the soft, muddy soil. Mangroves are important because they protect the shoreline from erosion and provide a habitat for many fish and birds. Their roots also help filter the water, keeping it clean and healthy.

Beach Spinach (Tetragonia tetragonioides)

Beach Spinach, also known as New Zealand Spinach, is a leafy green plant that grows along the coastal areas of Australia. It has thick, triangular leaves that are rich in vitamins and can be eaten like regular spinach. This plant is very hardy and can grow in sandy and saline soils. Beach Spinach was an important food source for Indigenous Australians and early European settlers.

Australian Red Cedar (Toona ciliata)

The Australian Red Cedar is a large, deciduous tree that grows in the rainforests of eastern Australia. It can reach up to 60 meters in height and has a straight trunk with dark, flaky bark. The tree is known for its beautiful, reddish-brown wood, which is highly valued for furniture and construction. During the spring, it produces clusters of small, fragrant white flowers that attract many insects and birds.

Kangaroo Paw (Anigozanthos spp.)

Kangaroo Paw is a unique and colorful plant native to southwestern Australia. It has long, slender leaves and distinctive flowers that resemble a kangaroo's paw, with bright colors like red, yellow, and green. These flowers are covered in fine hairs and are shaped perfectly for birds, especially honeyeaters, to sip nectar. Kangaroo Paw plants are popular in gardens because of their striking appearance and ability to attract wildlife.

Learn More

Australia's coast is a vast and exciting place, featuring famous beaches and the incredible Great Barrier Reef. With unique wildlife like kangaroos and vibrant marine life, it's perfect for adventures like swimming, surfing, and snorkeling.

Intro

The Great Barrier Reef

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The Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef system in the world, stretching over 1,400 miles along the coast of Australia. It is home to thousands of marine species, including colorful fish, sea turtles, and even sharks. The reef's vibrant corals create a stunning underwater landscape that looks like a magical garden beneath the sea. Snorkeling and diving in the Great Barrier Reef are popular activities that let people explore this amazing underwater world.

The Reef

Full Documentary
On the Great Barrier Reef

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Besides being a beautiful place to visit, the Great Barrier Reef is very important for the environment. It protects coastlines from waves and storms, provides food and shelter for many animals, and supports the livelihoods of people who rely on fishing and tourism. However, the reef faces threats from climate change, pollution, and overfishing, which can harm the delicate coral and marine life. Efforts are being made to protect and preserve this natural wonder so future generations can enjoy it too.

The Australian Coast

Fun Facts

Population

Nature

Tourism

The Sea

Tim Burgess

Simply Living Australia

Robert Irwin

Animals of the Coast

Plants of the Coast

Intro

The Great Barrier Reef

The Reef

Full Documentary On the Great Barrier Reef

Why It's Important

Plants
of the Coast

Full Documentary
On the Great Barrier Reef