From playful dolphins to majestic seals, marine mammals are some of the most captivating inhabitants of the Great Southern Reef. These air-breathing ocean dwellers rely on the reef’s rich food sources and sheltered bays to thrive in this temperate marine environment.

Squids, octopuses, and cuttlefish—these clever creatures are the brainiacs of the Great Southern Reef. With their amazing ability to change colour and shape, they outsmart predators while also playing a crucial role in balancing the reef's food web.

From the colourful weedy seadragon to the sleek southern bluefin tuna, The Great Southern Reef is home to an incredible variety of fish species, many of which are found nowhere else in the world.

Crabs, lobsters, and prawns scuttle along the rocky reef floors of the Great Southern Reef. These creatures are expert recyclers, helping to keep the reef clean while also providing food for other marine animals. Some, like the golden decorator crab, even use seaweed to blend in with their surroundings!

Invertebrates like sea stars, sea urchins, and sponges are the unsung heroes of the Great Southern Reef. These animals may lack a backbone, but they play vital roles in recycling nutrients, creating habitats, and supporting the overall health of the ecosystem.

The Great Southern Reef is home to over 1500 species of seaweed. Kelp and other habitat forming species provide food and shelter for countless marine creatures, making these forests the backbone of the reef's biodiversity.