Science and Nature

Life on the Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is one of the richest and most complex natural ecosystems on earth - home to a stunning array of animals, from microscopic plankton to 100-ton whales. The three-part series presents a unique and fresh angle on Australia's greatest natural icon, seen through the eyes of those who live, work, and play in this natural wonderland.

Episode 3

55m 10s

The human and animal residents of the reef prepare as a category five cyclone brings destruction to the North Queensland coast. But as cyclone season finally gives way to calm seas of the dry, the reef begins to recover and thrive. From the mangroves to the coral cays reef fish populations flourish, and mysterious dwarf minke whales arrive to enjoy the warm tropical waters.

Episodes

  • Episode 3: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Episode 3

    S1 E3 - 55m 10s

    The human and animal residents of the reef prepare as a category five cyclone brings destruction to the North Queensland coast. But as cyclone season finally gives way to calm seas of the dry, the reef begins to recover and thrive. From the mangroves to the coral cays reef fish populations flourish, and mysterious dwarf minke whales arrive to enjoy the warm tropical waters.

  • Episode 2: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Episode 2

    S1 E2 - 54m 40s

    Witness the explosion of life on the reef as the wet season approaches: corals spawn, sea birds nest and thousands of turtle hatchlings erupt over the beaches. Soon torrential rain and storms will bring change and upheaval to the delicate ecosystem.

  • Episode 1: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Episode 1

    S1 E1 - 55m 10s

    View the reef as tourists enjoy the perfect weather, humpback whales give birth and fire destroys a luxury yacht. On the most protected island in Australia, 20,000 green sea turtles return to the biggest reptilian breeding colony on Earth.

Extras + Features

  • Can Fish Talk?: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Can Fish Talk?

    S1 E1 - 2m 14s

    Reefs are one of the noisiest environments on our planet due to all the organisms making sounds. Take a listen to the sounds that fill the reef.

  • Humpback Whales: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Humpback Whales

    S1 E1 - 2m 14s

    Humpback whales have made the long journey to calve in the warm tropical waters. They spend a few months on the reef so the newborns can build up their strength, before heading down to the cold waters of the Southern Ocean. It’s one of the longest migrations in the animal kingdom.

  • Introduction to the Great Barrier Reef: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Introduction to the Great Barrier Reef

    S1 E1 - 1m 40s

    From the fringing reefs, the coral cays and the islands of the Torres Strait, view a unique and fresh angle on Australia’s greatest natural icon. This is the blue frontier, where man meets wild and nature calls the shots.

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