Abyss Project Australia

21/05/2026

🐋✨ “Tail Spray” ✨🐋
📸 Captured beautifully by Rivers Photography

One of those breathtaking moments that stops you in your tracks — a humpback whale disappearing beneath the surface, leaving only its tail silhouetted against the ocean 💙

Every migration season brings moments of wonder, connection, and awe to our UN Ocean Decade Five Islands Nature Reserve Eco Tours. From curious whales and playful fur seals to incredible seabirds and dramatic volcanic coastlines, no two tours are ever the same 🌊

This is more than whale watching — it’s an immersive ocean experience connecting people with marine life, conservation, and the magic of the wild.

⚠️ Our first charters of the season are already filling fast!

🎟️ Book your adventure now:
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/o/abyss-project-australia-121286608528

21/05/2026

🐋💙 THE WHALES ARE OFFICIALLY HERE!!! 💙🐋

It’s that moment we wait all year for — humpback whales have returned to the Five Islands Nature Reserve 🌊✨

Captured in 2025 by the incredibly talented Peters, this unforgettable footage shows a mother and calf moving through our coastal waters during their extraordinary migration journey 🚤

There is nothing quite like witnessing this — the connection between mum and bub, the power of the ocean, and the reminder that we are right in the middle of one of nature’s greatest migrations 🌏

This is what our UN Ocean Decade Eco Tours are all about — real wildlife, real moments, and real connection to the ocean 💙

⚠️ Whale season is NOW underway — and our charters are filling fast!

🎟️ Don’t miss your chance to see it for yourself:
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/o/abyss-project-australia-121286608528

21/05/2026

🌊🦭 Step into the wild heart of the Illawarra 🦭🌊

A true highlight of our UN Ocean Decade Eco Tours, the breathtaking Five Islands Nature Reserve is one of the region’s most spectacular marine sanctuaries. Just offshore from Port Kembla, these protected volcanic islands are alive with wildlife, towering cliffs, and thriving ocean ecosystems.

Cruising through this extraordinary landscape, guests may encounter:

🦭 Colonies of Australian Fur Seals basking along the rocky shoreline
🐦 Migratory and resident seabirds including Little & Crested Terns, Sooty Oystercatchers, Cormorants — and even Albatross!
🐋 Humpback whales travelling the coastline during migration season
🌊 Dramatic volcanic scenery and rich marine biodiversity at every turn

More than a wildlife tour, this is an immersive ocean experience connecting people with marine science, conservation, and the wonder of the natural world 💙

✨ Every journey through the Five Islands Nature Reserve is educational, unforgettable, and deeply inspiring.

⚠️ DON’T MISS OUT — our FIRST charter of the season is already HALF SOLD OUT!

🎟️ BOOK NOW:
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/o/abyss-project-australia-121286608528

Photo credit Hawk

20/05/2026

LETS GO WOLLONGONG!

Pack your binoculars and head for the coast! 🌊 The great winter whale migration is officially underway, and we've found the best whale watching spots in Australia 🐋👇 Tag your friends!

Read more here: https://www.timeout.com/australia/things-to-do/best-whale-watching-spots-in-australia

18/05/2026

🌊🐋 THE WAIT IS OVER! OUR 2026 SEASON IS HERE! 🐋🌊
After a completely SOLD OUT 2025 season, our UN Ocean Decade Five Islands Nature Reserve Eco Tours are officially back for 2026. Bigger, bolder, and ready to reconnect you with one of NSW’s most spectacular marine experiences. 🚤✨
Step aboard for an unforgettable journey around the breathtaking Five Islands Nature Reserve, where every tour offers the chance to witness:
🦭 Australian Fur Seals (including playful pups!)
🐦 Migratory seabirds in one of NSW’s richest coastal sanctuaries
🐋 Majestic humpback whales during their extraordinary migration
🌊 Immersive marine science, ocean literacy, and citizen science experiences!
This is more than a wildlife tour, it’s a UNESCO Ocean Decade-aligned adventure connecting people, place, and ocean stewardship. 💙

🎟️ Our 2025 season sold out!
Don’t miss your chance to secure your place for 2026!
Spots are limited and whale season waits for no one…

📍 Book now: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/o/abyss-project-australia-121286608528

We can't wait to see you on the Humpback Highway!

Abyss Project is an interdisciplinary, UNESCO Ocean Decade endorsed initiative that positions ocean literacy as a critical pathway to sustainable marine governance and conservation. Founded by marine scientist Nathalie Simmonds, the project combines scientific research, place-based storytelling, an....

18/05/2026

🌊🐋 THE WAIT IS OVER! OUR 2026 SEASON IS HERE! 🐋🌊

After a completely SOLD OUT 2025 season, our UN Ocean Decade Five Islands Nature Reserve Eco Tours are officially back for 2026. Bigger, bolder, and ready to reconnect you with one of NSW’s most spectacular marine experiences. 🚤✨

Step aboard for an unforgettable journey around the breathtaking Five Islands Nature Reserve, where every tour offers the chance to witness:

🦭 Australian Fur Seals (including playful pups!)
🐦 Migratory seabirds in one of NSW’s richest coastal sanctuaries
🐋 Majestic humpback whales during their extraordinary migration
🌊 Immersive marine science, ocean literacy, and citizen science experiences!

This is more than a wildlife tour, it’s a UNESCO Ocean Decade-aligned adventure connecting people, place, and ocean stewardship. 💙

🎟️ Our 2025 season sold out!
Don’t miss your chance to secure your place for 2026!
Spots are limited and whale season waits for no one…

📍 Book now: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/o/abyss-project-australia-121286608528

We can't wait to see you on the Humpback Highway!

Abyss Project is an interdisciplinary, UNESCO Ocean Decade endorsed initiative that positions ocean literacy as a critical pathway to sustainable marine governance and conservation. Founded by marine scientist Nathalie Simmonds, the project combines scientific research, place-based storytelling, an....

23/04/2026

Rolling into the 2026 season with pure magic 💙🐋

A tender moment between a mother and her calf, captured by the incredibly talented Ty Peters last season.

Moments like these are why we do this! Advancing ocean literacy through wonder, connection, and shared understanding of the ocean. Our season kicks off in July, with bookings opening to the public very soon.

We hope you’ll join us this season and witness it for yourself 🌊✨

23/04/2026

We have some very exciting news, the Abyss family is expanding to our Pacific Island neighbours.
Please follow Abyss Vanuatu Ocean Institute come along on our journey as we work in symbiosis with the Vanuatu government and local communities towards marine resilience, management and protection!

26/03/2026

Last night was truly a pinch-me moment.

After an incredible experience as a delegate for , I was personally invited to attend the launch of the National Marine Science Strategy 2026–2036 at Parliament House.

Hosted by the National Marine Science Committee, the evening was introduced by John Gunn FTSE alongside the Minister for Environment and Water The Hon Murray Watt, and Australia’s Chief Scientist, Tony Haymet PhD.

This Strategy will guide Australia’s marine science priorities over the next decade. Building on the 2015–2025 Plan, it draws on 21 white papers developed by over 500 experts ensuring a coordinated and forward-looking approach across government, industry, and academia.

It aligns strongly with Australia’s Sustainable Ocean Plan, the UN Ocean Decade, and global frameworks; reinforcing the critical role of science in navigating our ocean future.

An inspiring reminder of what’s possible when science, policy, and collaboration come together 🌊

I cannot express how honoured I felt to represent Ocean Literacy, Social Sciences, and The University of Wollongong Australian National Centre for Ocean Resources and Security in a room of Australia’s leading institutions.

It was deeply special to stand alongside mentors who have shaped my journey from Marine Biology into Marine Governance; my undergraduate professors, Martina A. Doblin and David Booth who nurtured my passion and have supported my career over the past 15 years.

A sincere thank you to John Gunn for the invitation into such an important space.

Australia’s oceans are FINALLY stepping into the spotlight!

25/03/2026

It was a pleasure to meet with the Honourable Murray Watt - Senator for Queensland
Minister for the Environment and Water of Australia alongside Jas Chambers, Krystal De Napoli & Paige Martin at 🇦🇺🌊

I spoke about the urgent need for a National Ocean Literacy Strategy in Australia and the necessity of the Sustainable Ocean Plan.

Ocean literacy is more than awareness; it underpins trust in decision-making, supports effective marine policy, and empowers communities to actively participate in ocean stewardship.

Australia has an opportunity to lead globally in this space but it requires coordinated action, baseline understanding, and integration across policy, education, and community.

Grateful for the conversation and the openness to these ideas. Looking forward to continuing to advocate for stronger connections between people, policy, and our ocean.

25/03/2026

Honoured to be heading to Parliament House, the House of Democracy, as a scholarship recipient for Science & Technology Australia’s Science Meets Parliament 🇦🇺

This week, I will have the opportunity to stand where national decisions are made and bring marine science into the heart of policy conversations.

As a marine scientist, my work focuses on ocean literacy, marine protection, and strengthening the connection between people and policy. Because effective environmental governance will rely not only on evidence, but on understanding, trust, and public engagement.

Programs like Science & Technology Australia’s Science Meets Parliament will play a critical role in bridging that gap, ensuring science has a seat at the decision-making table.

Grateful for this opportunity and looking forward to contributing to the future of evidence-based policy in Australia 🌊