Intertidal rocky shores are located all around Australia’s vast coastline and contain interesting areas for exploration and education. They provide habitat for a huge variety of plants and animals that are uniquely adapted to a harsh physical environment that includes strong wave action, fluctuating weather conditions and changes in the tide. 

Each tiny crack or crevice can contain its own microhabitat. The full extent of the relationships that exist between all these organisms is still being explored.

Some of the main animal species include limpets, barnacles, periwinkles, cunjevoi and sea stars. Interesting plants include coralline algae, Neptune’s necklace, kelp, and sea lettuce. 

Research and record features of rock platforms on the Eastern coast of Australia. A good place to start is the Department of Education's Intertidal rocky shores resource.

Our excursions begin with time to explore the rock platform. Students look for interesting species, identify them and mark them off on the Rock Platform Guide.