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

  • Episode 3 Preview: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Episode 3 Preview

    S1 E3 - 30s

    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, the reef begins to recover and thrive.

  • The Reef at Night: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    The Reef at Night

    S1 E3 - 48s

    Many bright colors and patterns appear on the reef at night. Take a peek at some of these crazy creatures.

  • The Great Escape: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    The Great Escape

    S1 E3 - 1m 8s

    Turtles are hatching on Raine Island. Watch as one adorable baby turtle is captured by a ghost crab and fights for its life.

  • The Reef from Above: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    The Reef from Above

    S1 E2 - 1m 48s

    Take to the skies to see the Great Barrier Reef from a new perspective.

  • Coral Spawns: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Coral Spawns

    S1 E2 - 2m 13s

    All at once, billions of coral polyps for hundreds of miles release their egg and sperm into the ocean during the annual coral spawn. As the fireworks begin, the water column fills with what looks like an upside down snowstorm. This mass synchronized event is unlike any known elsewhere in the animal kingdom. Yet as big as it is, there’s also beauty in the detail.

  • Episode 2 Preview: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Episode 2 Preview

    S1 E2 - 30s

    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.

  • The Reef Prepares for Reproduction: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    The Reef Prepares for Reproduction

    S1 E2 -

    Out at sea a perfect confluence of temperatures, tides and currents are about to trigger the biggest marine event of the year. The reef is being primed for reproduction.

  • 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.

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