Discover
Break Wall Environments

Start Exploring

Australian Break Wall Environments

Australian break walls are artificial structures built along the coast to protect harbours, marinas, and other coastal developments from the effects of waves and currents. Break walls are typically constructed of concrete or rock and go out into the ocean at a perpendicular angle to the shoreline.

Break walls provide a unique habitat for a variety of plant and animal species. The structure of the wall provides shelter and protection from wave energy, creating a relatively calm environment behind the wall. This can provide a habitat for a range of marine organisms, such as seaweeds, barnacles, and other filter-feeding invertebrates.

The calm water created by break walls can also provide a nursery habitat for juvenile fish and other small organisms, which use the area as a refuge from predators. This can make break walls important areas for recreational fishing.

However, break walls can also have negative impacts on coastal environments. They can alter natural sediment transport patterns and disrupt the movement of sand along the coast, leading to erosion and other issues. Break walls can also act as barriers to the movement of marine animals, which can have implications for their survival and reproduction.

Break wall environments provide complex habitats for various plant and animal species and are important to coastal ecosystems. Management efforts are needed to ensure that the impacts of break walls are minimised, and that their potential adverse effects are addressed to maintain the health and sustainability of coastal environments.

Quick Facts

Break walls are often referred to as “breakwaters”, “sea walls”, “rock walls”, “groyne structures”, “breaks” or “jetty”.
Common materials used in constructing break walls in Australia include rocks, concrete blocks, steel sheet piles, or gabions (wire baskets filled with rocks).
Some break walls have historical significance, dating back to the early days of coastal settlement in Australia. Examples include Macquarie Break Wall, Busselton Jetty, Semaphore Jetty, San Remo Jetty, and Australia’s oldest break wall, the Fremantle Harbour Western Breakwater (1890)

Exploring Break Walls

Break walls are a great place to explore, offering a dynamic and fascinating interface between land and sea. These walls provide a unique opportunity to experience the power and beauty of the ocean up close. The rocks and walls that make up these structures provide a distinctive habitat for various marine life, from the colourful creatures that inhabit the rock pools at the base of the wall to the fish that can be caught from the top. Below are different activities to try.

Admire the stunning coastline views and watch the waves crashing against the rocks from the top of the break wall.
Explore the fascinating ecosystem of the rock pools at the base of the wall, with colorful anemones, starfish, and crabs hiding in the crevices.
Try your luck fishing from the break wall and catch a variety of species such as bream, snapper, tailor, jewfish, kingfish and flathead.
Spot different marine life, such as dolphins, whales, and sea birds, that are often attracted to break walls.
Stroll along the break wall and admire the ocean views for a more leisurely activity. Enjoy beautiful sunsets and sunrises.

Exploring break walls also provides a chance to learn about their function in protecting harbours, marinas, and beaches from the powerful waves of the open ocean. Overall, break walls offer a range of activities for visitors to enjoy, from fishing and beachcombing to scenic walks and wildlife watching.

Search the Australian
Fish & Marine Life Database

Australian Fish & Marine Species Identification – Freshwater & Saltwater Fish, Sharks, Rays and Invertebrates of Australia.

Search Now

Discover

What are you looking for?

Australia is full of marine life. Discover its incredible diversity by exploring its different species below.

Explore

Crustaceans

Reef Fish

Sharks

Invertebrates

Rays

Jellyfish

Explore Other Environments

Australia’s aquatic environments are as diverse as its landscapes, ranging from iconic beaches to tranquil mangroves, estuaries, to fresh and saltwater lakes. Learn more about these diverse habitats.

Lake

Sandflat

Rock pool

Reef

Beach

Ocean rocks

Mangrove

Estuary

Discover More

There’s something for everyone. Dive into our resource library to learn fun facts and get information on everything marine. All your Australian marine life and lifestyle resource in one place!