With over 87% of Australians living near the coast, the ocean is deeply embedded in the nation’s identity and well-being. However, despite growing interest in ocean literacy (OL), Australia lacks a unified strategy and baseline data to guide national efforts in promoting sustainable ocean engagement. This presentation will introduce Australia’s first national OL survey, designed to assess how Australians understand, value, and interact with the ocean. Grounded in a multidimensional OL framework, this survey will engage 2,000 participants nationwide to explore key dimensions, including knowledge, emotional connections, behaviour, and barriers to engagement. Findings will provide critical insights into human-ocean relationships across demographics, informing national sustainability strategies and supporting Australia’s Sustainable Ocean Plan. This research aligns with international OL initiatives, including the UNESCO Ocean Decade Challenge #10, which seeks to restore society’s relationship with the ocean. By establishing a national OL baseline, this study will contribute to global efforts in ocean stewardship, guide policy development, and empower community-led conservation initiatives. The results will serve as a foundation for educational programs and outreach campaigns, fostering deeper, more sustainable connections between Australians and the marine environment.