Microplastic pollution poses a growing threat to marine ecosystems, yet baseline data for Australian waters remains limited. This study presents microplastic abundance and distribution patterns from 12 sites across Australian oceans, sampled during research voyages aboard the RV Investigator. Using Niskin bottle sampling and plankton net tows, coupled with microscopy, I assessed microplastic concentrations spatially and with depth, alongside zooplankton community compositions. Preliminary findings indicate higher microplastic abundances at the surface and in proximity to densely populated coastal regions, suggesting strong links between human activity and microplastic distribution. Observed variations with depth highlight potential pathways for microplastic transport within the water column, with implications for zooplankton exposure and entry into marine food webs. These results contribute critical baseline data to measure, monitor, and mitigate microplastic pollution, providing insights into potential microplastic entry points into marine food webs. This work enhances our understanding of microplastic dynamics around Australia, supporting future research, policy development, and ecosystem management strategies.