There are 3 release areas in the Browse Basin, offshore north-western Australia.
They are in:
- Caswell Sub-basin
- Barcoo Sub-basin.
See all block listings [129 KB PDF] [40 KB DOCX] for graticular block numbers and 1:1,000,000 map sheet references that identify each release area.
Download shapefiles of all acreage release areas [38 KB ZIP]. Shapefiles show the areas in vector format for geographic information system (GIS) software.
Regional geology
- View petroleum geology information for the Browse Basin from Geoscience Australia
- For wells and survey information search the interactive NOPIMS database
Caswell Sub-basin
There are 2 release areas in the Caswell Sub-basin:
- AC22–2
- W22–2.
The Caswell Sub-basin release area map [1.7 MB PDF] [1 MB JPG] shows the release areas in bathymetric detail. It also includes other permit locations, known petroleum accumulations and wells.
![[1 MB JPG]](/sites/default/files/2022-08/2022-offshore-petroleum-exploration-acreage-release-map-caswell-sub-basin.jpg){kind=link}
AC22–2
The AC22–2 block diagram [98 KB PDF] [55 KB PNG] shows the coordinates of release area boundaries.
![[55 KB PNG]](/sites/default/files/2022-08/2022-offshore-petroleum-exploration-acreage-release-block-diagram-caswell-sub-basin-ac22-2.png){kind=link}
Marine environment
AC22–2 is a migration route for the pygmy blue whale and is important for different bird species.
International jurisdictions
AC22–2 overlaps the Indonesia Traditional Fishing Memorandum of Understanding Box.
W22–2
The W22–2 block diagram [126 KB PDF] [72 KB PNG] shows the coordinates of release area boundaries.
![[72 KB PNG]](/sites/default/files/2022-08/2022-offshore-petroleum-exploration-acreage-release-block-diagram-caswell-sub-basin-w22-2.png){kind=link}
Marine environment
W22-2 intersects the migration route of the pygmy blue whale and continental slope demersal fish communities.
International jurisdictions
W22–2 overlaps with the Indonesia Traditional Fishing Memorandum of Understanding Box.
Barcoo Sub-basin
There is one release area in the Barcoo Sub-basin: W22–3.
The Barcoo Sub-basin release area map [2 MB PDF] [1.2 MB JPG] shows the release area in bathymetric detail. It also includes other permit locations, known petroleum accumulations and wells.
![[1.2 MB JPG]](/sites/default/files/2022-08/2022-offshore-petroleum-exploration-acreage-release-map-barcoo-sub-basin.jpg){kind=link}
W22–3
The W22–3 block diagram [252 KB PDF] [126 KB PNG] shows the coordinates of release area boundaries.
![[126 KB PNG]](/sites/default/files/2022-08/2022-offshore-petroleum-exploration-acreage-release-block-diagram-barcoo-subbasin-w22-3.png){kind=link}
Marine environment
W22–3 intersects the:
- North-West Kimberley marine park multiple use zone
- foraging grounds of whale shark
- distribution and migration route of pygmy blue whale and continental slope demersal fish communities.
Defence restricted areas
W22–3 overlaps with areas of restricted airspace which may need to be shut down at times. You should liaise with Defence early in the project planning phase to coordinate with Defence activities.
Bidding information
You can submit a work-bid application to NOPTA until 4:00 pm on Thursday 2 March 2023
Find out how to file your application.
See important information for planning your bid.
The gazette notice inviting applications outlines matters that you should be aware of before submitting your application.
About these files
If you have difficulty accessing this information, please email petroleum.exploration@industry.gov.au.