The ocean current that flows southward along Australia’s west coast is the Leeuwin Current.
The Leeuwin is unusual because it is a warm current flowing toward the south, while many eastern-boundary currents at comparable latitudes carry cooler water toward the equator. It begins near the northwestern coast of Australia, follows the continental margin, rounds Cape Leeuwin and continues into waters south of Australia, with influence reaching Tasmania.
The current affects Western Australia’s climate and marine ecosystems. It keeps coastal waters warmer in winter, contributes moisture to rainfall in the southwest and transports tropical marine species toward higher latitudes. It also forms large clockwise and counterclockwise eddies that carry heat and organisms offshore.
The Leeuwin Current is often confused with the West Australian Current, which flows in the opposite direction and is driven by the West Wind Drift. It is also distinct from the Humboldt Current, a cold current along western South America.