PETROLEUM POTENTIAL OF NORTHERN AUSTRALIA

Abstract

Sedimentary basins off the northern Australian Coast have been a target of moderate exploration in recent years. Thirty-six offshore wells have been drilled. Over one-third of these have tested hydrocarbons, but to date no commercial fields have been discovered. As a result, large areas may now be downgraded; however, the existence of major accumulations remains a real possibility. Because so many of the structures have been tested, any giant field discovered will more likely be stratigraphically entrapped.