AIM:Previous seismic effort in the Gambier Embayment has consisted mainly of short experimental traverses, and a 'thumper' regional survey. Results obtained were scarcely useable owing to a combination of adverse surface and subsurface factors. After some consideration of previous work, the PEL 8 licensees decided in 1973 that their best new acquisition option would be a digital Vibroseis programme mounted on a regional basis, plus detailing of areas of interest if required.METHODS: Survey dates: 14/10/73 - 22/1/74. Energy source: Vibroseis. CDP coverage: 1200%, 2400% (the latter data was an experimental reshoot of Line TD, VPs 244-297). Recording mode: 24 channel digital - Globe Leach recorder. VP interval: 125.0m; group interval: 125.0m.Noise spreads, filter analyses, and trial seismic spreads were carried out at four typical problem areas, and suitable production techniques were established. 12-fold stacking was adopted on a routine basis. Traverses covering a total of 304 line km were designed so as to include the 4 wells drilled in the area, and this allowed structural contours to be drawn on the 2 most prospective targets in the area, namely the base of the Tertiary and the base of the Upper Cretaceous.RESULTS:The survey disclosed an east-west anticlinal axis (the Burrungule lead) lying a few miles northwest of Mount Gambier, where good closures exist on both target horizons. Between Mount Gambier and the coast there are a number of faults trending NW, and although structural traps may be associated with these faults, they are as yet poorly defined.