Sustained ocean observations around Australia’s coasts and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) can be challenging; due to a large and remote marine estate, with challenging sea conditions. Most observations and infrastructure operations rely on research vessels to attend sites, a highly expensive process. Recent developments in autonomous platforms including ARGO floats, ocean gliders and oceanographic moorings, combined with remote sensing via satellite, are providing increased opportunities for sustained year-round observations. CSIRO utilises a range of autonomous systems, including Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs), remotely operated vehicles and robotic profiling floats as part of its observing capabilities. Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs) are a rapidly evolving technology and allow sea surface observations, including in areas infrequently visited by research vessels. Advanced sensor technologies integrated on both AUVs and USVs promise coverage and flexibility for sustained observations at space and time scales not previously achievable. This presentation describes the current variety of platforms in use by CSIRO in support of ocean observations and presents a vision for future use of autonomous platforms as part of the mix of ocean observing infrastructure.