Seabed data are fundamental for improved marine and coastal spatial planning and science-based decision making. High-resolution seabed data are used to understand the distribution of seabed typologies as baselines for marine conservation, ecological and physical process studies, safe navigation and the management of coastal hazards and risks. For 20 years the NSW government has supported seabed surveys (100+) using both multibeam sonar and airborne laser systems. Multibeam, key for mapping deeper areas (30-120m), is combined with marine LiDAR (surf zone and nearshore), to develop seamless digital elevation models. Using GIS, data are then used to interpret seabed features and substrates and validated using sediment sampling and underwater imagery. Our datasets span ~5500 km2 (56%) of state waters and secondary compartments and have contributed toward planning for marine parks, understanding commercial shipping impacts, the placement of artificial reefs, development of wave forecasting tools, to the design of baited video surveys, reef monitoring and sediment transport studies. With shifts in climate and rising ocean temperatures, understanding nearshore environments and mechanisms of change are key and continued mapping is essential to support climate change adaptation strategies as well as local government in the development of their communities’ coastal management plans.