IMDb 6 1996 HD

Water Rats

Water Rats

1996
Crime Drama
6 IMDB

Water Rats is an Australian TV police procedural broadcast on the Nine Network from 1996 to 2001.

Personnel // Cast & Crew

Starring
Peter Bensley / Toni Scanlan / Brett Partridge / Steve Bisley / Aaron Pedersen / Dee Smart / Diarmid Heidenreich / Allison Cratchley

How Viewers Describe This Film

Common themes and sentiments

competent solid engaging authentic dependable enjoyable character-driven grounded familiar well-crafted classic satisfying

Reviews

P
Penelope Davies
Jun 1, 2026
3.5 / 5
3.5

Fans of classic Australian television dramas will find much to appreciate in Water Rats. The series, broadcast for an impressive run, offers a consistent and engaging look at the lives and work of the Sydney Water Police. The…

J
Julian Croft
Jun 1, 2026
4.5 / 5
4.5

A true gem of Australian television, Water Rats stands out for its intelligent scripting and compelling character work. The series masterfully uses its unique harbour setting to craft distinct and often thrilling storylines. The cast, a mix of…

I
Isabelle Dubois
Jun 1, 2026
3.0 / 5
3.0

Water Rats offers a straightforward, no-frills approach to the police procedural genre. The series, which ran for several years on Australian television, focuses on the investigations of the Sydney Water Police. Its strength lies in its consistent plotting…

M
Marcus Thorne
Jun 1, 2026
4.0 / 5
4.0

This long-running Australian series, Water Rats, successfully blends gritty police work with engaging character studies. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Sydney Harbour, the show excels in its depiction of maritime crime and the unique challenges faced by…

E
Eleanor Vance
Jun 1, 2026
3.5 / 5
3.5

Water Rats, a stalwart of Australian television from the late nineties, delivers a competent if unsurprising police procedural. The series navigates the often murky waters of Sydney's harbour with a steady hand, focusing on the day-to-day operations of…

FAQs

Water Rats distinguished itself through its specific focus on the Sydney Water Police, offering a unique operational environment compared to more land-based police dramas. Its blend of procedural elements, character arcs, and a clear Australian setting contributed to its distinct identity and lasting appeal within the genre.