It is the most abundant catshark species in the coastal waters of southern Australia. They can be found on the continental shelf down to a depth of 220 m. Their range is from the Recherche Archipelago off Western Australia to Jervis Bay in New South Wales, including Tasmania.

Australian swellsharks are sedentary, with most individuals remaining within the same local area throughout the year. The Australian swellshark is a generally sluggish swimmer that is more active at night.

Tracking studies have shown that some individuals are continuously active for months at a time, while others alternate activity with periods of stationary rest lasting up to five days.

Most Australian swellsharks frequent established feeding areas or preferred habitats. On the other hand, a minority of sharks have been recorded covering distances of up to 300 km (190 mi). This extremely hardy species can survive for more than a day out of water.

Whether there is a specific mating season is uncertain, males are capable of breeding year-round. Females have a single functional ovary making a single egg at a time. They can store sperm for at least 15 months. Females produce eggs throughout the year, laying them in pairs approximately once every 20 days from January to June, and once every 30 days the rest of the year. The second egg in a pair is deposited 12–24 hours after the first.

The are quite curious and will come over to or even follow divers. They are about a metre long and are harmless to humans