The family Trichobranchidae is represented in Australian waters by ten spec
ies (Artacamella dibranchiata Knox & Cameron, 1971, A. torulosa, sp. nov.,
A. tribranchiata, sp. nov., Terebellides kowinka, sp. nov., T. mundora, sp.
nov., T. narribri, sp. nov., T. woolawa, sp. nov., Octobranchus myunus, sp
. nov., Trichobranchus bunnabus, sp. nov. and T. gorreekis, sp. nov.) in fo
ur genera, of which nine species are new. Previously the 'cosmopolitan spec
ies' Terebellides stroemii Sars, 1835 had been widely reported from Austral
ia; examination of material from near the type locality, Norway, revealed t
hat the Australian material differed and represented four new species. Tere
bellides stroemii does not occur in Australian waters. Terebellides stroemi
i is redescribed. Additional characters are described for the genus which m
ay also facilitate the separation of these species. A key to the genera and
species present in Australia is given, as well as tables summarising the c
haracters of all described species in these genera.