The disturbing find stirred the Australian into action, prompting him to return to his native country after 21 years abroad and spearhead an awareness campaign about the devastating impact plastic pollution is having on the ocean.

"It was just horrifying how much of it I was finding in what you'd consider such a pristine part of the world," the now-Sydney-based campaigner said.

"It [made an impression on] me because I've always had an affinity for the ocean; I grew up in Coffs Harbour and I was into surf club and sailing."

After researching plastic pollution and attending an international conference on marine debris in Olso in 2014, Mr Hill decided to travel the Australian coast hosting school presentations and community trivia nights.

He educates people along the way, speaking about the impact of things like cigarette butts and microplastics on marine life.

"One of the worst things about plastic is it acts as a sponge for other contaminants that are in the ocean," he said.

"Then when something eats it, they get a cocktail of chemicals in their stomach which will transfer up the food chain to us."

By raising awareness of the dangers, Mr Hill hopes to convince people to change their reliance on plastic products.

"We really have to reduce our use of plastic, especially our single-use plastic like supermarket bags or water bottles," he said.

He urged communities to reduce plastic usage, like the Boomerang Bags initiative in Labrador, Queensland, where shoppers borrow reusable bags made from recycled materials.

Mr Hill is hosting a general knowledge trivia night for people of all ages at Thirroul Community Centre's Excelsior Hall on Wednesday at 6pm.