Coastline of Australia facts for kids
The coastline of Australia is where the land meets the sea. It includes the edges of mainland Australia and the island of Tasmania. Even the Australian Capital Territory, which is mostly inland, has a small coastal area at Jervis Bay Territory.
Australia has a very long coastline. It is the sixth longest in the world! Its total length is about 25,760 kilometres (16,000 miles). For many years, the coast has been the first place people arrived when coming to Australia by sea.
Australia's Coastal History
For thousands of years, Australia's First Peoples have lived along the coast. They have a deep connection to the sea and its creatures. They have worked to protect marine life in many parts of Australia.
Later, European explorers began to discover the Australian coastline. Important navigators like Willem Janszoon, Dirk Hartog, and Abel Tasman sailed along parts of it. Captain James Cook mapped a large section of the eastern coast. Later, Matthew Flinders was the first to sail all the way around Australia, mapping much of its coastline.
Today, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority helps keep our coasts safe. They protect the ocean environment and make sure ships can navigate safely. They also run search and rescue services for people at sea.
Australia's coast is home to two amazing world heritage sites listed by UNESCO. These are the Ningaloo Coast and the famous Great Barrier Reef. These places are protected because they are so special and important to the world.
How Long is Australia's Coastline?
Australia has a very long coastline, and it's made up of the coastlines of its different states and territories. The total length includes both the mainland and many islands.
