
Australia and Timor-Leste, also known as East Timor, have had a complex relationship over the years, with disputes over maritime borders and resource rights. Despite this, Australia has been a significant supporter of Timor-Leste's development and security, particularly during its first ten years of independence. The distance between the two countries is approximately 2,005 kilometres or 1,246 miles, with the fastest travel option between the two countries being a flight that takes around 6 hours and 50 minutes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Distance from Australia to Timor-Leste by air | 2,005 km or 1,246 miles |
| Distance from Australia to Timor-Leste by air (alternative source) | 2,249 miles |
| Distance from Australia to Timor-Leste by sea | less than 400 nautical miles |
| Australia as a development partner with Timor-Leste | Australia is the biggest development partner |
| Total merchandise trade valued at | $24 Million |
| Development aid from Australia to Timor-Leste in 2010-2020 | $760 million |
| Development aid from Australia to Timor-Leste in 2013-2014 | $106 million |
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What You'll Learn

Timor-Leste and Australia are 2,005 km apart
Timor-Leste and Australia are 2,005 km or 1,246 miles apart. This distance is often travelled by those interested in the natural landscapes of Timor-Leste or those looking to escape the world. The distance between the two countries can be covered in 6 hours and 50 minutes by air, with flights costing between $500 and $950. The distance between the two countries has also been a point of contention, with disputes over the control of oil and gas resources in the Timor Sea.
The Timor Sea is located between Australia's northwest coast and the south coast of Timor-Leste, a distance of less than 400 nautical miles. Both countries have been in a maritime dispute over rights to an offshore oil and gas field, with Australia arguing that the seabed territory belongs to it according to the principle of "natural prolongation". On the other hand, Timor-Leste claims that the boundary should be drawn in the middle of the sea between the two states, which is supported by contemporary international law.
The history of the dispute dates back to 1976-1999 when Indonesia occupied the island nation and negotiated with Australia to exploit Timor Sea resources. In 1989, the two countries signed the Timor Gap Treaty, which established a joint development zone but did not set a permanent maritime border. After Timor-Leste's independence in 1999, new arrangements had to be negotiated, and the Timor Sea Treaty was signed on the day of their independence in 2002.
Despite the ongoing dispute, Australia has been a significant development partner for Timor-Leste. In the decade from 2000 to 2010, Australia provided around A$760 million in direct aid, and in 2013-14, the annual aid budget was A$106 million. Australia has also been a source of support in areas such as infrastructure, health, education, and governance, and the two countries have worked together to improve the lives of Timor-Leste's citizens.
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The flight distance is 6 hours and 50 minutes
Australia and Timor-Leste, also known as East Timor, are separated by a distance of 2,005 kilometres or 1,246 miles. The fastest way to travel between the two countries is by air, with the flight distance being 6 hours and 50 minutes. Qantas, Airnorth, and a few other airlines fly from Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport in Timor-Leste to Brisbane Airport in Australia four times a day. The distance between the two countries is less than 400 nautical miles, and there have been disputes over the sea border due to the presence of valuable oil and gas resources in the Timor Sea.
The tiny island nation of Timor-Leste has been in a dispute with its large southern neighbour, Australia, over rights to an offshore oil and gas field. This dispute has been ongoing since before Timor-Leste's independence in 2002, when Indonesia negotiated with Australia to exploit the resources of the Timor Sea. Despite the disagreements, the two countries signed the Timor Gap Treaty in 1989, which established a joint development zone but did not set a permanent maritime border.
Australia has played a significant role in supporting Timor-Leste's development and security since its independence. Australia led the military force that helped stabilise the country and has provided substantial financial assistance, totalling more than 1 billion Australian dollars in development aid. Australia is Timor-Leste's biggest supporter and largest development partner, providing vital support in areas such as infrastructure, health, education, and governance.
Despite the close cooperation and aid, relations between the two countries have experienced tensions. In 2004, a spying scandal involving the two nations briefly deteriorated their relationship. Additionally, the dispute over the maritime border and the lucrative resources it holds has been a continuous point of contention.
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The two countries have a maritime border dispute
Australia and Timor-Leste are separated by a distance of around 2,005 kilometres or 1,246 miles "as the crow flies". The fastest way to travel between the two countries is by air, with the journey taking approximately 6 hours and 50 minutes.
During its occupation of Timor-Leste between 1976 and 1999, Indonesia negotiated with Australia to exploit these resources, but the two countries could not agree on where the maritime border should be set. In 1989, they signed the Timor Gap Treaty, which established a joint development zone but deferred a permanent solution. When Timor-Leste gained independence from Indonesia in October 1999, the treaty was invalidated, and Australia was forced to negotiate new arrangements.
On the day of Timor-Leste's independence on 20 May 2002, the two countries signed the Timor Sea Treaty, which again deferred the establishment of a permanent sea border. Australia and Timor-Leste have since signed three agreements regarding maritime arrangements, including the joint exploration and exploitation of petroleum resources and the equal sharing of revenue derived from petroleum production.
At the heart of the ongoing dispute is the Greater Sunrise gas field, estimated to be worth US$40 billion. Australia argues that the Timor Trough, a 3,500-metre trench 40 nautical miles from the coastline of Timor-Leste, divides two continental shelves and that it possesses the seabed territory extending from its continental shelf. This would result in the sea border being drawn significantly closer to Timor-Leste. However, contemporary international law tends to support Timor-Leste's claim that the boundary should be drawn according to the principle of "equidistance", with a median border between the two states.
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Australia is Timor-Leste's biggest supporter and largest development partner
Australia and Timor-Leste (East Timor) are near neighbours, with the Australian city of Darwin located about 610 kilometres from Timor-Leste. The air travel distance between the two countries is approximately 2,005 kilometres or 1,246 miles.
Australia has been at the forefront of international support for Timor-Leste, with the two nations sharing expansive cooperation programs and strong people-to-people connections. Australia has long-standing partnerships with key institutions in Timor-Leste, including the National Police (PNTL), the Defence Force (F-FDTL), and the Ministry of Defence. Australia also supports essential services in Timor-Leste, including the Ministry of Finance and key line ministries, to strengthen the systems that underpin good public financial management.
In the realm of education, Australia assists the Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sport in Timor-Leste to improve literacy and numeracy for all children, as well as build school leadership and teacher capacity. Additionally, Australia's Workforce Development Program supports hospitality students in training centres across the country, contributing to their National Skills Competition. Australia also prioritises strengthening Timor-Leste's health system, recognising its critical foundation for health security. This support also addresses malnutrition and improves access to water, sanitation, and food production.
Furthermore, Australia's TOMAK program works with the government and NGO partners in Timor-Leste to enhance farming practices, increase household income, and improve family nutrition. In terms of economic growth, Australia partners with the Government of Timor-Leste on investments that enhance people's trust in their government. Australia also supports Timor-Leste's Women, Peace, and Security Agenda through policy dialogue, defence, and policing cooperation.
The Australia-Timor-Leste Development Partnership Plan 2025-2030 (DPP) outlines the shared objectives and agreed-upon actions between the two countries, with a focus on fostering a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Timor-Leste. This plan was formulated in close consultation with government and non-government stakeholders and aims to strengthen the interconnectedness between the two nations.
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The cheapest way to fly between the two countries costs $380
Timor-Leste, or East Timor, is approximately 2,248 miles from Australia. The distance between the two countries varies depending on the specific airport in Australia you are departing from. For example, the distance between Darwin International Airport and Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport in Dili, the capital of East Timor, is 451 miles. The distance between Brisbane Airport and the same airport in Dili is 2,222 miles.
The cheapest way to travel between the two countries is by plane, with flight prices as low as $156 for a one-way ticket from Sydney to Dili. The average price of a round-trip flight to Timor-Leste from Australia is $469, while a one-way flight costs $251. The cheapest round-trip flight route from Australia to Timor-Leste is from Darwin to Dili, with prices starting at $503.
Qantas Airways and Airnorth offer direct flights from Australia to Timor-Leste. Direct flights usually depart from Darwin International Airport and the average flight time is 1 hour and 23 minutes. The fastest flight to Timor-Leste from Darwin takes 1 hour and 25 minutes.
There are also flights from Brisbane Airport to Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport, with an average flight time of 7 hours and 25 minutes.
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Frequently asked questions
The distance between Timor-Leste and Australia is approximately 2,005 kilometres or 1,246 miles.
The fastest way to travel between the two countries is by plane, which takes approximately 6 hours and 50 minutes.
The cheapest way to travel between the two countries is also by plane and will cost between $380 and $1,100.










































