Ruqayyah Snyder
Australia is the smallest continent and one of the largest countries on Earth, lying between the Pacific and Indian Oceans in the Southern Hemisphere. Its closest neighbours include Papua New Guinea, New Zealand, Indonesia, and Timor-Leste. Australia has a unique geography, culture, and natural environment that make it a popular tourist destination. The country has diverse ecosystems, ranging from lush rainforests and towering mountains to pristine beaches and the iconic Great Barrier Reef. Sydney, Melbourne, and the Gold Coast are among the most visited tourist destinations in the country.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nearest countries to the left of Australia | New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, Timor-Leste |
| Papua New Guinea's head of state | King Charles III |
| Number of countries in Australia/Oceania | 14 independent countries and 12 dependent overseas territories |
| Largest sovereign state in Australia/Oceania | Australia |
| Smallest independent country in Australia/Oceania | Nauru |
| Most visited tourist destinations in Australia/Oceania | Sydney, Melbourne, Gold Coast, Great Barrier Reef |
| Most visited island holiday destinations in Australia/Oceania | Fiji, Bora Bora |
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What You'll Learn
Papua New Guinea, north of Australia
Papua New Guinea (PNG) is an island country in Oceania, north of Australia. It comprises the eastern half of the island of New Guinea and offshore islands in Melanesia, a region of the southwestern Pacific Ocean north of Australia. The western half of the island of New Guinea is part of Indonesia. The territory of Papua New Guinea was split in the 1880s between German New Guinea in the north and the British Territory of Papua in the south, the latter of which was ceded to Australia in 1902. All of present-day Papua New Guinea came under Australian control following World War I, although it remained two distinct territories. The nation was the site of fierce fighting during the New Guinea campaign of World War II, following which the two territories were united. After the war, the League of Nations authorised Australia to administer Papua New Guinea as a Class "C" mandate territory from 1921, which became the Territory of New Guinea.
The island of New Guinea is the second-largest in the world, exceeded in size only by Greenland. It is about 1,500 miles (2,400 km) long (from northwest to southeast) and about 400 miles (650 km) wide at its widest (north to south) part. The total land area of Papua New Guinea is 462,840 square kilometres (178,700 sq mi), including a large mainland and hundreds of islands. The country covers two time zones, with the Autonomous Region of Bougainville an hour ahead of the rest of the country. The capital of Papua New Guinea is Port Moresby. The country has a complex ethnic composition, with speakers of over 700 different languages. About two-thirds of the population is Christian, but traditional religious beliefs and rituals are still widely practised.
Papua New Guinea gained its independence from Australia in 1975 and is now a Commonwealth realm, with King Charles III as its sovereign and head of state. It is a founding member of the Melanesian Spearhead Group, along with the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu, and has signed cooperation treaties with Indonesia and Australia. Papua New Guinea is rich in natural resources, which account for two-thirds of their export earnings.
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New Zealand, Australia's closest neighbour
New Zealand is Australia's closest neighbour. It is an island country in the South Pacific Ocean, lying more than 1,000 miles (1,600 km) southeast of Australia. The country comprises two main islands: the North Island and the larger South Island, which is home to the spectacular snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps. New Zealand also has a scattering of small islands, some of which are hundreds of miles from the main group. The capital city is Wellington, and the largest urban area is Auckland; both are located on the North Island.
New Zealand has a unique array of vegetation and animal life, much of which developed during the country's prolonged isolation. It is the sole home of the long-beaked, flightless bird known as the kiwi, after which New Zealanders are nicknamed. The country also features majestic volcanoes, mountains, deep glacier lakes, verdant valleys, dazzling fjords, and long sandy beaches.
New Zealand has a maritime climate, with cool summers and winters. It has a strong relationship with Australia, and there is much commercial travel between the two countries, including by ship. On most cruise ships, it takes about three days to sail from Australia to New Zealand.
New Zealand has a population of around 4.7 million people as of 2019. The indigenous Maori culture is prevalent in modern New Zealand society, alongside a diverse range of other ethnicities. The country is a member of the Commonwealth, with King Charles III as its sovereign.
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Indonesia, a holiday favourite for Australians
Indonesia has become a favourite holiday destination for Australians, with its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and budget-friendly experiences. Located to the northwest of Australia, separated by the Timor and Arafura seas, Indonesia offers Australians a range of attractions, from its picturesque beaches to its rich cultural heritage.
Bali, in particular, has been a consistent favourite for Australian travellers, with its affordability, natural beauty, and easy access. In fact, Australians account for more than a quarter of tourists in Bali, and the island has seen a remarkable increase in visitors, with a 19.5% increase in international tourists last year, surpassing pre-pandemic levels.
The appeal of Indonesia for Australians goes beyond its beaches and culture. The country offers a range of accommodations catering to different budgets, and direct flight routes make it easily accessible. Additionally, Indonesian tourism officials have been working to improve the travel experience, from expanding airport facilities to promoting sustainable tourism practices.
The strong presence of Australian tourists in Indonesia has had a significant economic impact. On average, Australian tourists in Indonesia spend more money per day and stay longer than any other nationality. In 2014, Australian tourists contributed 18 trillion rupiah ($1.8 billion) to the Indonesian economy, and this trend is expected to continue with more Australians choosing Indonesia for their vacations.
With its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culture, and seamless accessibility, Indonesia has solidified its position as a leading holiday destination for Australians, offering a unique and memorable travel experience.
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Timor-Leste, a close neighbour with untouched landscapes
Timor-Leste, officially known as the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, is a small country located northwest of Australia. It is one of the closest neighbours of Australia, separated only by the Timor Sea. With its wild natural beauty, Timor-Leste boasts untouched landscapes that offer a unique experience for adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike.
The country's terrain varies from lush southern plains to cool mountain ranges and a dry north coast. This diverse geography creates a range of micro-climates, resulting in a quick shift in vegetation as you travel across the country. From dry open savannahs to dense forest cover, Timor-Leste is home to a variety of ecosystems. The Nino Konis Santana National Park showcases this diversity, encompassing forested mountains, coral reefs, and vibrant marine life.
The marine environment of Timor-Leste is a highlight for many visitors. Its fringing reefs lie within the Coral Triangle, known as the global epicentre of marine biodiversity. With 76% of the world's coral species, the reefs provide a spectacular display of soft and hard corals. The waters are also home to an array of marine life, including reef fish, sea horses, turtles, manta rays, and even the elusive whale shark.
For those seeking adventure on land, Mount Tatamailau, the country's highest peak at 2,963 meters, offers a challenging trek. The journey to the summit treats hikers to breathtaking views of lush valleys, rolling hills, and distant ocean horizons. The mountain is also steeped in cultural significance, making the climb an immersive experience in the local folklore and traditions.
The capital city of Dili is a vibrant hub, blending rich history with stunning natural beauty. From the iconic Cristo Rei statue to the historic 16th-century Motael Church, Dili showcases the cultural depth of Timor-Leste. The Tais Market invites visitors to immerse themselves in local culture through traditional textiles and handicrafts. Additionally, Dili's picturesque waterfront promenade and sandy beaches provide a relaxing escape.
With its untouched landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and vibrant culture, Timor-Leste offers a unique and captivating experience for travellers seeking to explore the natural wonders and cultural heritage of this close neighbour of Australia.
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Nauru, the smallest independent country in the region
Nauru, officially the Republic of Nauru, is an island country in the Pacific Ocean, 42 kilometres south of the equator and 4,000 kilometres northeast of Sydney, Australia. It is the smallest independent republic in the world, with a total land area of 21 square kilometres and a population of about 10,800. The country is a member of the United Nations, the Commonwealth of Nations, and the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States. It is also a member of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the International Monetary Fund.
Nauru was settled by Micronesians around 1000 BCE and was named Pleasant Island by its first European visitor, British navigator Captain John Fearn, in 1798. In the late 19th century, it was annexed and claimed as a colony by the German Empire as part of the Marshall Islands Protectorate. In 1900, a British company discovered phosphate on the island, and mining began in 1906. During World War I, Nauru was seized by Australian troops, and in 1919, the League of Nations granted joint mandate over the island to Australia, Great Britain, and New Zealand.
During World War II, Nauru was occupied by Japanese troops, and two-thirds of the population were deported to Japan's key naval base in the Caroline Islands to work as forced labourers. After the war, the country entered into United Nations trusteeship under Australian administration. Nauru gained its independence in 1968 and adopted a constitution that established it as a republic with a parliamentary system of government.
Nauru has a unique political system, with no formal structure for political parties. All Members of Parliament (MPs) stand as independents, and the President is both head of state and head of government. The President is elected by, and responsible to, the unicameral parliament and appoints a cabinet of ministers from among the remaining members. While Nauru has no armed forces, Australia is responsible for its defence under an informal agreement between the two countries.
Nauru has faced economic challenges due to its heavy dependence on phosphate mining, which has devastated the island's landscape. The country has also been a key part of Australia's controversial offshore detention centre policy for asylum seekers, with allegations of human rights abuses and overcrowding. In recent years, Nauru has received significant aid and financial assistance from Australia, Russia, and other countries.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Papua New Guinea is located just north of Australia and is one of its closest neighbours.
New Zealand, also known as Australia's closest neighbour, is located southeast of Australia. Indonesia is another neighbouring country, located northwest of Australia. Timor-Leste is also located north of Australia, sharing its border with Indonesia.
Canberra is the capital of Australia.
Lake Eyre, officially known as Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre, is the largest lake in Australia.
