Major Coastlines in Oceania


Oceania is home to beautiful coastlines that enthral tourists from all over the world with their breath-taking beauty. Each coastline offers distinctive scenery and attractions, from the internationally renowned Great Barrier Reef in Australia to the picturesque North Island coastline in New Zealand. Oceania's coastlines are a haven for nature lovers, beach lovers, and adventurers, whether it's the famous Great Ocean Road or the immaculate beaches of Fiji's Coral Coast.

Features of Major Coastlines in Oceania

Oceania has multiple coastlines, which are evidence of its natural beauty. Here are the descriptions of major coastlines of Oceania −

Great Barrier Reef Coastline (Australia)

The Great Barrier Reef, which spans over 2,300 kilometers over an area of around 344,400 square kilometers and is made up of over 2,900 distinct reefs and 900 islands, is the biggest coral reef system in the world. The reef is situated in the Coral Sea, off the coast of Queensland, Australia, and is cut off from the coast by a passage that is more than 61 meters deep and 160 miles wide in some places. The Great Barrier Reef is the largest single structure created by living things that can be observed from space. The coral polyps that make up this reef's structure number in the billions. It was chosen as a World Heritage Site in 1981 and supports a vast variety of life.

North Island Coastline (New Zealand)

In New Zealand, no place is more than 130 kilometres from the ocean. Estimates place the length of the shoreline at 15,000 and 18,000 km. Due to the numerous bends and turns around inlets, headlands, spits, bays, harbours, fiords, sounds, and estuaries, precise measurement is not practicable. Despite being smaller than the South Island, the North Island boasts a longer coastline. The coastline of New Zealand is composed primarily of hard rocky coasts, with the remaining third being soft shores made up of sand or gravel. The remaining 20% is located in harbours and estuaries, with about 80% of it directly facing the ocean. More exposed than the eastern and northern coasts are the western and southern coasts.

Great Ocean Road Coastline (Australia)

The 240-kilometer (150-mile) section of road between the Victorian cities of Torquay and Allansford known as the Great Ocean Road is part of the Australian National Heritage. The road is the largest war memorial in the world and was constructed by returned troops between 1919 and 1932 in honour of those fallen in World War I. The Great Ocean Road, one of the world's most beautiful coastal travel routes, runs for 243 kilometres along Victoria's south-west coast. The magnificent Great Ocean Road follows the seashore cliffs that crisscross the untamed and battered Southern Ocean. With their jagged cliffs, deserted beaches, and towering bluffs flanked by vivid green countryside, the famed road's breath-taking panoramas inspire awe.

Coral Coastline (Fiji)

On the Fijian island of Viti Levu, there is a section of coastline known as the Coral Coast that runs between Sigatoka and Suva. Resorts are spread out along this coastline and on other islands, making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in Fiji. The Coral Coast's tourism hub is the riverfront town of Sigatoka. There are several hotels and resorts there, and there are lots of activities to do. In addition to enjoying the beach and delicious cuisine, Fiji offers the possibility to have an authentic, real-world experience. Tourists are welcome to observe village life, including fishing and market sales, in action.

Gold Coastline (Australia)

The Gold Coast is a beachfront area and city in the Australian state of Queensland, situated about 66 southeast of Brisbane, the state's capital. The Gold Coast is Queensland's second-biggest city after Brisbane, the sixth-largest city in Australia, and the country's largest non-capital city with a population of over 600,000. The Yugambeh people lived in the area before it was settled by Europeans. The term "Gold Coaster" refers to those who live there. With a warm, sunny climate and a reputation for its theme parks, nightlife, surfing beaches, and rainforest hinterland, the Gold Coast is a popular travel destination. With significant film and television productions, the city contributes to the country's entertainment industry.

Sunshine Coastline (Australia)

Australia's South East Queensland contains the peri-urban area known as the Sunshine Coast. It is the district that was described as "the area contained in the Shires of Landsborough, Maroochy, and Noosa, but excluding Bribie Island" in 1967. Its urban area, which stretches around 60 kilometres of beach and hinterland from Pelican Waters to Tewantin, is situated on the Coral Sea coast in South East Queensland, 100 km north of Brisbane's city core. The region's Caloundra, Kawana Waters, Maroochydore, and Noosa Heads are among the area's several coastal centres. The hinterland's principal commercial centres have grown to be Nambour and Maleny.

Surfers Paradise Coastline (Australia)

A suburb of the City of Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia is Surfers Paradise. There were 23,689 people living in Surfers Paradise as of the 2016 Census. The neighbourhood, often known as "Surfers," contains a lot of high-rise apartment complexes and a big surf beach. The Cavill Mall, which runs through the area's shopping and entertainment district, is what makes the suburb's centre unique. The high-rise structures at Surfers Paradise, the Gold Coast's entertainment and tourism hub, are the most recognizable elements of the city's skyline.

Bay of Islands Coastline (New Zealand)

The Bay of Islands, a geographical area in northern North Island, New Zealand, and a bay of the South Pacific Ocean were created when the sea overwhelmed an earlier river valley system. Around 150 islands make up the bay's 500 miles (800 km) of shoreline. It opens to the sea through an 11-mile-wide (18-kilometer-wide) passage that is bordered on the east and west by Brett Cape and Wiwiki Cape. Since American author Zane Grey made it known in the 1930s, it has become one of the most well-liked sailing, fishing, and tourist attractions in the nation. It is also renowned internationally for its big-game fishing.

Bondi Beach Coastline (Australia)

Australia's Sydney, New South Wales, is home to the well-known beach and neighbourhood known as Bondi Beach. Bondi Beach is situated in the local government area of Waverley Council, in the Eastern Suburbs, 7 kilometres (4 miles) east of Sydney's CBD. There are 11,656 people living there. It has the postcode 2026. The suburbs of Bondi, North Bondi, and Bondi Junction are close by. One of the most popular tourist destinations in Australia is Bondi Beach.

Whitsunday Coastline (Australia)

The Whitsunday Islands are a group of 74 continental islands of varying sizes located 900 kilometres (560 miles) north of Brisbane in Queensland, Australia. The islands' southernmost islands are located off the shore of Proserpine, while its northernmost islands are located off the coast of Bowen. Whitsunday Island serves as the geographic centre of the island group, and Hamilton Island serves as its commercial hub. The Ngaro and Gia people are the area's traditional proprietors, and only their Juru people have a native title that is officially recognized in the Whitsunday Region.

List of Major Coastlines in Oceania

Here is a table showcasing major coastlines of Oceania their location and length −

Coastline

Location

Length (Approximate)

Great Barrier Reef Coastline

Australia

Approximately 2,300 km

North Island Coastline

New Zealand

Approximately 3,820 km

Great Ocean Road Coastline

Australia

Approximately 243 km

Coral Coastline

Fiji

Approximately 1,129 km

Gold Coastline

Australia

Approximately 57 km

Sunshine Coastline

Australia

Approximately 65 km

Surfers Paradise Coastline

Australia

Approximately 2 km

Bay of Islands Coastline

New Zealand

Approximately 700 km

Bondi Beach Coastline

Australia

Approximately 7 km

Whitsunday Coastline

Australia

Approximately 74 km

Conclusion

Oceania's major coastlines are interesting and diverse. Each has its own distinct beauty and charms, from Australia's breath-taking Great Barrier Reef to New Zealand's untamed North Island shoreline. These coastlines highlight the area's natural beauties, whether it is the breath-taking views along the Great Ocean Road or the lively Coral Coast of Fiji. Oceania's beaches provide countless options for exploration and enjoyment, from well-known tourist attractions like Bondi Beach to the pristine Whitsunday Islands.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which coastline in Oceania is home to the Great Barrier Reef?

The Great Barrier Reef is located off the coast of Queensland, Australia, along the Great Barrier Reef Coastline.

Which New Zealand Island has a longer coastline?

The North Island of New Zealand boasts a longer coastline compared to the South Island.

What is the length of the Great Ocean Road coastline?

The Great Ocean Road coastline stretches for approximately 243 kilometers in Victoria, Australia.

Where is the Coral Coastline located?

The Coral Coastline is found on the Fijian island of Viti Levu, running between Sigatoka and Suva.

Which Australian coastline is known for its theme parks and nightlife?

The Gold Coastline in Queensland, Australia, is renowned for its theme parks, nightlife, and surfing beaches.

Which coastline in Australia is part of the Sunshine Coast?

The Sunshine Coastline is situated on the Coral Sea coast in South East Queensland, Australia, encompassing areas such as Caloundra, Kawana Waters, Maroochydore, and Noosa Heads.

Where can you find Surfers Paradise, a popular beach destination?

Surfers Paradise is a suburb of the City of Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia, known for its high-rise apartment complexes and surf beach.

Which coastline in New Zealand is famous for sailing and fishing?

The Bay of Islands coastline, located in northern North Island, New Zealand, is renowned for sailing, fishing, and tourist attractions.

Where is Bondi Beach located?

Bondi Beach is situated in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.

Which Australian coastline is associated with the Whitsunday Islands?

The Whitsunday Coastline in Queensland, Australia, encompasses the group of 74 continental islands known as the Whitsunday Islands.

Updated on: 18-Oct-2023

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