How long is Australia's coastline?
Australia's mainland coastline is about 35,900 kilometres long. When the coastlines of its islands are included, the total is close to 60,000 kilometres, according to Geoscience Australia.
Measuring a coastline depends on the scale used. The more detail included, such as small bays and inlets, the longer the coastline becomes. This is known as the coastline paradox.
Western Australia has the longest coastline of any state, followed by Queensland and the Northern Territory. Tasmania's coastline, including its many islands, is also long for its size.
A coastal nation
Most Australians live within about 50 kilometres of the coast, and beaches are central to the national lifestyle. There are more than 10,000 beaches around the country.
The coastline includes sandy surf beaches, rocky headlands, mangrove forests, coral reefs and dramatic cliffs, such as the Bunda Cliffs on the Great Australian Bight.
Australia's Exclusive Economic Zone, stretching up to 200 nautical miles from the coast, is one of the largest in the world, giving the country control over vast ocean resources.
Coastal erosion, rising sea levels and storms are reshaping parts of the coastline, and local councils manage dunes, seawalls and beach nourishment projects to protect homes and roads.