Какой самый большой остров у берегов Австралии? - коротко
Самый большой остров у берегов Австралии — Тасмания. Его площадь составляет около 68 401 км².
Какой самый большой остров у берегов Австралии? - развернуто
Australia, being the world's largest island, is surrounded by numerous smaller islands, but the largest of these is Melville Island, located off the northern coast of the continent.
Melville Island spans approximately 5,786 square kilometers (2,234 square miles), making it the second-largest island in Australia after Tasmania. It is situated in the Timor Sea, just north of the mainland, and is separated from the mainland by the Clarence Strait. The island is part of the Tiwi Islands, which also include Bathurst Island and several smaller islets.
The island is known for its rugged terrain, dense tropical forests, and rich Indigenous culture, primarily inhabited by the Tiwi people, who have lived there for thousands of years. The Tiwi Islands are renowned for their unique art, ceremonies, and strong cultural traditions.
Melville Island is not as developed as Tasmania, with limited infrastructure and a small population. Its economy is largely based on fishing, forestry, and Indigenous tourism. The island's remote location and challenging environment make it less accessible compared to other Australian islands.
While Tasmania is the largest island within Australian territorial waters, Melville Island holds the title of the largest island directly off the mainland coast of Australia. This distinction is important when considering Australia's vast maritime geography.
In summary, Melville Island is the largest island immediately adjacent to the Australian mainland, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage, though it remains relatively untouched compared to more populated regions of the country.