How Far is Papua New Guinea from Australia?

Australia and Papua New Guinea are two neighbouring countries located in the South Pacific region. With their close proximity, many Australians and travellers alike are curious about the distance between the two countries. 

In this article, we will explore the distance between Australia and Papua New Guinea, including the closest point between the two countries, the duration of travel, and the connection options.

What is the closest point between Australia and Papua New Guinea?

The closest point between Australia and Papua New Guinea is located in the Torres Strait, which is a narrow stretch of water that separates the two countries. 

The Torres Strait is approximately 150 kilometres (93 miles) wide at its narrowest point, making it the closest distance between Australia and Papua New Guinea. 

The Torres Strait is named after the British navigator, Lieutenant James Cook, who discovered it in 1770 during his voyage on the HMS Endeavour.

How close is Australia and Papua New Guinea, Geographically?

Australia and PNG share a maritime border that extends along the Torres Strait. The distance between the two countries varies depending on the specific locations being compared. 

For instance, the closest point between the Australian mainland and the Papua New Guinea mainland is approximately 6.4 kilometres (4 miles) at its narrowest point, which is between the Cape York Peninsula in Australia and the southern coast of Papua New Guinea. 

However, the distance between other points on the coastlines of the two countries may be further apart, with some areas reaching up to 150 kilometres (93 miles) apart.

Check out this article about on the relative proximity of PNG and Australia

How Far is Papua New Guinea from Australia in Travel Time?

The duration of travel between Papua New Guinea and Australia depends on the mode of transportation chosen. 

The fastest and most common mode of travel between the two countries is by air. Flights from major cities in Australia, such as Brisbane, Cairns, and Sydney, to Port Moresby, the capital of PNG, typically take around 3 to 4 hours. 

However, flight times may vary depending on factors such as layovers, airline routes, and weather conditions.

Alternatively, travel by sea is also possible, with options such as cruise ships or private boats. These methods of travel may take significantly longer, as sea routes are subject to maritime regulations and weather conditions. 

The duration of travel by sea can vary greatly depending on the route taken and the speed of the vessel, ranging from several days to several weeks.

Conclusion

The distance between Australia and Papua New Guinea varies depending on the specific locations being compared, with the closest point located in the Torres Strait. 

Travel between the two countries is most commonly done by air, with flights taking around 3 to 4 hours. There are also sea travel options available, including ferry services and cruise ships, although these may take longer.

Importance of ATAR Results 2023 in Australia's University Admission Process

The Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) is a measure of a student's academic performance in the final years of secondary school. It is used as the primary basis for determining university admission in Australia and is calculated based on a student's results in their final exams.

ATAR Calculation

The calculation of ATAR is based on a student's results in the 10 units of study they complete in their final two years of high school. 

The units are assigned a score between 0 and 100, with the average score being 50. 

The scores are then combined to create a percentile rank, with the highest-performing students receiving an ATAR of 99.95 and the lowest-performing students receiving an ATAR of 30.

ATAR Results

ATAR results have shown a gradual decline in recent years, with the average ATAR score dropping from around 77 in 2017 to around 75 in 2020. This decline is partly due to the increasing number of students taking the final exams and the increasing competition for university places.

The decline in ATAR scores also affects university admission, with some students who would have previously been guaranteed a place at a particular university now facing competition from other applicants. 

However, universities also take other factors into account when making admission decisions, such as the student's performance in individual subjects, extracurricular activities, and personal circumstances.

ATAR and Tertiary Admissions Centre (TAC)

ATAR was introduced in 2009 as a replacement for the Universities Admissions Index (UAI) system, which was in use from 1992-2008. 

It was designed to provide a fairer and more transparent method of determining university admission, as the UAI system was criticized for being too subjective and relying too heavily on school recommendations.

The ATAR system is managed by the Tertiary Admissions Centre (TAC), which is responsible for calculating and distributing ATAR scores to students and universities. 

The TAC also provides support to students and their families in understanding the ATAR and university admission process.

ATAR and university admission

In addition to the ATAR, universities may also consider other factors such as:

• a student's performance in individual subjects, 
• extracurricular activities, 
• work experience, and 
• personal circumstances. 

This is known as a "holistic" approach to university admission, and is designed to ensure that students with a wide range of skills and experiences are given equal consideration for university places.

It is worth noting that not all universities in Australia use the ATAR system. Some universities, such as the Australian National University (ANU) and the University of Melbourne, have their own admission criteria and may not require an ATAR score for admission.

Conclusion

The ATAR is a critical factor in determining university admission in Australia and has been shown to have a declining trend in recent years. However, it is important to remember that the ATAR is not the only factor considered by universities when making admission decisions. 

Students should focus on doing their best in their final exams and also consider other factors, such as extracurricular activities, that may help improve their chances of being admitted to the university of their choice.