Bass Strait

Bass Strait is a sea strait separating Tasmania from the south of the Australian mainland, specifically the state of Victoria.  The strait was named after George Bass who travelled it in 1798.Flinders, Matthew (1814). A Voyage to Terra Australis

It is about 240 km wide at its narrowest point and generally around 50 metres deep. It has many islands, with King Island and Flinders Island home to many towns.

The water is very rough, with many ships lost in the 19th century. A lighthouse was built on Deal Island in 1848 to help ships in the eastern part of the Straits.  On the west, the Cape Otway Lighthouse was first lit in 1848. Another lighthouse was at Cape Wickham at the northern end of King Island in 1861.

Islands
There are over 50 islands in Bass Strait. Major islands include:

Western section:
King Island
Three Hummock Island
Hunter Island
Robbins Island

South eastern section:
Furneaux Group
Flinders Island
Cape Barren Island
Clark Island
and several other islands

North eastern section:
Kent Group
Deal Island
and 3 smaller islands
Hogan Island
 Curtis Island

References

Other websites

Category:Straits
Category:Bodies of water of Australia
Category:Geography of Victoria, Australia
Category:Geography of Tasmania