Which ocean separates Africa from Australia?

The Indian Ocean separates Africa from Australia. It is the third-largest of the world's five named oceans and extends between Africa, Asia, Australia, and the Southern Ocean.

The ocean covers about 70.6 million square kilometres, including marginal seas and other connected waters. It is named after India, whose peninsula projects deeply into its northern part. Important surrounding waters include the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, and the Mozambique Channel.

The Indian Ocean has long supported trade between East Africa, Arabia, India, Southeast Asia, and Australia. Seasonal monsoon winds shaped sailing routes and helped connect these regions for centuries. Today, the ocean is also central to energy shipping, fisheries, and research into climate patterns such as the Indian Ocean Dipole.