Which strait separates Cape York Peninsula in Australia from New Guinea?

Torres Strait is the strait that separates Cape York Peninsula in Australia from New Guinea.

It connects the Arafura Sea to the west with the Coral Sea to the east. The waterway contains hundreds of islands, although only some are permanently inhabited. The Torres Strait Islands are culturally distinct and are administered by Australia.

The strait was named after Luís Vaz de Torres, a Spanish or Portuguese navigator whose expedition sailed through it in 1606. European mapping later made the passage important for navigation around the northern edge of Australia.

Torres Strait is shallow and contains reefs, sandbanks, and strong currents, making navigation challenging. It should not be confused with Bass Strait, which separates mainland Australia from Tasmania far to the south.