Bass Strait separates Tasmania from the Australian mainland. It is about 150 miles (240 kilometers) wide. This shallow area of water is 180 to 295 feet (55 to 90 meters) deep. Strong ocean currents sweep along the strait, causing rough conditions throughout most of the year. Bass Strait contains many islands, including the Furneaux and Kent groups. The strait is named after the British explorer George Bass, who sailed through it with Matthew Flinders in 1798.
