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Well, young Philip. "Australia" is a "continent" at the same time. A "continent" is a very large landmass on the earth; "there are seven continents"; "pioneers had to cross the continent on foot. "Australia" is (also known as Sahul, Australinea and Meganesia) is the smallest of the world's continents, comprising the Australian mainland and proximate islands including Tasmania, New Guinea, the Aru Islands and Raja Ampat Islands. Australia and these nearby islands, all part of the same geological landmass, are separated by seas overlying the continental shelf — the Arafura Sea and Torres Strait between Australia and New Guinea, and Bass Strait between mainland Australia and Tasmania.