Explainer: Australia and the Indo-Pacific

The Indo-Pacific is a concept both ancient and modern. Early European geographers and botanists used the term to describe the region of islands linking the Pacific and Indian Oceans.

However, it is only in the past decade that the construct has begun to be used more widely (and strategically) to explain how Australia, and many other countries, view their position in the region and the world.

This guide is provided as part of the Perth USAsia Centre’s ‘Explainer Series’ and is intended for education purposes. It is free to use and share but attribution to the Perth USAsia Centre is required. For enquiries relating to the Centre’s educational resources please email