Physical Divisions of Australia – Notes for Competitive Exams
Australia is the smallest continent in the Southern Hemisphere and the sixth largest continent in the world with an area of approximately 7.7 million square kilometers. It is surrounded by the Indian Ocean in the west, the Pacific Ocean in the east, and the Southern Ocean in the south.
Australia is often referred to as the “island continent” because it is both a continent and a country. Its physical geography is relatively flat compared to other continents, with low mountain ranges, vast plains, deserts, and fertile coastal regions.
Geographers divide Australia into three major physical divisions: the Eastern Highlands, the Central Lowlands, and the Western Plateau.
Major Physical Divisions of Australia
| Physical Division | Description | Important Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Eastern Highlands | Mountainous and hilly region along the east coast | Great Dividing Range |
| Central Lowlands | Flat plains and river basins | Lake Eyre Basin, Murray-Darling Basin |
| Western Plateau | Ancient plateau with deserts and low hills | Western Plateau, Great Victoria Desert |
Eastern Highlands
The Eastern Highlands stretch along the east coast of Australia from Queensland in the north to Victoria in the south. The region is dominated by the Great Dividing Range, which is the largest mountain system in Australia.
The mountains are old and eroded, with peaks rarely exceeding 2000 meters. The Eastern Highlands are an important source of rivers such as the Murray River and the Darling River.
The region has a moderate climate and fertile soils, making it suitable for agriculture, forestry, and human settlements.
Important Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Mountain system | Great Dividing Range |
| Height | Up to 2228 m (Mount Kosciuszko) |
| Rivers | Murray, Darling, Hunter |
| Climate | Moderate and suitable for agriculture |
Central Lowlands
The Central Lowlands occupy the interior of Australia and include plains, lowlands, and river basins. This region lies between the Eastern Highlands and the Western Plateau.
The most important lowland areas are the Lake Eyre Basin and the Murray-Darling Basin. These basins are important for agriculture, grazing, and seasonal water flow.
The Central Lowlands are relatively dry, with arid and semi-arid conditions, and support sparse population.
Major Plains and Basins
| Region | Feature | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Lake Eyre Basin | Endorheic basin | Seasonal lakes and wetlands |
| Murray-Darling Basin | River basin | Agriculture and water supply |
| Channel Country | Flood plains | Grazing and rivers |
Western Plateau
The Western Plateau occupies the majority of western and central Australia. It is an ancient landform composed of eroded rock, deserts, and low hills.
The region contains some of the largest deserts in Australia, including the Great Victoria Desert, Great Sandy Desert, and Simpson Desert.
The Western Plateau is sparsely populated, has minimal rainfall, and is rich in minerals such as iron ore, gold, and bauxite.
Important Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Terrain | Plateau, low hills, deserts |
| Deserts | Great Victoria, Great Sandy, Simpson |
| Population | Sparse |
| Resources | Minerals and mining |
Major Rivers of Australia
| River | Length (Approx.) | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Murray River | 2508 km | Longest river in Australia |
| Darling River | 1472 km | Tributary of Murray River |
| Murrumbidgee River | 840 km | Part of Murray-Darling Basin |
| Fitzroy River | 480 km | Coastal river in Queensland |
Important Points for Competitive Exams
Australia is the smallest continent in the Southern Hemisphere.
The Great Dividing Range is the largest mountain system in Australia.
Mount Kosciuszko (2228 m) is the highest peak in Australia.
The Central Lowlands contain Lake Eyre Basin and Murray-Darling Basin.
The Western Plateau has ancient rock formations, deserts, and mineral resources.
Australia’s major rivers flow mainly eastward and southeastward.
The continent has a predominantly arid and semi-arid climate.
Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
UPSC
Which is the highest peak in Australia?
Answer: Mount Kosciuszko.
Which mountain range runs along the east coast of Australia?
Answer: Great Dividing Range.
SSC
Which basin is the largest in central Australia?
Answer: Lake Eyre Basin.
RRB
Which desert lies in western and central Australia?
Answer: Great Victoria Desert.
JKSSB
Australia is referred to as the:
Answer: Island continent.