The Great Dividing Range refers to a vast mountain range located in eastern Australia. It stretches over 3,500 kilometers (2,174 miles), running parallel to the country's eastern coastline, from the northeastern tip of Queensland down to the state of Victoria. This range acts as a significant geographical barrier, separating the relatively narrow coastal plains from the vast Australian interior known as the Outback.
The Great Dividing Range is characterized by its diverse landscapes and topographical features. It comprises a series of smaller ranges, plateaus, and peaks, with the highest point being Mount Kosciuszko in New South Wales, standing at 2,228 meters (7,310 feet) above sea level. This mountainous terrain is interspersed with numerous rivers, valleys, and gorges, contributing to rich biodiversity and providing important water catchments for various river systems.
The range's climatic diversity is another defining aspect of the Great Dividing Range. Its eastern slopes receive significant rainfall, fostering lush temperate rainforests and fertile agricultural regions. In contrast, the western slopes experience a distinct rain shadow effect, resulting in drier conditions and the emergence of expansive grasslands and semi-arid landscapes.
The Great Dividing Range holds immense ecological and cultural significance. It acts as a home to a wide range of plant and animal species, including unique and rare flora and fauna found nowhere else in the world. Additionally, this mountain range has played a crucial role in shaping the cultural and historical identity of Australia, with Indigenous communities, early European settlers, and modern society all influenced by its presence.
Overall, the Great Dividing Range is a prominent and iconic feature of Australia's landscape, serving as a physical and metaphorical divide between coastal and inland regions, as well as providing habitats, resources, and recreational
