Ruqayyah Snyder
Australia is a large island continent with a diverse landscape, from its famous coastal rims to its vast arid interior. Covering around 3 million square kilometres, the Great Australian Desert is one of the least modified desert regions in the world. With its red sand dunes, semi-arid grassy landscapes, and unique wildlife, it is a land of extremes and a truly wild paradise.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is Australia a desert island? | No, but it is the driest inhabited continent with about 18% of the mainland covered by deserts. |
| Area covered by deserts | 1,371,000 km2 (529,000 sq mi) or 18% of the Australian mainland. About 35% of the Australian continent receives little rain, making it practically desert. |
| Characteristics of the Great Australian Desert | Semi-desert grassy or mountainous landscapes, xeric shrubs, salt pans, stony deserts, red sand dunes, sandstone mesas, rocky plains, open tree savannahs, bushland with a few rivers, and salt lakes. |
| Average rainfall | 250 mm (10 in) on average |
| Dune coverage | About 40% of Australia |
| Feral camel population | The Australian desert has the largest population of feral camels in the world. |
| Rock art and archaeological sites | The rock art and archaeological site at Karnatukul was inhabited for up to 25,000 years. The oldest examples of rock art in Western Australia's Pilbara region and the Olary district of South Australia are estimated to be around 40,000 years old. |
| Antarctica's desert classification | Polar, with temperatures ranging below 10°C and sometimes exceeding -60°C in winter. |
| Australia's mainland desert classification | Arid, with temperatures above 10°C and up to 35°C in summer. |
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What You'll Learn
The Great Australian Desert
Australia is the driest inhabited continent, with the least fertile soils. The mainland Australian deserts are classified as arid, receiving little rainfall, and with temperatures ranging from above 10°C to exceeding 35°C in the summer months. Deserts cover about 1,371,000 km2 (529,000 sq mi), or 18%, of the Australian mainland, but about 35% of the Australian continent receives so little rain that it is practically desert.
The Australian desert is also home to the largest population of feral camels in the world, as well as other non-native species introduced by colonists, such as feral cats and dogs. Cats, in particular, have threatened the stability of native fauna populations and are the primary reason for the extinction of 30 mammal species in Australia in the last 200 years. However, the deserts are also home to a range of native mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles, and insects, including the Western Blue Tongued lizard, the Greater Bilby, and the Thorny Devil.
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Australian climate and rainfall
Australia's climate is the second driest of any continent, after Antarctica. The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) reports that 80% of the land receives less than 600 mm (24 in) of rainfall annually, and 50% gets less than 300 mm (12 in). Australia has a very low annual average rainfall of 419 mm (16 in). This dryness is caused by the subtropical high-pressure belt (subtropical ridge or Australian High), which brings dry air from the upper atmosphere down to the continent. This belt moves northwest and northeast with the seasons.
The climate in Australia is variable, with frequent droughts lasting several seasons, caused partly by the El Niño-Southern Oscillation. Tropical cyclone activity in the region also varies substantially from year to year, influenced by El Niño and La Niña. There has been a downward trend in the number of tropical cyclones since 1900, with fewer but more intense cyclones being recorded.
The majority of the country has an arid or semi-arid climate, with the southern coastal parts of the state experiencing a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. The highest rainfall occurs along the southern coasts and the Mount Lofty Ranges, with an average annual rainfall of 1,200 mm (47 in) near Mount Lofty. The lowest rainfall occurs in the Lake Eyre basin, with average annual totals of less than 150 mm (6 in), and possibly as low as 100 mm (4 in). Most of the rain in the southern districts of the state falls during the winter months when the subtropical high-pressure belt moves north over the Australian continent.
Victoria is the wettest Australian state after Tasmania. Rainfall in Victoria increases from north to south and with higher altitudes. Median annual rainfall exceeds 1,800 mm (71 in) in some parts of the northeast but is less than 250 mm (10 in) in the Mallee. Rain is heaviest in the Otway Ranges on the southwest coast and in mountainous areas in the northeast.
The Northern Territory has two distinct climate zones. The northern end, including Darwin, has a tropical savannah climate with high humidity and two seasons: the wet season (October to April) and the dry season (May to September). During the dry season, it is warm and sunny almost every day, and there is very little rainfall.
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Australia's unique wildlife
Australia is one of the world's most important nations for biodiversity. It is one of only 17 'megadiverse' countries, with more species than any other developed country. Most of Australia's wildlife is found nowhere else on Earth, making it unique and conservation even more important. 87% of its mammal species, 93% of reptiles, 94% of frogs, and 45% of bird species are exclusive to the country.
The kangaroo is an iconic symbol of Australia, bounding across landscapes with grace and power. These marsupials carry their young in pouches and are highly adaptable, thriving in arid plains and coastal bushlands alike. Another well-known marsupial is the koala, which clings to eucalyptus trees, feeding on their leaves and obtaining hydration from them. Koalas are known for their slow pace, sleeping between 18 and 22 hours a day.
The wombat, a burrowing herbivore native to Australia, is a stocky marsupial with a unique backward-facing pouch to protect its offspring while digging. Wombats are mainly nocturnal, feeding on grasses and roots, and are known for their slow but surprisingly sprint-capable speed.
Australia is also home to the saltwater crocodile, the world's largest living reptile, found in the northern wetlands and tidal estuaries. These formidable predators can grow to over 20 feet in length and are powerful swimmers. The Great White Shark, another apex predator, patrols the southern coastal waters, revered and misunderstood, gracefully embodying the wild spirit of Australia's oceans.
Other unique Australian creatures include the echidna, with its distinctive spines and mating rituals, and the platypus, a semi-aquatic, duck-billed, and venomous creature. The dingo, a controversial and misunderstood animal, is classed as a unique species with incredible agility and intelligence. Quokkas and tree kangaroos are also found in zoos and wildlife parks across Australia.
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Rock art and archaeology
Australia is home to more than 100,000 rock art sites, which are considered sacred by the First Nations peoples. Rock art in Australia is typically created using two main design types: the first involves engraved geometric forms such as circles, arcs, and dots, while the second creates figurative forms like silhouettes of humans or animals. These figures can vary in complexity, ranging from simple outlines to intricate depictions showcasing the internal organs of living beings.
The rock art and archaeological site at Karnatukul in the Western Desert cultural region is one of the oldest known inhabited sites in Australia, with evidence of occupation dating back 25,000 years. This site showcases one of the earliest uses of firewood and provides valuable insights into human resilience during periods of extreme climate change and desertification.
The oldest examples of rock art have been discovered in Western Australia's Pilbara region and the Olary district of South Australia, with estimates dating them to around 40,000 years ago. These ancient artworks provide a glimpse into the lives of people who inhabited Australia tens of thousands of years ago.
In April 2025, a study led by Dr. Ana Paula Motta uncovered a new rock art style in the north-east Kimberley region. Known as the Linear Naturalistic Figures (LNF) style, it features large, naturalistic depictions of animals, often macropods, outlined with strong linear strokes. The discovery of this unique artistic phase contributes to our understanding of the social, spiritual, and environmental changes that occurred in ancient Australia.
Australia's deserts cover approximately 18% of the mainland, or about 1,371,000 square kilometres. However, when including areas that receive minimal rainfall, this number expands to roughly 35% of the continent. The Great Australian Desert is a diverse landscape, encompassing semi-desert grasslands, mountainous regions, salt pans, stony deserts, and more. Australia is also home to the world's largest population of feral camels, a testament to the arid conditions prevalent in many parts of the country.
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Desert island holidays
Australia is a country of contrasts, with a diverse landscape that includes both arid deserts and tropical islands. While the country is largely a wide brown land of vivid desert, it is also home to over 8,000 stunning islands, offering a range of holiday experiences from remote and rugged nature-based escapes to luxurious resort getaways.
For those seeking a desert island holiday, Australia's vast expanse of isolated and undeveloped desert regions can provide a unique and adventurous experience. The Great Australian Desert, covering around 18% of the mainland, offers a diverse range of semi-desert landscapes, from grassy plains to red sand dunes and rocky outcrops. With relatively high rainfall compared to other deserts, it supports a variety of wildlife, including the world's largest population of feral camels.
One can explore the ancient rock art and archaeological sites of the Western Desert, dating back 25,000 years, or venture into the Pilbara region of Western Australia to discover rock art estimated to be around 40,000 years old. The isolated desert regions provide a true sense of remoteness and a connection to the ancient history of the land.
However, for those seeking a more relaxed and indulgent island holiday, Australia's tropical islands offer pristine beaches, lush greenery, and crystal-clear waters. Lizard Island, nestled in the Great Barrier Reef, provides an exceptional "barefoot luxury" experience with private beaches and exclusive plunge pools. Hamilton Island, also within the Great Barrier Reef, offers a range of accommodation options, from family-friendly hotels to adults-only luxury resorts.
Whether it's the sense of adventure in the vast desert or the tranquil beauty of tropical islands, Australia's diverse island landscape caters to a range of holiday experiences to suit every traveller's fancy. From exploring nature and ancient history to indulging in luxurious comforts, Australia's islands provide unique and memorable escapes.
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Frequently asked questions
No, Australia is not a desert island. However, it is the driest inhabited continent, with the least fertile soils. About 18% of the Australian mainland is covered by deserts, but about 35% of the Australian continent receives so little rain that it is practically desert.
The Australian desert features semi-desert grassy or mountainous landscapes, xeric shrubs, salt pans, stony deserts, red sand dunes, sandstone mesas, rocky plains, open tree savannahs, and bushland with a few rivers and salt lakes. The Great Australian Desert is also home to the largest population of feral camels in the world.
Yes, Daydream Island, nestled among the 74 Whitsunday Islands, is often referred to as a "desert island paradise." The island offers an environmentally-friendly hub, a conservation site for underwater wildlife, and breathtaking views across the Whitsunday Passage.
A desert is typically defined as a desolate, uninhabited region that receives less than 250 to 500 millimeters of precipitation annually. Semi-deserts, on the other hand, receive slightly more precipitation, enough to support some vegetation that protects the land surface from weathering.
