Lyla Lindsey
The Great Dividing Range, also known as the Eastern Highlands, is a cordillera system in eastern Australia consisting of a collection of mountain ranges, plateaus, and rolling hills. It is the world's fifth-longest land-based mountain chain and the longest entirely within a single country. The range is eastern Australia's principal water source, providing drinking water to over 10 million people. It also serves as the definitive watershed for the river systems in eastern Australia. The Great Dividing Range has a wide variety of vegetation throughout its length, with rainforests providing a home to diverse wildlife.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Great Dividing Range, Eastern Highlands, Great Divide, Eastern Cordillera, Eastern Australian Cordillera |
| Location | Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania |
| Length | 2,300 miles (3,700 km) or 3,500 km (2,175 miles) |
| Width | Up to 400 km (249 miles) |
| Elevation | 2,000–3,000 feet (600–900 meters) |
| Highest elevation | 5,000 feet (1,500 meters) in the Bellenden Ker, McPherson Ranges, and Lamington Plateau |
| Highest mountain | Mount Kosciusko, 7,310 feet (2,228 meters) |
| Watershed | Yes |
| Water source | Yes, for eastern Australia |
| Rivers | Snowy, Murrumbidgee, Lachlan, Darling, Goulburn, Murray, Flinders, Macdonald, Herbert, Condamine, Namoi, Burdekin, Brisbane, Clarence, Hasting, Hunter, Richmond, Mary |
| Vegetation | Rainforests, canyons, alpine areas |
| Wildlife | Diverse |
| Human activity | Agriculture, logging, mining, tourism, conservation |
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What You'll Learn
The Great Dividing Range
This range is an ancient and geologically diverse formation, with a varied and dramatic landscape. The mountains are a mix of rugged, steep-sided peaks, rolling highlands, and open plateau country. The highest peak is Mount Kosciuszko, which rises to 2,228 meters (7,310 feet) and is located in the Australian Alps, in New South Wales. Other notable peaks include Mount Barney (1,359 meters or 4,459 feet) in Queensland, and Mount Bogong (1,986 meters or 6,516 feet) in Victoria, which is the highest peak in that state.
This mountain range has played an important role in the history and development of Australia. For the indigenous people, the mountains were a rich source of natural resources and a vital part of their cultural heritage, with many sacred sites located within the range. For early European settlers, the mountains provided a challenge to exploration and settlement, and the range became a key transport route, with many historic towns and settlements located along its length. Today, the Great Dividing Range remains an important cultural and recreational destination, with many national parks, hiking trails, and ski resorts located within its boundaries.
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The Eastern Highlands
The range is the source of several important rivers, including the Snowy, Murrumbidgee, and Lachlan Rivers. These rivers provide water for irrigation and hydroelectric power plants, as well as supporting a variety of ecosystems. The Great Dividing Range also plays a significant role in Australia's climate, with the sharp rise between the coastal lowlands and the eastern uplands influencing orographic precipitation patterns.
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The Snowy Mountains
Today, the Snowy Mountains offer a range of activities for visitors, including skiing, snowboarding, hiking, wine tasting, and exploring heritage sites. The region is also known for its charming country pubs, offering a unique experience for those exploring the area. The Snowy Mountains Airport, located near Cooma, provides easy access to the region, making it a popular destination for outdoor adventures and nature enthusiasts.
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The Australian Alps
The Victorian Alps are also known as the "High Country", a name that is particularly used within a cultural or historical context. The Australian Alps are not as high or as steep as the European Alps, New Zealand's Southern Alps, or the Andes Mountains. Most of their peaks can be reached without using mountaineering equipment. The highest peak in the Australian Alps is Mount Kosciuszko, which rises to 2,228 metres (7,310 ft) above sea level. Mount Kosciuszko is also the highest mountain in Australia.
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The Blue Mountains
The Great Dividing Range, also known as the Eastern Highlands, is a cordillera system in eastern Australia consisting of a collection of mountain ranges, plateaus, and rolling hills. Stretching over 3,500 kilometres (2,175 miles), it is Australia's most extensive mountain range and the fifth-longest land-based mountain chain globally. The Great Dividing Range serves as the primary watershed for the river systems in eastern Australia and influences the region's climate through orographic precipitation.
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Frequently asked questions
The Great Dividing Range, also known as the Eastern Highlands, is a cordillera system in eastern Australia consisting of an expansive collection of mountain ranges, plateaus and rolling hills.
The Great Dividing Range is the fifth-longest land-based mountain chain in the world and the longest entirely within a single country. It stretches more than 3,500 kilometres (2,175 miles) from Dauan Island in the Torres Strait off the northern tip of Cape York Peninsula, Queensland, running through New South Wales and turning west across Victoria.
Mount Kosciusko, at 7,310 feet (2,228 metres), is Australia's highest mountain and is located in the Snowy Mountains in the southern part of the Great Dividing Range.
The Great Dividing Range is the source of virtually all of eastern Australia's water supply, both through runoff caught in dams and the Great Artesian Basin. The Snowy River flows down the eastern slope, while the Darling, Lachlan, Murrumbidgee, and Goulburn rivers drain the western slope.
