Australia’s geography is characterized by its vast and diverse landscapes, covering an area of about 7.7 million square kilometres, making it the sixth-largest country in the world. The country features a variety of geographical regions, including expansive deserts like the Outback, fertile coastal plains, rugged mountain ranges such as the Great Dividing Range, and lush rainforests in the northeast. Major river systems, including the Murray-Darling Basin, provide essential water resources for agriculture and urban areas. The coastline, stretching over 25,000 kilometres, is dotted with stunning beaches, coral reefs like the Great Barrier Reef, and unique ecosystems that support a rich marine life.

Australia’s climate varies widely due to its large size, ranging from tropical in the north, temperate in the southeast and southwest, to arid in the central regions. The northern regions experience hot and humid summers with distinct wet and dry seasons, while the southern areas enjoy more moderate temperatures and four distinct seasons. The interior, known as the Outback, is characterized by extremely dry conditions, with some areas receiving very little rainfall. These diverse climates support a range of environments, from tropical rainforests to temperate woodlands and arid deserts.

Australia is renowned for its unique wildlife, much of which is found nowhere else on Earth. The country’s isolation has led to the evolution of distinctive species, such as kangaroos, koalas, and wombats, as well as an array of marsupials and monotremes like the platypus and echidna. The diverse habitats also support a rich birdlife, including emus and kookaburras, and a variety of reptiles like the saltwater crocodile and numerous snake species. Australia’s marine environments are equally diverse, hosting the world’s largest coral reef system, the Great Barrier Reef, home to thousands of marine species. Conservation efforts are critical in preserving this unique biodiversity, as many native species face threats from habitat loss, climate change, and invasive species.