Great Dividing Range | |
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Eastern Highlands Great Divide | |
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Highest point | |
Peak | Mount Kosciuszko, Snowy Mountains |
Elevation | 2,228 m (7,310 ft) |
Coordinates | 36°27′00″S 148°16′0″E / 36.45000°S 148.26667°E |
Dimensions | |
Length | 3,500 km (2,200 mi) North–South |
Geography | |
Country | Australia[1] |
States/Districts | New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria and Australian Capital Territory |
Range coordinates | 25°S 147°E / 25°S 147°E |
Geology | |
Age of rock | Carboniferous |
The Great Dividing Range, or the Eastern Highlands, is Australia's largest mountain range. It is the fifth[2] longest land-based range in the world.[3] The range is 3,500 kilometres (2,175 mi) in length and runs along the whole east coast of Australia. In the north it starts from Dauan Island off the northeastern tip of Queensland. In Victoria the range turns west and ends at the Grampians in western Victoria. The width of the range varies from about 160 km (100 mi) to over 300 km (190 mi).[4]
The difference in height between the narrow coastal area and the eastern mountains has affected Australia's climate. This caused by the mountains causing lots of rain as clouds move over them. There are many gorges where the rise is tall.[5]