Great Dividing Range

The Great Dividing Range is the main mountain system along eastern Australia, running roughly 3,500 kilometres and forming a complex of plateaus, uplands and high peaks. It shapes climate, rivers and ecosystems along much of the eastern seaboard.

Visitors find a mix of sandstone escarpments, alpine meadows, deep forested gorges and developed national parks such as the Blue Mountains and the Snowy Mountains. Recreational activities include hiking, rock climbing, scenic drives and winter skiing in higher zones.

The range contains many distinct regions and protected areas, each with different access points from nearby cities and towns.

The Great Dividing Range is an ancient landform shaped over geological time and has influenced settlement, transportation routes and agricultural patterns in eastern Australia.

It runs parallel to the east coast from northeastern Queensland through New South Wales and into Victoria, lying close to major cities such as Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne at various points along its length.

• Length: The range extends for roughly 3,500 kilometres along Australia’s eastern seaboard, from northeastern Queensland through New South Wales to Victoria.
• Highest point: Mount Kosciuszko at 2,228 metres is the highest point on the Australian mainland and a common hiking destination in summer.

What to See#

• Mount Kosciuszko: Australia’s highest mainland peak at 2,228 metres, located in the Snowy Mountains and a focal point for alpine activities.
• Blue Mountains: A dissected sandstone plateau west of Sydney characterised by deep gorges, dramatic cliffs and World Heritage-listed eucalypt forests.
• Snowy Mountains and Victorian Alps: Highland ranges and ski fields in New South Wales and Victoria that host winter skiing and summer hiking across alpine meadows.

Access depends on which section of the range is of interest. Major approaches include the Hume Highway from Sydney to the Victorian Alps, the Great Western Highway into the Blue Mountains, and the Bruce Highway and inland roads into Queensland’s uplands. Train and coach services reach many regional gateways; driving allows flexibility to inspect the range’s varied terrain.

• Plan driving routes with extra time - the Great Dividing Range is long and contains many single-lane mountain passes and switchbacks.
• Explore the range in sections: the Blue Mountains (NSW), the Victorian Alps, and the hinterland ranges near Brisbane each offer distinct landscapes and shorter, memorable hikes.
• Check fire danger ratings in summer - public access for some trails and parks is restricted during high-risk periods.