Australia's Three Physical Regions: Western Plateau, Central Lowlands, Eastern Highlands

1. Western Plateau (~2/3 of continent)

Ancient, stable shield; vast deserts and rugged ranges.

• Great Sandy, Tanami, Gibson Deserts
• Pilbara region (mineral-rich)
• MacDonnell Ranges
• Nullarbor Plain

2. Central Lowlands

Between Western Plateau and Eastern Highlands; sedimentary basins.

• Murray-Darling Basin (agricultural heartland)
• Great Artesian Basin (groundwater)
• Darling & Murray Rivers
• Flinders Ranges

3. Eastern Highlands (Great Dividing Range)

Coastal mountain chain; temperate climate; most population.

• Great Dividing Range
• Snowy Mountains (highest peaks)
• Blue Mountains
• Atherton Tableland
• Central Coast
• Great Barrier Reef (offshore)

These regions define Australia's climate, resources, and settlement patterns.