Understanding Australia’s precious water resources and unique climate

Australia is the driest of all inhabited continents with considerable variation in rainfall, temperature and weather patterns across its different climate zones. Here's why this vast land boasts one of the planet's most unique climates.

Lake Eildon was built in the 1950's to provide irrigation water for the Goulburn Valley Credit: Construction Photography/Avalon/Getty Images

Key Points

• Australia is the driest of all inhabited continents, periods of drought are common which bring hot weather and the risk of bushfires.
• There are many different climate zones across Australia, classified by variations in temperature and humidity, vegetation, and seasonal rainfall.
• Water is precious in Australia, with fragile ecosystems under threat from climate change, natural disasters, land clearing and other intensive human activities.