The Great Dividing Range is a major mountain range located in eastern Australia. It extends over 3,500 kilometers (2,175 miles) from the northeastern tip of Queensland through New South Wales and into Victoria. It is one of Australia's most significant geographical features.

1. GREAT DIVIDING RANGE
SUBMITTED TO -
AR. LAVEENA RAJPUT
H I L L A R C H I T E C T U R E
R I M T C O L L E G E O F A R C H I T E C T U R E , M A N D I
G O B I N D G A R H , P U N J A B

2. THE GREAT
DIVIDING RANGE
The Great Dividing Range is a major mountain range located in eastern Australia. It
extends over 3,500 kilometers (2,175 miles) from the northeastern tip of Queensland
through New South Wales and into Victoria. It is one of Australia's most significant
geographical features.
The range plays a crucial role in Australia's geography and climate as it acts as a
watershed, separating the eastern coastal areas from the inland regions. Rainfall on
the eastern side of the range flows towards the Pacific Ocean, while the western side,
often referred to as the "rain shadow" side, is drier with less precipitation.
HILL ARCHITECTURE, SEM 9TH THE GREAT DIVIDING RANGE
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The Great Dividing Range consists of a complex of mountain ranges,
plateaus, upland areas and escarpments.
COUNTRY : AUSTRALIA
STATES/DISTRICTS :New South Wales,
Queensland, Victoria and
Australian Capital Territory
COORDINATES : 25°S 147°E
HIGHEST POINT : MOUNT KOSCIUSZKO [2,228 m (7,310 ft]

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WHY IT IS CALLED AS GREAT DIVIDING
RANGE ?
The Great Dividing Range is called so because it serves as a significant
geographical feature that divides the eastern part of Australia from the
western inland regions. It acts as a watershed, determining the direction in
which water flows.
TOPOGRAPHICALLY, the Great Divide begins in
Queensland, where the elevation averages 600-900 meters. However, it
rises to over 1,500 meters in Bellenden Ker Range. Further south, the
range’s elevation averages 900 meters. The Australian Alps, straddling
the Victoria-New South Wales border, is Australia’s highest mountain
range, containing peaks rising over 2,000 meters above sea level. The
Alps is divided into Victorian Alps and Snowy Mountains. The Snowy
Mountains hosts the country’s five tallest peaks, including Mount
Kosciuszko (2,228 meters)

4. L O C A T I O N M A P
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C O U N T R Y : A U S T R A L I A
C O N T I N E N T: A U S T R A L I A
The Great Dividing Range is primarily located in
Australia, which is both a country and a
continent. It runs through several states of
Australia, including Queensland, New South
Wales, and Victoria.

5. The highest areas of the Australian continent are found in the Great Dividing Range,
which divides the east coast from the remainder of the less contoured and more barren
inland areas. There is a wide variety of vegetation throughout its length. Rainforests
provide home and shelter to a diversity of wildlife. Steep, wooded canyons fall below an
elevated sandstone plateau. The snowfields of the Australian Alps complete the tableau.
The Range was considered a formidable barrier to westward migration of European
settlers until 1813 when a suitable route was discovered by the pioneering party of
Gregory Blaxland. Following this the development of the agricultural districts of inland
New South Wales began. Today New South Wales is an area of rich resources
for agriculture, logging, and mining. Australia's principal rivers run through the Range.
The river system provides water for irrigation for drier lands on the range's western slope,
and power for hydroelectric power plants. Its great variety of mountain ranges, national
parks and skiing areas provide a major tourist industry. The Great Dividing Range
continues to play an important role in the development of the Australian nation.
INTRODUCTION HISTORY
The Great Dividing Range is a very long line of mountains in Australia. It was
created a very, very long time ago, around 300 million years ago. The
mountains formed when the land was pushed up because of the movement of
the Earth's plates.
Before European settlers arrived, Indigenous Aboriginal people lived in this
area and had a strong connection to the land. In the early 1800s, European
explorers like Gregory Blaxland crossed these mountains, which made it
easier for European people to settle in the lands on the other side.
The land on the eastern side of the range is very fertile, which means it's good
for farming. So, people started growing crops and raising animals there. It
played a big role in Australia's early agricultural history, especially in the
wool industry.
The Great Dividing Range is also home to many unique plants and animals
found only in this part of the world. It's important for protecting these special
species, so there are many national parks and protected areas in this region.
Today, the range affects the weather, water, and transportation in
Australia. It's a popular place for people to visit, with lots of
opportunities for hiking, camping, and enjoying the outdoors. So, in
simple words, the Great Dividing Range is a very old mountain range in
Australia with a long history of people living there and is now a great
place for nature and outdoor activities.

7. CLIMATE
The Great Dividing Range in Australia has a varied climate. Coastal areas
have mild, temperate weather with consistent rainfall, while higher
elevations are cooler and may experience snow. The western side is drier
due to a rain shadow effect. The range exhibits distinct seasons, and
microclimates create diverse ecosystems and vegetation…
• In the coastal areas, temperatures can range from mild to warm, with
summer highs averaging around 25-30°C (77-86°F) and winter lows
around 10-15°C (50-59°F).
• At higher elevations, temperatures can be cooler, and snowfall is possible
during the winter months. Winter temperatures may drop below freezing,
especially at night.

8. THE GREAT DIVIDING RANGE -
ARCHITECTURAL STYLE
The Great Dividing Range is a prominent geographical feature in eastern Australia. It is a vast
mountain range that stretches roughly 3,500 kilometers (2,175 miles) from the northeastern tip of
Queensland, down through New South Wales, and into the northeastern part of Victoria. The
architecture style in the Great Dividing Range region varies significantly due to its vast expanse
and diverse landscapes.
TRADITIONAL AUSTRALIAN HOMESTEADS:
Many areas in the Great Dividing Range feature traditional Australian homesteads, which
are characterized by their practicality and adaptability to the environment. These structures
are often made of local materials and designed to withstand the sometimes harsh climate
and terrain. They typically have wide verandas, corrugated iron roofs, and are single-story,
reflecting a response to the hot, dry summers and the need for shade and protection from the
elements.
COLONIALAND FEDERATION STYLE:
In some parts of the Great Dividing Range, you'll find architectural influences from the
colonial and Federation eras. These styles incorporate Victorian and Edwardian design
elements, including ornate facades, decorative fretwork, and gabled roofs. Buildings from
this period often have a blend of local materials and imported architectural elements,
creating a unique fusion of styles.
ALPINE AND MOUNTAIN CHALETS:
In the higher elevations of the Great Dividing Range, particularly in the Snowy Mountains
of New South Wales and Victoria, you'll find alpine-style architecture. These buildings
often have steeply pitched roofs to shed snow, exposed timber framing, and cozy, warm
interiors to accommodate the cold winters. This style is reminiscent of European mountain
chalets.
Fig.1 Traditional Australian Homesteads
Fig.2 Colonial And Federation Style

9. THE GREAT DIVIDING RANGE -
ARCHITECTURAL STYLE
CONTEMPORARY AND SUSTAINABLE DESIGN:
In more recent years, there has been a growing trend toward contemporary and
sustainable architectural design. Many houses and structures in the Great Dividing
Range now incorporate eco-friendly materials, passive solar design, and energy-
efficient features to adapt to the region's environmental challenges.
RURAL AND AGRICULTURAL STRUCTURES:
Throughout the region, you'll find a wide variety of rural and agricultural buildings,
including barns, sheds, and silos. These structures are functional and utilitarian, often
constructed with local materials to serve the needs of the agricultural and farming
communities in the area.
BUSHFIRE-RESISTANT DESIGN:
Due to the increased risk of bushfires in the region, modern architectural designs often
incorporate bushfire-resistant features such as fire-resistant materials, ember-proofing,
and defensible space planning to protect homes and structures.
Fig. 3 Bushfire – Resistant Design
Fig.5
Bushfire-
Resistant
design
Fig.4

10. THE GREAT DIVIDING RANGE -
CONSTRUCTION TECHNIQUES
The construction techniques used in the Great Dividing Range, like in many other regions,
have evolved over time and vary depending on the specific purpose of the construction,
available resources, and environmental conditions.
TIMBER CONSTRUCTION:
Timber has been a popular building material in the Great Dividing Range due to the
abundance of forests in the region. Traditional timber construction techniques include
post-and-beam structures, log cabins, and timber-framed buildings. Local hardwoods,
such as eucalyptus, have been commonly used due to their durability and strength.
STONE MASONRY:
In areas where suitable stone resources are available, stone masonry has been a
prevalent construction technique. Dry stone walls and mortared stone buildings are
often found in the region. These structures provide good insulation and can withstand
the test of time, making them ideal for the harsh climate.
ADOBE AND RAMMED EARTH:
In some parts of the Great Dividing Range, particularly in the drier inland areas,
adobe and rammed earth construction techniques have been employed. These methods
involve using earth or clay mixed with straw to create durable walls. Adobe and
rammed earth structures offer natural insulation and are well-suited to the region's
climate.
Fig. Adobe And Rammed Earth
Fig. Stone Masonry

11. THE GREAT DIVIDING RANGE -
CONSTRUCTION TECHNIQUES
STEELAND METAL FRAMING:
Modern construction techniques in the Great Dividing Range often incorporate steel and metal
framing for structural support. Steel is used for the construction of large commercial and
industrial buildings, bridges, and other infrastructure projects.
BUSHFIRE-RESISTANT BUILDING TECHNIQUES:
Given the region's vulnerability to bushfires, construction techniques often include bushfire-
resistant features. These may involve using fire-resistant building materials, ember-proofing
measures, and creating defensible spaces around structures to reduce the risk of fire damage.
SUSTAINABLE AND ENERGY-EFFICIENT DESIGN:
In recent years, there has been an increasing focus on sustainable and energy-efficient
construction techniques. This includes the use of passive solar design, energy-efficient
insulation, and environmentally friendly building materials to reduce the ecological footprint
of buildings in the region.
EARTHQUAKE-RESISTANT CONSTRUCTION:
While Australia is not known for having high seismic activity, some areas within the Great
Dividing Range can be subject to minor earthquakes. In such cases, construction techniques
incorporate earthquake-resistant design and materials to enhance structural safety.
Fig. Earthquake-resistant
Construction
Fig. Sustainable And Energy-
efficient Design

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SYDNEY, NEW SOUTH WALES
Sydney is the capital city of the state of New South Wales, and the most populous city
in Australia., and it is situated on the eastern coast of the country, near the Great Dividing
Range.
LOCATION: Sydney is located in New South Wales, along the southeastern coast of Australia.
While it is not directly within the Great Dividing Range, it is relatively close to the foothills of
the range.
CLIMATE: The Great Dividing Range has a significant influence on Sydney's climate. The
range affects weather patterns and rainfall distribution, with the coastal side receiving more
moderate, temperate weather, while the western side of the range experiences a more arid
climate. Sydney enjoys a temperate maritime climate with mild winters and warm summers,
thanks in part to its coastal location influenced by the range.
Mean max temp Mean min temp Annual rainfall
22.8 °C
73 °F
14.7 °C
58 °F
1,149.7 mm
45.3 in

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The Great Dividing Range has
influenced the historical development of Sydney and
the surrounding region. Early colonial exploration and
settlement in Australia were shaped by the presence of
these mountains, as they presented both barriers and
opportunities for inland expansion.
In terms of recreation and tourism, the Great Dividing
Range provides numerous outdoor activities and
scenic vistas for Sydneysiders and visitors alike.
National parks, hiking trails, and other recreational
opportunities in the mountains are easily accessible
from the city, offering a natural escape from the urban
environment.
In summary, the Great Dividing Range's proximity to
Sydney has an impact on the city's climate, historical
development, and recreational opportunities, making
it an essential part of Sydney's geographical and
environmental context.
SYDNEY, situated in New South Wales, Australia, is a
vibrant and dynamic metropolis renowned for its stunning harbor,
iconic landmarks, and cultural diversity. With a rich history dating
back to its colonial origins in the late 18th century, the city boasts a
mix of architectural styles that include colonial, Victorian, Art Deco,
and modernist influences. Sydney's architectural tapestry spans from
the historic streets of The Rocks to contemporary skyscrapers that
define its skyline. The Sydney Opera House, a globally recognized
masterpiece of modern architecture, and the Sydney Harbor Bridge
symbolize the city's ingenuity and charm. With a thriving arts scene,
world-class dining, beautiful beaches, and a diverse multicultural
population, Sydney is a global city where history and innovation
seamlessly coexist.

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BRISBANE
BRISBANE is the capital city of the Australian state of QUEENSLAND and is located
near the eastern foothills of the Great Dividing Range. While Brisbane itself is not
situated directly within the range, it is close enough to be influenced by its geography
and climate.
1.LOCATION: Brisbane is situated in the southeastern part of Queensland, along the
eastern coast of Australia. The city is approximately 100 kilometers (about 62 miles)
from the eastern edge of the Great Dividing Range.
2.CLIMATE: The proximity to the Great Dividing Range has a notable impact on
Brisbane's climate. The mountains influence weather patterns, often leading to more
rainfall on the eastern side of the range. Brisbane experiences a subtropical climate with
warm, humid summers and mild winters, partly due to its location on the eastern side of
the mountains.
Mean max temp Mean min temp Annual rainfall
25.4 °C
78 °F
15.7 °C
60 °F
1,036 mm
40.8 in

15. Thank You
HILL ARCHITECTURE, SEM 9TH THE GREAT DIVIDING RANGE
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SUBMITTED BY -
JASHANJIT KAUR
ANURAG SINGLA
B.ARCH – SEMESTER 9TH