The Outback

The Outback is the name for the wild, open land in Australia. It covers most of the country. The ground is often red and dry. Not many people live there, but many animals do.

A Hot, Dry Land

The Outback is very hot during the day. It gets very cold at night. There is not much rain. Because of this, the land is full of deserts, rocks, and tough plants that can live without much water.

Red dirt and low bushes cover Australia's wild Outback.
Red dirt and low bushes cover Australia's wild Outback. (Gabriele Delhey / Wikimedia Commons)

Animals of the Outback

Many strange and cool animals live in the Outback. Kangaroos, emus, dingoes, and wombats all call it home. Many kinds of lizards and snakes live there too. The famous rock called Uluru rises out of the land like a giant.

Fun Facts

  • Uluru, also called Ayers Rock, is over 1,100 feet tall.
  • The Outback covers over 2 million square miles.
  • Kids who live there often learn in 'School of the Air' using radios or the internet.

Did You Know?

Uluru is very special to the Aboriginal people, who have lived in Australia for over 60,000 years.