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List of Deserts in Australia

Australia is not only famous for its beaches, cities, and wildlife — it also has some of the largest and most striking desert landscapes in the world. These arid regions cover nearly 18% of the mainland and are mostly found in the central and western parts of the country. Spread across various states in Australia, these deserts are known for their unique ecosystems, red sand dunes, and breathtaking views.

While the capital of Australia, Canberra, is far from the desert zones, these dry inland areas play a crucial role in Australia’s geography, climate, and even economy. Though they are sparsely populated, some deserts are important for mining — one of the major Australia exports. The time you experience in the desert regions often reflects the local time in Australia, which can vary by state. Surprisingly, even in these dry areas, you may find unique outback communities and traditional Australia food rooted in Aboriginal culture.

Now, let’s explore the list of deserts in Australia, arranged alphabetically for easy reference.

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List of Deserts in Australia – Alphabetically

Great Sandy Desert

Located in Western Australia and the Northern Territory, it is Australia’s second-largest desert.
Known for its red dunes, spinifex grasses, and Aboriginal communities.

Great Victoria Desert

The largest desert in Australia, stretching across Western Australia and South Australia.
Rich in biodiversity and home to several Indigenous protected areas.

Little Desert

Located in Victoria, near the South Australian border.
Despite its name, it supports a variety of plant and animal life.

Simpson Desert

Covers parts of Queensland, South Australia, and the Northern Territory.
Famous for its long, parallel red sand dunes and remote outback tracks.

Sturt Stony Desert

Located mainly in South Australia, with parts extending into Queensland and New South Wales.
Characterized by rocky plains and extreme arid conditions.

Strzelecki Desert

Found in South Australia, with parts stretching into Queensland and New South Wales.
Named after the Polish explorer Paul Strzelecki, it’s known for its sand dunes and salt lakes.

Tanami Desert

Located in the Northern Territory and partly in Western Australia.
A remote desert with important Aboriginal heritage and mining activities.

Tirari Desert

Found in the northeastern part of South Australia.
Known for its salt lakes and desert vegetation.

Gibson Desert

Situated in central Western Australia.
Known for its red sands, spinifex grasslands, and isolation.

Australia’s deserts offer more than just vast stretches of sand. They are regions rich in Indigenous history, unique ecosystems, and natural resources. Spread across multiple states in Australia, these deserts highlight the country’s incredible geographic diversity. While they may be far from the bustling cities like the Australia Capital—Canberra—they remain a key part of what makes the Australian landscape so fascinating. From contributing to Australia exports like minerals to influencing traditional Australia food and culture, the deserts are as significant as they are remote.