Southeast Plain

The Southeast Plain is a region within South Australia characterized by its low elevation, with over four-fifths of the state lying below 1,000 feet (300 meters). This area is part of the geologically stable Precambrian shield and features lime-rich deposits from early Cenozoic times.1

Key features of the Southeast Plain include:
* Parallel limestone ridges with intervening flats, which were historically inundated but are now drained for farming.1
* Volcanic cones and craters near Mount Gambier, remnants of eruptions that occurred 5,000 to 10,000 years ago.1

The climate of this region is influenced by maritime factors from the Southern Ocean, resulting in mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers, typical of a Mediterranean climate. This southern fringe of South Australia is well-watered and fertile, supporting most of the state's population.23