Which parts of Queensland receive the heaviest rainfall?

In Queensland, rainfall patterns are heavily influenced by the state's topography and proximity to the coast. The heaviest precipitation occurs in a limited coastal zone in northern Queensland, where prevailing southeast winds bring copious year-round rainfall, resulting in annual totals of up to 180 inches (4,575 mm).1

Additionally, the Eastern Uplands—a complex zone of highlands running along the eastern third of the state—attract high rainfall due to their elevation. Within this region, the Atherton Tableland in northeastern Queensland also experiences relatively high rainfall, which, combined with fertile volcanic soils, supports significant agricultural activity.23

In contrast, precipitation declines significantly as one moves from the coast toward the interior, with the southwestern regions receiving the least amount of rainfall.1