<P> Australia 's climate is governed largely by its size and by the hot , sinking air of the subtropical high pressure belt . This moves north and south with the seasons . But it is variable , with frequent droughts lasting several seasons -- thought to be caused in part by the El Niño - Southern Oscillation . The climate varies widely due to its large geographical size , but by far the largest part of Australia is desert or semi-arid . Only the south - east and south - west corners have a temperate climate and moderately fertile soil . The northern part of the country has a tropical climate , varied between tropical rainforests , grasslands and desert . </P>
<P> Australia 's climate is governed largely by its size and by the hot , sinking air of the subtropical high pressure belt . This moves north and south with the seasons . But it is variable , with frequent droughts lasting several seasons -- thought to be caused in part by the El Niño - Southern Oscillation . The climate varies widely due to its large geographical size , but by far the largest part of Australia is desert or semi-arid . Only the south - east and south - west corners have a temperate climate and moderately fertile soil . The northern part of the country has a tropical climate , varied between tropical rainforests , grasslands and desert . </P>
most of australia has one of the what climates
most of australia has one of the what climates
desert or semi-arid
desert or semi-arid