ALPS, AUSTRALIAN, term applied somewhat loosely to the mountain massif which occupies the south-easternmost corner of Australia (eastern Victoria and south-eastern New South Wales). In a more localized sense it is applied to the higher ranges which stretch across the Victoria–New South Wales bound ary and form the water-shed between the upper Murray system (Ovens, Mitta-Mitta, Indi rivers) on the north-west, and the streams (Tambo, Snowy river) flowing to the Pacific on the south east, the upper Murrumbidgee, owing probably to events of tec tonic history, partaking of both characters. The term "Alps" as applied to these mountains denotes their general characteristics as massive and seasonally snow-clad highlands rather than their special structural features. In this latter sense they are not "Al pine" mountains, being a powerfully developed "block" massif composed of elevated "horsts" and down-faulted areas (Senkungs felder). This faulting affected an area of comparatively homo geneous topography—a peneplanated surface developed on granitic and Palaeozoic rocks—and diversified it into a series of massive flattish uplands and comparatively roomy depressions. These movements, continuing into late Tertiary times or later (late Pliocene–early Pleistocene) were followed by a local glaciation (Pleistocene–Kosciusko ice age) which further emphasized the flatness of the summit topography. The result is an upper sur face of broad undulating highlands upon which the highest ele vations (Kosciusko, 7,340ft.; a series of heights variously named: 5,000-6,5ooft.) are not distinctly remarkable. The areas of de pression (e.g., Monaro) are occupied by the headwaters of streams, which, owing to the spasmodic nature of the uplifts, have worked out characteristic "valley-in-valley" forms. There are also evidences of extensive river piracy.
The highlands are snow-clad in winter, though the tree-line lies at 5,000f t. and the area of Alpine flora is small. The rocks of these highlands are extensively, if not richly, mineralized and a good deal of mining mainly in small and scattered workings (e.g., Kiandra [alt. 4,64oft.], the highest settlement in Australia; Araluen) is carried on. The valleys and basins have considerable possibilities for closer agricultural settlement, but they and the lower uplands have so far been utilized mainly for pastoral pur poses. There are numerous fine sheep-stations and in the Monaro uplands in particular (Cooma : alt. 2,657 ft.; pop. c. 3,000) are good cattle, grain and fruit lands. The chief importance, however, of the Australian Alps is as a source of water-supply. The snows feed perennially the streams of south-east Australia and are thus the basis of the present and potential development of irrigation agriculture, and of inland navigation, in the adjoining areas. Phys ical features also—particularly the presence of long narrow valleys cut in hard rocks—have facilitated water conservation on a large scale and form thus a foundation of permanent wealth.
In addition, this area is becoming increasingly a national play ground and health-resort. Kosciusko is approached chiefly from the Monaro side (Cooma is a growing tourist centre), and the cor responding Victorian district is the Wangaratta-Bright-Mt. Buf falo tourist route.