Australian History: GONDWANALAND
The continent of Australia was once part of the greater land mass called Gondwanaland, when todays seven continents were connected to form two continents; the other being Laurasia. Very slowly, the continents began to drift apart to how the continents look today, a slow process over about 4700 million years. About 600 million years ago Australia was divided into two parts by a shallow sea. Then 150, million years ago, much of what is now the desert area of central Australia was covered by a large freshwater lake, which is named Lake Walloon. About 130 million years ago Australia was four large islands, not a whole land mass. Gradually the water lessened and the continent took on the shape we know today.