This drought occurred across most of Australia between 1918 and 1920 and is considered to be one of the nation’s major droughts.

New South Wales

The drought was particularly severe in the northern, western and central parts of the state. Bushfires and heatwaves were common. By February 1919, Sydney was on water restrictions. In October 1919 the government paid a £1 million grant to farmers, due to low yields on wheat, reduction in butter production. Sheep losses were approximately 10 million.

Tasmania

The orchards in the Derwent Valley were hard hit and in many areas water was carted by rail.

Queensland

By the end of 1918, the whole of the state was affected. Many rivers dried up. Darling Downs and surrounding areas were worst hit. The farming sector was severely impacted with reduced production in wheat, sugar and butter; and sheep losses totalled approximately 1.5 million.

Victoria

The drought impact was much less severe in Victoria than the other states.

South Australia

Lake Eyre and surrounding districts were affected the most. Some crops were a total failure resulting in low wheat yield. Many sheep and cattle perished.

Western Australia

Sheep and cattle losses were high in the Fortescue area. Droughts effects were also significant in the Kimberley and around Murchison.

Northern Territory

The drought hit the whole of the Territory but conditions were worse in the central parts reaching disaster levels when the number of sheep fell by 85 per cent.