The eastern portion of the continental shelf was formed 

 during this period, first by flexing, and secondly by erosion 

 and sedimentation. The Great Barrier Reef was also 

 outlined at this stage. 



The inland and coastal areas became isolated from each 

 other by the formation of the Plateau, and the old uniform 

 flora was replaced by types distinct from each other and 

 from the flora of the pre "Kosciusko" Period. 



Malayasia appears to have been separated from Australia 

 and New Guinea during an earlier period, while New Guinea 

 and Tasmania appear to have been separated from Australia 

 at the commencement of the "Kosciusko" Period. A 

 stream of New Guinea life had entered Australia previously 

 from the north, and a stream of Antarctic life had entered 

 Australia by way of Tasmania. It is probable, however* 

 that in both cases the isolation was not at all complete 

 until the submergence during the Human Period. 



After the Kosciusko Period (close of the Tertiary) was 

 well spent, the Glaciation of Kosciusko, of the Fainter 

 High Plains (?) of Victoria and of Tasmania occurred. A 

 phase of coast submergence was ushered in at a still later 

 period, and to it are due both the present form and the 

 width of the continental shelf, as also that of the Great 

 Barrier Reef of Queensland. The harbours of Eastern 

 Australia, as also the complete isolation of New Guinea 

 and Tasmania from, the mainland are due to this movement. 



In this late and post Tertiary history of Eastern 

 Australia, one important fact stands out, and that is the 

 geographical unity of the Eastern continent. 



(i.) The Tertiary peneplain extended from north to south 

 across the continent. The flora was uniform and evidenced 

 a mild to tropical climate. 



