The distribution of rainforest (black) and giant eucalypt forest (blue) along the east coast of the Australian continent.

<p>The orange-coloured regions are open vegetation (including savanna and open eucalypt woodland). The ecotonal nature of giant eucalypt forest is most pronounced in tropical north Queensland, where giant eucalypt forests form narrow bands between rainforest and savanna (spatial extent exaggerated for clarity), and in cool temperate Tasmania, where giant eucalypt forests form a broad transition between the west and the eastern parts of the island. The inset images feature representative rainforests, giant eucalypt forests and open vegetation of the tropical and temperate zones. Note the taller stature and open canopy of giant eucalypts relative to rainforest in the understoreys.