Climate
A semi-arid climate makes the Central West a good choice for heat-lovers. During summer, maximum temperatures hit 42 degrees on average, while winter maximums average 23.2 degrees and offer refreshingly cool mornings and nights with little rainfall.
| Summer | Autumn | Winter | Spring |
| Longreach | | | | |
Average Max C | 37 | 30 | 24 | 33 |
Average Min C | 22 | 15 | 8 | 16 |
| Barcaldine | | | | |
Average Max C | 35 | 29 | 23 | 31 |
Average Min C | 22 | 16 | 8 | 17 |
| Blackall | | | | |
Average Max C | 35 | 29 | 23 | 31 |
Average Min C | 22 | 16 | 7 | 16 |
| Winton | | | | |
Average Max C | 37 | 31 | 25 | 34 |
Average Min C | 21 | 17 | 8 | 17 |
| Tambo | | | | |
Average Max C | 34 | 29 | 22 | 30 |
Average Min C | 19 | 13 | 4 | 13 |
| Boulia | | | | |
Average Max C | 38 | 31 | 24 | 33 |
Average Min C | 24 | 17 | 8 | 17 |
Environment
The Central West covers seven biogeographic regions and is the most diverse in Queensland. It ranges from eucalypt woodlands of the Desert Uplands along the Great Dividing Range, through to the Mitchell Grass Downs and the vast flood plains of the Channel Country, to the Simpson Desert dune fields. It also includes the Mount Isa Inlier, significant areas of Mulga Lands and a small part of the Brigalow Belt South.
The Georgina, Diamantina, Cooper Creek and Burdekin catchments make up the water catchment areas of the region. The Central West region is part of the Queensland section of Lake Eyre Basin.
The Desert Channels Queensland
community information paper provides more information on the climate and environment of the Central West Queensland region.