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Welcome to the Australian Museum website

The Australian Museum is closed to the public until mid-2020 to enable a major renovation. Project Discover is creating a renewed museum to match its world-class collection.
In this section, there's a wealth of information about our collections of scientific specimens and cultural objects. Come and explore what our researchers, curators and education programs have to offer!
In this section, explore all the different ways you can be a part of the Museum's groundbreaking research, as well as come face-to-face with our dedicated staff. Join us, volunteer and be a part of our journey of discovery!

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Citizen science
Streamwatch
Water and catchment
The water cycle

The water cycle

Author(s)

Greg McDonald
Updated

13/12/18
Read time

A minute

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Water cycle diagram

The water cycle — The water that existed on the earth millions of years ago is still with us today. Image: -
© Australian Museum

water cycle

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Also in this section

Water around the world
Why is water important?
NSW catchments
Water properties
What is fresh water?
The managed water cycle
Be waterwise
Drinking Water

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Striped Marsh Frog (Limnodynastes peronii)

Striped Marsh Frog

One of the most common frogs of the eastern coast of Australia, the Striped Marsh Frog is found from northern Queensland to Tasmania.

Limnodynastes peronii

Dragonflies and damselflies: Order Odonata

Dragonflies and damselflies are large, conspicuous insects generally found near freshwater habitats. They are an ancient and successful group that was around long before the dinosaurs evolved.

Damselfly life cycle - Austrolestes sp.

Damselfly life cycle

Damselflies are insects. They have three stages in their life cycle: egg - larva - adult. They have a long and slender abdomen, two pairs of wings and three pairs of long legs. They also have very large eyes.

Close-up of wood texture

Learning resources

Learning resources organised by topics including culture, natural history and science.

Bugwise
Sustainability at home
Australia over time

Explore the topics

What is Waterbug Watch?

Waterbug Watch is a new citizen science initiative extending beyond traditional water quality monitoring programs.

Huntsman spider and its worm parasite

Gordian Worms

Gordian Worms

Spotted Marsh Frog Life cycle, Limnodynastes tasmaniensis

Spotted Marsh Frog Life cycle

The life cycle of a Spotted Marsh Frog, Limnodynastes tasmaniensis.

Citizen Science Grant Announcement

Water and catchment

Learn about the value of water and how we manage our waterways and catchments.

Water around the world
Water cycle
Managed water cycle

Green and Golden Bell Frog Life cycle - Litoria aurea

Green and Golden Bell Frog Life cycle

Green and Golden Bell Frogs are amphibians. They have four stages in their life cycle: egg - tadpole - metamorph - adult.

Limnodynastes tasmaniensis

Spotted Marsh Frog

The Spotted Marsh Frog is usually the first frog to colonise new dams, ditches and water-covered areas on disturbed ground.

Limnodynastes tasmaniensis

Cybister tripunctatus

Diving Beetle life cycle

Diving beetles are insects. They have four stages in their life cycle: egg - larva - pupa - adult. They have a streamlined shape, a pair of thin antennae and three pairs of legs. Their back legs have a thick fringe of swimming hairs.

Rhinella marina, Border Ranges NP

Cane Toad

The Cane Toad is tough and adaptable, as well as being poisonous throughout its life cycle, and has few predators in Australia.

Rhinella marina

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The Australian Museum respects and acknowledges the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation as the First Peoples and Traditional Custodians of the land and waterways on which the Museum stands.
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This website may contain names, images and voices of deceased Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

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