<P> Because Australia is a small continent , separated from polar regions by the Southern Ocean , it is not subject to the movements of frigid polar air that sweep over Northern Hemisphere continents during winter . Consequently , its winter is relatively mild , so that there is n't the great contrast between summer and winter temperatures there is in the northern continents . Yet in many parts of the country , seasonal highs and lows can be considerable : temperatures have ranged from above 50 ° C ( 122 ° F ) to well below zero . Nonetheless , minimum temperatures are moderated . </P>
why is australia hot when it 's not near the equator
it is not subject to the movements of frigid polar air that sweep over Northern Hemisphere continents during winter