An introduction containing statistics regarding river lengths, basin size, populations and human dependence on the Basin. Also discussed are geological time scales, geological formations, topographical terminology, ice ages and changing sea levels. The Murray-Darling Basin is a vast fertile region in the south-east of New South Wales. One of the world's longest river systems, it is host to a thriving agricultural region and a fascinating human history. Intensive farming since the 1800s is now taking its toll on the environment. If the region is to continue as an agricultural bowl then the issue of sustainable development needs to be addressed.