"The Sea and Summer" by George Turner is a dystopian novel set in a future Australia where climate change and economic disparity have created a stark divide between the rich and the poor. The story follows the lives of two families, the Kents and the Coulters, as they struggle to survive in a decaying city plagued by extreme weather conditions and social unrest. As tensions rise and the gap between social classes widens, the characters must confront the harsh realities of their world and make difficult choices to ensure their survival.

"The Swan Book" is set in a dystopian future where climate change has wreaked havoc on Australia, transforming it into a landscape of perpetual floods. The story centers around Oblivia Ethylene, a mute and traumatized Aboriginal girl who is found living in a wrecked ship grounded in a tree. She is taken under the wing of Bella Donna, a European woman who marries the first Aboriginal president of Australia. The narrative weaves elements of Aboriginal mythology, environmental disaster, and the political struggles of indigenous peoples, exploring themes of displacement, identity, and resilience.

"On The Beach" is a post-apocalyptic novel that takes place in Australia following a devastating nuclear war. The story follows a group of individuals living in the last remaining city, awaiting their inevitable demise as deadly radiation slowly makes its way towards them. As they confront their mortality, they grapple with the existential dread of living in a world without a future, while also finding solace and connection in their shared experiences.

"The Animals In That Country" by Laura Jean McKay is a gripping and thought-provoking novel set in a near-future Australia. The story follows Jean, a foul-mouthed and alcoholic grandmother, who discovers she has the ability to understand the language of animals after contracting a mysterious virus. As a deadly pandemic spreads across the country, Jean embarks on a journey with a dingo named Sue to find her pregnant daughter and escape the chaos. McKay skillfully explores themes of communication, human-animal relationships, and the fragile nature of society, creating a compelling narrative that challenges our perception of the world around us.