Species of Daphnia discovered in Australia during the last 10–15 years have provided important new evidence of an ancient, Pangaean, origin of the genus. Recent biogeographical and genetic work has also suggested an ancient origin for individual species within the D. carinata complex in Australia. The genetic studies highlighted the complexities of population structure in the group. However, in combination with morphometric studies, they also provided solutions to some difficult taxonomic problems. Since the systematic difficulties in the D. carinata complex reflect taxonomic problems fundamental to the genus, the Australian species have assumed a particular interest. New data on the distribution of the six taxa currently recognised in Australia, and detailed descriptions of both males and females of D. occidentalis, D. lumholtzi, D. cephalata, D. nivalis and D. carinata (sensu lato) and the female of D. jollyi (no male of D. jollyi has been found), are presented.