The major feature that separates the Australian continent from the Tasman Sea is the Great Dividing Range. This mountain range runs along the eastern coastline of Australia and creates a natural barrier between the continent and the sea. The Great Dividing Range is significant for its impact on the climate, rainfall, and ecosystems of the region. It influences weather patterns, making the coastal areas wetter and the inland regions drier. It also provides diverse habitats for various flora and fauna, serving as a crucial ecological and geographical feature of Australia.