Stepped channels and spillways are used since more than 3,000 years. Recently, new construction materials (e.g. RCC, gabions) have increased the interest for stepped chutes. The steps increase significantly the rate of energy dissipation taking place along the chute and reduce the size of the required downstream energy dissipation basin. Stepped cascades are used also for in-stream re-aeration and water regulations. Altogether they are an important tool used by Humans to benefit from, to regulate and sometimes to control Nature. The paper reviews the developments of hydraulic stepped structures in Australia. Firstly the historical stepped spillways are described. Then the writer presents the Queensland timber stepped weirs. Later current design trends are developed.
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