The main perennial pasture grasses sown in Australia are perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.), phalaris {Phalaris aquatica L), tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea L.), and cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata L.). The area of adaptation, and the longevity and yield of these species are likely to improve considerably over the next decade as a result of the activities within the Australian Grass Improvement Program. Recent use of summer-dormant cultivars of phalaris has proved successful and novel summer-dormant cultivars of perennial ryegrass and tall fescue will soon be released to commerce. Of these four naturalised species, all but tall fescue have been commonly sown by farmers in Australia for 60-130 years. However, only phalaris has been subjected to detailed and sustained research. Breeders have provided a range of phalaris cultivars for early to late-season environments with improved seedling vigour, winter growth, and reduced anti-quality factors. They have also addressed edaphic limitations. Programmes are now in place to improve the other species. This review outlines the aspects of that work directed at improved adaptation to the Australian environment. A limited range of genetic resources has entered evaluation-for all four species. For perennial ryegrass, the collection of local ecotypes is well advanced. Breeding is in progress for all except cocksfoot, and is coordinated within national programmes characterised by A96003 Received 15 January 1996; accepted 25 June 1996 nationwide progeny tests, and strategic support research. Significant efforts are being takenparticularly with perennial ryegrass-to strengthen new cultivars via selection for resistance to common pathogens. Progress in the development of biotechnological procedures is expected to facilitate further improvements to the adaptation of perennial grasses to adverse climates.