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The quantitative climax and its successional (equilibrium) dynamics is questioned for rangelands driven by unpredictable climatic events. An alternative model is that of state and transition (driven by non-equilibrium dynamics). Published estimates of climatic conditions likely to result in non-equilibrium conditions applied to the Queensland rangeland area suggests three zones-one in which equilibrium dynamics is likely to apply, one in which non-equilibrium dynamics is likely to apply, and one which appears to swap from equilibrium to non-equilibrium dynamics under the influence of El Nino conditions. Rangeland management based on expectations of succession (i.e. equilibrium conditions) may lead to disappointment in the latter two areas. Rangeland monitoring systems based on expectations of succession will also likely lead to results that are difficult to interpret.