The 64-year-old has been named winner of the annual Miles Franklin Literary Award with his latest novel, The Ballad of Desmond Kale.
Based in Braidwood in rural New South Wales, Mr McDonald has often written about the Australian farming scene, with a particular focus on the sheep industry. His latest book is no different.
It is set in the 1800s in the early days of British settlement of Australia, and tells the story of Kale, an Irish political prisoner and talented sheep breeder.
Miles Franklin judges selected the novel for the $42,000 award from 54 entries this year.