Goosegrass [Eleusine indica (L.) Gaertn.] is one of the most problematic grassy weeds in the world. It is considered to be an important weed in summer fallows and crops grown in the eastern region of Australia. To examine the seed germination ecology of two populations (Gatton and Ingham) of E. indica and their response to post-emergence herbicides in Australian conditions, experiments were carried out in the laboratory and screenhouse. Seedling survival, spike production, and plant biomass of both E. indica populations declined markedly with the application of post-emergence herbicides, such as butroxydim, clethodim, glufosinate, haloxyfop, and propaquizafop, whereas the application of paraquat failed to control the Ingham population. A dose-response study confirmed paraquat resistance in the Ingham population and the paraquat doses needed for a 50% reduction in survival and plant biomass of the Ingham population were 27 and 21 times greater than the Gatton population, respectively. Higher alternating temperatures (35/25 and 30/20 C) resulted in greater germination of both populations than lower alternating temperatures (20/10 and 25/15 C). At 20/10 C, the Ingham population failed to germinate; however, about 15% germination in the Gatton population was observed. At the lowest alternate temperature range (15/5 C), neither population germinated. The germination of both populations of E. indica was severely reduced under completely dark conditions compared to the alternating light/dark period. Germination of the Ingham population was more tolerant of salt and water stress as compared to the Gatton population. Eleusine indica seedling emergence was comparable among populations, and the greatest emergence (83%) was observed for seeds buried at a depth of 2 cm but then declined dramatically, and no seedlings emerged from an 8 cm burial depth. The information acquired from this study could be used in developing effective management strategies for E. indica.