Murray entered Rod Laver Arena moments after Johanna Konta had departed a victor and he joined his compatriot in the last four with a 6-3 6-7 (5/7) 6-2 6-3 victory.
The world number two will now face either Canadian Milos Raonic or France’s Gael Monfils, who were playing later on Wednesday, for a place in the final.
It is the first time since 1977 that Britain has boasted grand slam semi-finalists in both the men and women’s draw but while it breaks new ground for Konta, this is Murray’s 18th appearance in the last four of a major tournament.
Four times he has gone on to the final in Melbourne and lost but while there were periods where Murray struggled for fluency against Ferrer, he also produced some of his best tennis when it really mattered.
Ferrer came into the match as the only man in the draw not to have dropped a set but the Spaniard was outclassed by Murray’s attacking prowess, particularly after the stadium’s roof was closed in the third set following some nearby thunder and lightning.
“It was good to have a break because we played some brutal rallies so we could come back refreshed,” Murray said.
“It is tough in those situations. Ideally I would have played the next game and held and then had the break.
“But I like playing indoors. I grew up in Scotland where the weather isn’t like here so I grew up playing indoors, I don’t mind it.”
With Murray up 3-1 in the third set, play was suddenly suspended due to thunder and lightning nearby, which irritated Ferrer, who protested to the umpire “come on bud, it’s not even raining”.
The delay was minimal, lasting just nine minutes, and if anything it was Murray’s momentum at risk but the Scot picked up where he left off, breaking a second time at 5-2 to restore his one-set advantage.
With the roof on, Murray was now in charge as he cranked up the aggression and produced levels Ferrer was simply unable to match.
Down a break, the Spaniard threatened a comeback at 4-2 but Murray saved a break point with the shot of the match, chasing down Ferrer’s volley before whipping a low forehand down the line for a brilliant pass.
It proved the final flourish as Ferrer sent a backhand return wide in the next game to confirm Murray’s victory in three hours and 20 minutes.
