At 2,995 kilometers (1,861 mi) long, Murray descends from the Australian Alps.

From the most drained western side of the highest mountains of the Australian continent, and for most of its length, it winds through the inland plains of Australia, forming the border between New South Wales and Victoria.

It flows northwest, turns south for the final 500 kilometers (310 mi) journey, and upon reaching the ocean, falls into Lake Alexandrina.

Australia's Largest River - Nature of the River

Most Australian rivers are located close to the coast. The largest and longest of the Australian rivers can be found in the eastern part of the country. They traverse various environments on their way to the sea: mountain forests, wetlands, farmlands, and cities.

Many different animals live in the Australian river area. Fish, frogs, crayfish, mussels, platypuses, swans, ducks, pelicans, kangaroos, lizards, snakes, turtles live in the aquatic environment of the river.

The Murray water flows through several lakes that fluctuate in salinity (and were fresh until recent decades), including Lakes Alexandrina and Kurong before being emptied through the mouth of the Murray River in the southeastern Indian Ocean, and to refer to Australian maps, the Southern Ocean. near Goolwa.

Despite the filling of the river channel with significant volumes of water, before the emergence of irrigation systems, the mouth was always relatively small and shallow.

Since 2010, the river system receives 58% of the natural flow. It is Australia's most important irrigated region and is the nation's trough.

Less than one fifth of the rainwater falls on Australian rivers. Most of the rainwater evaporates, is used by trees and plants, or ends up in lakes, swamps or the ocean. Due to this, Australian rivers have a very irregular flow.

This means that sometimes the river becomes wider, deeper and has a fast flow, and sometimes it becomes shallower, its channels become narrow, and the waters become slow.

River of life

The Murray River, and its associated tributaries, support many of the river's unique life forms, adapted to its vagaries.

  • This includes a variety of fish species such as the famous Murray cod, trout, golden snapper, Macquarie snapper, silver snapper, eel, tailed catfish, Australian smelt and western gudgeon carp.
  • Several other aquatic animals can be named, such as the short-necked Murray turtles, Murray River crayfish, wide-clawed yabbies and large-clawed Macrobrachium shrimp, water rats, and Platypus. The Murray River supports forest corridors with its edging.

The health of the Murray River has declined significantly. Recent extreme droughts (2000-2007) have placed significant pressure on riparian forests - growing concerns about their long-term survival. Murray also floods places in some cases, the most significant was the 1956 flood - it lasted six months and flooded many cities on lower Murray.

The fish species represented - carp, mosquito fish, char, rudd perch and rainbow trout - have also experienced serious negative consequences of the changes. The degraded environment of the Murray River and its tributaries is killing plants and continually causing increased turbidity.

If you look at Australia from a bird's eye view, you can clearly see how the entire continent is cut by river beds. Most of the waterways are shallow or completely dry. And they gain their strength only in the rainy season. Another feature of Australia is that most bodies of water do not flow into the ocean.

This situation is explained by the fact that nature has played a cruel joke with the mainland, and there is an uneven distribution of precipitation in Australia. Most of the time, the riverbeds of Australia are dry and only fill up during the rare rainy seasons. Then they spill and heat up nearby settlements. And when they stop, they calm down and under the scorching sun they shrink or dry out completely.

There are about 70 rivers on the mainland. This list also includes the Queen River, which is less than 13 km long. The rivers in Austria are treated very carefully.

The largest rivers in Australia:

  1. Murray. Its length is 1600 miles (2575 km.)
  2. Marrumbidgee. Its length is 1,051 miles (1,690 km.)
  3. Darling. Length 920 miles (1482 km.)
  4. Lachlan. Flows through Australia 835 miles (1345 km.)
  5. Cooper Creek. During the rainy season is 692 miles (1,113 km.)
  6. Flinders. Its length is 630 miles (1014 km.)
  7. Diamantine. The river stretches for 586 miles (943 km)

The longest river in Australia is the Murray. Its origins are far away in the Australian Alps. Curving, it flows along the entire length of the mainland.

Murray once became the border for two neighboring states. It was according to her drawing that the territory of Victoria and New South Wales was divided. The waterway flows through Lakes Victoria and Alexandrina. The Murray ends in the waters of the Great Australian Gulf.

Once upon a time, small ships sailed on Murray

The mouth of the Murray River has always been small and shallow. Only in the rainy season does it overflow and gain strength. At this time, it becomes dangerous and can flood entire cities. In 1956, the largest flood of the river was recorded. Its waters flooded cities and towns across Lower Murray. The flooding lasted for six months and caused colossal destruction. But most of the time, Murray remains calm and safe.

Murray is famous for its inhabitants. There are three types of perch: golden, silver and macquarie. You can catch Australian smelt, cod, trout, eel or tailed catfish.

Also, the waters are the habitat of other species of animals. For example, the Murray turtles with a short neck, or the clawed shrimp yabbies and macrobrachium.

Marrumbidgee is a New South Wales river. It originates from the Great Dividing Range, its Eastern Highlands. Marrumbidgee runs through the entire state and its several major cities and supplies irrigation systems with fresh water.

The Tantangara Dam and several reservoirs are located on Marranbiji. With their help, natural drainage is regulated and reduced by 50%.

Along its entire length, Marrambidgee has several tributaries:

  • Molonglo, 72 miles long (115 km.);
  • Cotter is 47 miles (76 km) long;
  • Loklandlinu 835 miles (1345 km.).

Marrumbidgee itself is a tributary of the large Murray River. They merge near the border of the two states.


Marrambidgee is the main source of irrigation water in the Riveraina region

It originates at the confluence of the two river arteries Baruon and Kalgoa. They form the third largest river in Australia, the Darling. Like all waters of the mainland, it is used to irrigate fields. The Darling flows into the Murray River in New South Wales.

Despite being the third largest river in Australia, it is shallow for most of the year and dries up completely downstream. During the rainy season, the water level in it can rise up to 10-15 meters. Its streams demolish everything in its path, thereby creating new obstacles for some tributaries.


Darling - right tributary of the Murray

Lachlan originates in New South Wales, 13 km from the city of Gunning. Initially, it runs along a valley with sharp cliffs, thereby forming frequent rapids. But below, Lachlan found her way across the plain. It is a tributary of the Marrumbidgee, approximately 200 km from its confluence with the Murray.

The Wyangala Dam and artificial reservoirs have been built on the river. Thanks to this, it is possible to regulate the catchment area and use the river for irrigating fields.

The filling of the channel with waters depends only on precipitation. Therefore, its level fluctuates greatly. During the rise of water in the spring and summer seasons, Lachlan becomes navigable.


Lachlan does not feed on melt water from melting snow

Cooper Creek begins at the confluence of the two waterways Barkou and Thomson, flows through the two states of Queensland and South Australia. It flows into Lake Eyre.

Cooper Creek is a dry river. Of all the "screams" of the mainland, it is the largest and for a significant part of the year is in a dry state. It fills up only during the rainy seasons. Despite the hot and arid climate and the unstable filling of its channel with water, the lands along it are fertile.


Cooper Creek is Australia's largest creek

On the southwestern slope of Mount Gregory, near the town of Kargun, the Flinders waterway begins. It is winding and often changes its direction. It has several tributaries, including Stoell, Cloncurry and Saxby. Flinders ends its course, flowing into the Gulf of Carpentaria.

On the territory through which the Flinders waters flow, there are pastures and livestock raising.


The Flinders River is named after Matthew Flinders, a British navigator

Diamantina originates in Queensland and flows through the southeastern part of Mount Isa and Cloncurry. Ends by flowing into the Goyder Lagoon swamp. But with the arrival of the rainy season and the rise of the water, it overflows and flows out of it. A little below the Diamantina Swamp, it merges with the Georgina River, thus the large Warburton Creek begins its existence, and it in turn flows into Lake Eyre.

The basin of the Diamantin waterway is divided into many pastures. Livestock raising is developed on its territory.


The Diamondin Basin has virtually no elevations and is dominated by flat terrain

Many will disagree with some data, since some of the rivers are completely dried up within half a year. And then they cannot be a large artery. But during their filling, they show all their power and strength. And such a fact cannot be ignored.

When it comes to hot, dry climates, Africa immediately comes to mind with its endless deserts that stretch for hundreds of kilometers. Meanwhile, Australia is considered the driest continent. Rains are rare here. And although the mainland is washed by the seas from all sides, it receives five times less precipitation on its territory than in Africa. The bulk of this precipitation occurs in the southeastern part of the country. The largest rivers and lakes in Australia are concentrated there.

Due to the lack of rainfall, rivers on the mainland are shallow. Moreover, many of them periodically dry up completely. But despite the harsh climate, Australia is known for its beautiful landscapes and amazing nature. Life here is so full of abundance.

There are quite a few salty bodies of water on the mainland. Also, some large rivers carry salt water. Which is a very rare occurrence and an unusual feature of Australia. This part of the world is characterized by a climate with changing seasons. When the dry period gives way to heavy rains. Therefore, most rivers in the rainy season quickly fill up and leave their channels, overflowing in the vicinity. And after a few months they dry up again under the scorching sun.

Characteristics of Australian rivers

Despite the fact that most of the rivers of this country cannot be called abounding, due to the lack of rainfall. In general, the water map of Australia is a developed river network, which consists of many rivers and bodies of water.

Almost all rivers originate on the slopes Great Dividing Ridge... These rivers are seasonal rather than full-flowing. In summer, they dry up or become shallow so that even a child can wade such a river. And in winter they fill up again. Some of them are destined to end their journey in the deserts of the central part of the country. Others feed salt lakes or flow into larger rivers.

Murray River

One of these rivers is the Murray. Its length is more than 2500 kilometers. Together with its right tributary, the Murray forms the main system of Australian rivers. After which it flows into a bay in the Pacific Ocean. The river is fed by rains and melting snows of the western slopes of the ridge. Murray flows all year round, like all Australian rivers, it can get shallower depending on the season, but it never dries up. It is also one of the few rivers that boasts navigability. Of course, it should be noted that there are no heavy ships on Murray. From time to time, some tributaries of the river dry up as a result of irrigation. And during such periods Murray is rich in sandy shoals. Ships do not go along the entire river, but only in its lower part. The length of the shipping route is 1000 kilometers, which is a record for Australia.

Darling tributary

This is the longest tributary of the Murray. The total length of these two rivers is about 3500 kilometers. And together they form the widest water network in the country. Ranking the second longest on the mainland, Darling flows through a saline semi-desert area. Rainfall is infrequent in this part of Australia. Therefore, for most of the year, like many other rivers, it is shallow, although it does not dry up completely.

Australian screams

This name does not mean at all the cries of wild animals in the night forest. This is the name of small streams (another unusual phenomenon). They are not considered full-fledged rivers. Because they appear only with the arrival of rains. This phenomenon is typical for desert areas in the west and in the central part of the mainland. The most famous such channel is Cooper Creek. With the onset of the rainy season, these streams fill up and carry their waters through saline soils to larger bodies of water. And in dry months they cease to exist. Of course, the screams have a huge impact on the continent's aquatic network.

All rivers in Australia

Rivers in Australia are only about seventy points. But here you need to remember that this is still the smallest continent on the planet. The length of some rivers is only 10-15 kilometers, such rivers as Lane Cove, Queen, Prospect-Creek. But despite this, like the screams, they contribute to the nature of Australia.

In addition to the Murray, there are plenty of large rivers in Australia. They are located in different parts of the mainland and have a length from several hundred to several thousand kilometers. The northern part of the country is Adelaide. This river is also navigable. The western waterway of the country is Gascoigne, stretching for almost 1000 kilometers. And also Marrumbidgee, one of the few Australian rivers where a dam has been built. The river stretches for about 1,500 kilometers, after which it flows into the notorious Murray. Hunter - An overflowing river periodically creates floods in New South Wales.

Features of Australian lakes

Due to the harsh dry climate, there are very few lakes in Australia. In addition, almost all of them are salty. The largest lake is called - Eyre... It is also salty and is located sixteen meters below sea level. This feature is typical for most bodies of water in Australia. It should be noted that lakes suffer from a lack of rain no less than rivers. Since the latter are the main source of food for the lakes. Lack of rainfall affects everywhere. Reservoirs grow shallow and dry. During dry periods, small Australian reservoirs resemble overgrown quarries, while larger ones break up into several reservoirs. Due to the fact that the water level in the lakes is constantly changing, they do not have clear boundaries of the coastline. Their outlines change, depending on the level of precipitation.

Lakes of Australia

As mentioned above, the largest lake in Australia (covering about one-sixth of the mainland) is Eyre... It was named after its discoverer. The lake fills up during the rainy season, and during this period it can reach a depth of 15 to 20 meters. The Eyre is the continent's largest closed drainage basin. The lake loses water only through evaporation, apart from the rare cases when it can overflow the banks.

Torrance Is the second largest body of water in the country. It is interesting that over the past century and a half it was filled only once. It is located in the south of the country in the protected area of ​​the national park. Like Eyre, Lake Torrance has no outflows.

Another southern reservoir - From... Unlike previous reservoirs, in addition to rains, it is additionally filled from a cry.

Freshwater lake Gregory(which is very rare for Australia) is located in the western part of the country. It is, perhaps, the most "habitable" body of water on the mainland. It is thanks to the fresh water that there is such a wide variety of flora and fauna. However, scientists do not give him comforting predictions. It is believed that under the influence of the dry climate, it will also gradually become salty.

Another amazing lake Hiller... It is located on Middle Island in the western part of the country. The lake is famous for its bright pink water. The reason for this is the special bacteria that live in the salt water of the lake. The island is currently closed to the public in order to preserve its ecosystem.

Australia's man-made lakes

Compared to other parts of the world, the number of man-made lakes in Australia is not large. This is partly due to the relief of the mainland. It has a kind of concave shape in the center and hills along the edges. In addition, sixty percent of Australia's territory is practically dry. The island of Tasmania has much more favorable conditions. It has not only a plateau relief, but also a greater amount of precipitation.

Argyll Is a huge reservoir in Western Australia. The reservoir is home to more than twenty species of fish, including valuable species. The fish that are caught here are gladly sorted into restaurants and for sale. In addition, the reservoir supplies water to 150 kilometers of agricultural land. Walking along the shores of this lake is not recommended as there is a high probability of meeting one of the 25,000 crocodiles living there. Who also fell in love with the local fishing.

Some might say that Australia's rivers and lakes are far from majestic. And that there are more abundant rivers and deeper lakes in the world. But the Australian mainland itself is not very large. In addition, some natural phenomena are unique here.

Underground waters of Australia

The people of Australia are very sensitive to the water supplies on their continent. For about 150 years, various hypotheses have been put forward and research has been carried out on the search and conservation of fresh water. Eleven artesian basins are currently open. They occupy a huge territory underground. Their total area is one third of the country. And one Great Artesian Basin of Queensland, in area, contains three France.

Underground reserves are replenished with rainwater. It seeps into the ground and spreads in different directions. The speed of movement of this water is only a few meters per year. Gradually it reaches underground reservoirs and fills them. Nature loves balance. Therefore, if one of the pools overflows, the water breaks out through the spring and forms temporary streams until all the excess water is displaced. These springs are mostly fresh, but sometimes there are mineral springs.

A special committee has been set up to preserve underground pools in Australia. He closely monitors existing and used wells. The government also willingly sponsors research in this area.

One of the recent advances is unique software that has made it possible to map how Australia's waters have been distributed since ancient times. Taking advantage of these developments, it is possible that scientists will be able to trace the ancient reserves of water.

As always in the scientific world, there are geological scientists who refute this data. Whether water resources are still lurking under Australian soil remains a mystery. And who of the scientists is right and who is wrong is unknown. This will become clear with only the passage of time.

From all of the above, the conclusion suggests itself that Australia needs additional sources of drinking water. Large cities and agriculture consume hundreds of thousands of cubic meters of water every year. Of course, seasonal rains on an arid continent cannot replenish these resources. Therefore, the mainland is slowly spending its underground reserves.

Moreover, these reserves are also far from ideal. Since this water cannot be used immediately, due to the fact that it contains large quantities of sulfur and its compounds.

The water reserves in the artesian springs are full. And they are not yet close to exhaustion. But the inhabitants of Australia are already thinking about the comfortable existence of their future generations today.

The smallest continent of the Earth, despite the fact that a third of the territory is occupied by deserts, is rich in water resources. Rivers and lakes in Australia differ not only in size but also in hydrological characteristics. Many rivers fully function only after heavy torrential rains, and a large hydrological system Murray - Darling has formed in the southeast. Let's go to the ends of the earth and find out what is the largest river in Australia, and what other major rivers are famous for. And we have already written about the "green continent" in one of our articles.

Longest rivers in Australia:

Murray. 2 508 km

Our list opens with the longest river in Australia called Murray, which originates among the picturesque landscapes of the Australian Alps.

The total length of the waterway is 2508 m, and it flows into the Great Australian Bay. Many of the Murray tributaries dry up as a result of natural causes or agricultural activity. But even in spite of such factors, this is one of the deepest rivers on the mainland.

In the past, great damage to the ecosystem of the river was caused by rabbits, which destroyed the coastal vegetation, and carps, which loosened the channel, thereby preventing the growth of algae.

Marrumbidgee. 1485 km

The main tributary of the Murray carries its waters through the vastness of New Wales, flowing through the Namaji National Park, which is not far from the Australian capital city of Canberra.

The Tantangara dam was built on Marrambidji, as well as a system of uniquely beautiful reservoirs that regulate the main flow of the river.

This unusual name was given to the river by local tribes of aborigines, who in the recent past lived on its banks, and literally in the language of the Virajuri tribe, its name means "big water", or "good place".

Darling. 1472 km

Together with the Murray, the Darling River constitutes the largest hydrological system in Australia, with a length of 3,672 km, and the basin of both rivers covers 14% of the mainland.

With the onset of heavy rains, the river overflows, and its level rises by 9-15 m. Plants characteristic of semi-deserts grow along the banks, as well as animals typical of the continent, including the Australian echidna, such a funny animal with needles.

The first European to see the river in 1829 was the famous explorer and traveler Charles Sturt, and he named it after the Governor of New Wales, Ralph Darling.

Did you know that Australia is inhabited that cannot be found in other parts of the world ?.

Cooper Creek. 1 410 km

The name alone indicates that the river is drying up, and it flows through the arid expanses of the states of Queensland and South Australia.

It is famous for the fact that traces of a missing expedition were found on its shores, which included famous travelers Robert Burke and William Wills. Of all the participants in that expedition, only 18-year-old John King survived, who went to the ocean and lived with the natives for a long time.

The waterway is also interesting for the fact that during the drought period, the water disappears, and the locals collect fish and crayfish along the bottom with ordinary shovels.

Warrego. 1380 km

Mount Ka-Ka-Mundi rises above the expanses of the Carnarvon National Park, and it is on its slope that the source of the Warrego is located.

Flowing through the territories of two states, New Wales and Queensland, it flows into the Darling at the small town of Burke. The source of the river is at an altitude of 625 m above sea level, and the mouth itself is at a level of 95 m.

The first of the Europeans to reach its shores was the explorer Thomas Mitchell, who described it in his diary following the expedition of 1845-1846.

Loclan. 1 339 km

On the western slopes of the Great Dividing Range is the source of the Loklan, which flows through New Wales into the Marraibiji.

During spring and summer floods, Loklan becomes navigable, and its waters are actively used by local farmers to irrigate fields. Local Aboriginal tribes call it Kapare, and it was first explored in 1815 by George Williams Evans.

In the history of the river, multiple floods have been recorded, and the highest level to which the water rose was noted in 1870, when the level rose to 15.9 m.

Flinders. 1 004 km

From the southern slope of Mount Gregory begins the river, which is the longest in the state of Queensland, and flows into the Gulf of Carpentaria in two branches.

Captain John Stoke, visiting the river delta, named it after the famous navigator and explorer of the South Seas Matthew Flinders. It is full-flowing during the rains, and during the dry period it practically dries up, aft of the lower reaches.

Europeans settled the river basin in 1864, and today its banks are actively used as pastures and agricultural land.

Gascoigne. 978 km

The river, named after Captain Gascoigne, flows through the West Australian Highlands and empties into Shark Bay.

The river is capricious, during periods of drought it completely dries up, and from the end of spring floods begin, flooding huge coastal areas. Previously, it was of great economic importance, and today the port of Carnarvon continues to function on the river.

Investigated it and gave the name to the unique waterway by George Gray, who visited these parts in 1839.

Diamantine. 941 km

One of the few rivers in the world that flows into a swamp, and that is exactly what is the Dayamantina, which originates from the town of Longreach.

The climate of the territories through which the river flows is hot and dry, but sometimes frosts are also recorded when the thermometer drops to -1.8 ° C. The luxurious Diamantina Park stretches along the shores, with flora and fauna characteristic of this part of the continent.

This romantic name was given to the waterway by William Landsborough in honor of the wife of the first governor of Queensland.

Murchison. 780 km

On the southern slopes of the Robinson Mountains is the source of this river, and, flowing mainly in a westerly direction, the Murchison flows into the waters of the Indian Ocean.

On its way, it changes the direction of the current several times, and the mouth is an amazing estuary, with courageous islets and shallow reservoirs.

It was explored by George Gray and named after the Scottish geologist. The river delta became a popular resort area, and the British founded a tourist camp during the war, where British and Australian soldiers and officers were trained.

Summarize

So we found out what is the largest river in Australia. Most of the continent's rivers, as drying up, are plotted on the maps with a dotted line, and the drying up rivers of Australia are called "cry", while in Asia they are called "Uzba", and in Africa they are called "wadi". TopCafe editors are looking forward to interesting comments about the rivers of Australia.

The Murray River (Murray River in South Australia) is Australia's largest river. The Murray River has its source in the Australian Alps, where the most drained western part of these high mountains. The river flows and meanders along its entire length in the plains of Australia, and eventually forms the border between two states: New South Wales and Victoria.

The river took a north-west direction, then, turning south, flows another 500 km (310 miles), and then, almost reaching the ocean, flows into Lake Alexandrina.

The largest river in Australia - the nature of the river

Almost all the rivers of this country are located not very far from the coast. As for the largest river, it flows in the east of Australia. While the river makes its way to the sea, it has to cross mountain forests, wetlands, agricultural land and, of course, many cities.

Various animals are found on the banks and in the waters of the river: frogs, mussels, crayfish, fish, platypuses, pelicans, ducks, kangaroos, lizards, snakes, turtles live in the water environment of the river.

The streams of the Murray River cross Lakes Alexandrina and Kurong, among others. Their salinity fluctuates, although until recently they were insipid. Further, the river reaches the Indian Ocean. But. Australian maps say the river reaches the Southern Ocean, near Goolwa.

The mouth of the river is notable for its shallowness and small size, although it is worth noting that the river is always abundantly filled with water before irrigation systems appear. Note that since 2010, the river has 58% of the natural content. In addition, this is a very important irrigated region of the entire country - a feeding trough, so to speak, of the entire people.

One-fifth of Australia's rivers are filled with rainfall. Most of the rainwater evaporates, it is also used by trees and plants, in addition, a large amount ends up in lakes, swamps and the ocean. It is this ambiguous filling of the river that affects its irregular flow: at one time the river is very full, both the flow rate and the size of the river increase, and at other times the opposite is true.

The river gives life

The Murray River, in conjunction with its tributaries, has a huge impact on those lives that, having adapted to its nature, surround the belly near it.

Among them:

Murray short-necked turtles, Murray River crayfish, water rats, wide and clawed yabbies, large Macrobrachium shrimp, Platypus;
- Fish species that have already gained popularity and value all over the world: Murray cod, golden perch, trout, eel, silver perch, tailed catfish, western gudgeon carp, Australian smelt, Macquarie perch.
It is worth noting that the Murray River provides tremendous support with its surroundings on the forest corridors.

But, as always, unfortunately, it happens, over time, the indicators of the state of the river worsened. There are many reasons for this. For example, droughts, which were not so long ago, in 2000-2007, affected the condition of the forests growing on the banks of the river. Drought is bad, flooding is also bad. The flooding, or rather, the flooding of places by the Murray River, for example in 1956, lasted for 6 months, as a result, many cities in the lower part of Murray were flooded.

But the disease is not so terrible as its consequences. Fish: carp, char, mosquito fish, rudd, perch, rainbow trout, felt these consequences. In addition, a large number of plant species have disappeared due to the deterioration of the Murray River along with its tributaries.

It is not for nothing that they say that nature needs to be loved and appreciated, then we will be able to see what we have never seen before. Therefore, by preserving our nature, we can save the life of many animals and plants, which will certainly make and decorate our flora and fauna.