The Australian continent is popular for the quantity and quality of its beaches. And while these beaches are some of the best beaches in the world, Australia also has some of the most beautiful rivers which are located in different parts of the country. Rivers are abundant in Australia, with cruises occasionally organized on these rivers.
10 best rivers in Australia
This article tells you about some of the best rivers in Australia that you can visit on your trip to this fascinating country. Take a look at the list:
1. Cooper Creek
One of the major rivers of not only the country but also the Australian continent, this beautiful river flows through the states of Queensland and South Australia. Flowing for more than 1300 km, it is also called Barku River because of its right tributary. Cooper Creek is one of the three most important rivers that drain into the Lake Eyre Basin. It is also the second longest inland river system on the Australian continent.
Where: Lake Eyre, Far North, South Australia, Australia.
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2. Daintree River
Flowing into the spectacular Coral Sea, between Port Douglas and Cape Tribulation, the Daintree River can be considered one of the most densely populated mangrove estuaries in the world. This river also claims to be the only place on our planet that exhibits the fusion of rainforest and rock. Home to an ecosystem containing 150 fish species, 100 crustaceans as well as 30 of Australia’s 38 mangrove species, the Daintree River has become a popular tourist destination over the years.
Where: Within the humid tropical region of Queensland, Australia.
3. Murray River
Flowing 2520 kilometers through New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia, it is the longest river of the continent, while it is the third longest navigable river in the world. Visiting Mungo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the most popular activities undertaken by tourists along this river. It also hosts the world’s largest canoe race every year. Home to four dams and sixteen storage dams on its banks, this river is the primary source of water supply for approximately 15 lakh households.
Where: Australian Alps, New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia.
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4. Gordon River
A major perennial river in Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park, the Gordon River flows for 172 kilometers. Proudly nestled in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, this river is the perfect summer destination for a relaxing holiday with friends or family. Tourists can indulge in activities like rafting or canoeing, while there are also daily cruises every day that take you through the dense forests of the river.
Where: King William Range, Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park, Australia.
5. Noosa River
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Located in the Cooloola area of Great Sandy National Park, the Noosa River is a spectacular river that enters the Pacific Ocean at Noosa. Kin Kin and Tiwa Creek are the two main tributaries of this river. Tourists can enjoy various types of water sports as well as cruises here. The shores of several lakes on this river provide excellent camping sites that are also popular spots for family picnics and summer vacations.
Where: Cooroobah, Queensland, Australia.
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6. River Derwent
Originating from Lake St Clair in Tasmania’s Central Highlands, the Derwent River descends 2300 feet over 200 kilometres. Named after the River Derwent in Cumbria, England, this charming river is mainly used for sailing, maritime transport, industry and recreational purposes. Various tributaries of this river are also useful in hydroelectric power generation, on which several dams were built in the 20th century. The Lower Derwent River is the primary source of water supply for Hobart, the capital of Tasmania.
Where: Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, Central Highlands, Tasmania, Australia.
7. Yarra River
The Yarra River, a perennial river in the east-central part of Victoria, flows 242 kilometers west through the Yarra Valley to Port Phillip. The city of Melbourne was founded in 1835 on the lower reaches of this amazing river. The river was initially an important source of food as well as a meeting place for Native Australians, but today the river is the busiest container shipment area in Australia.
Where: Yarra Ranges National Park, Victoria Central Highlands, Australia.
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8. Swan River
One of the major attractions of Perth in Australia, the Swan River is a famous river in the south-western part of Western Australia. With the main tributaries being the Avon, Canning and Helena rivers, the lower reaches of the Swan River are deep and wide while the upper reaches are very shallow and narrow. Tourists can also relax in this area and enjoy a cruise.
Where: Below Mount Mamup, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.
9. Katherine River
Originating in Kakadu National Park and flowing into Nitmiluk National Park, the Katherine River flows through the city of Katherine and is also an important tributary of the Daly River. The main attraction of the Katherine River is the red sandstone cliffs of Katherine Gorge, which took the river about 23 million years to form. Tourists are offered canoe packages as well as helicopter flights which help them to see the beauty of this place more closely. Furthermore, there are many tour companies that offer cruises that ensure that people can relax as well as enjoy.
Where: Answer
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10. Ord River
Located in Western Australia, mainly in the Kimberley region, this river is 200 miles or 320 km long. Named after the Governor of Western Australia between 1877 and 1880, the catchment area of this river is spread over approximately 46,100 square kilometers. Kununurra is the main town on the Ord River and is also the center of the Ord River Irrigation Scheme. This plan was responsible for the development of Argyll Lake which is one of the major tourist attractions here.
Where: Western Australia 6770, Australia.
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These are the most amazing and spectacular rivers of Australia that you must visit on your trip to Australia. Make sure to indulge in all the water sports activities that these rivers have to offer and have the best time of your life.
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