Bemboka River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bemboka River |
|
|---|---|
| Country | Australia |
| State | New South Wales |
| Region | South East Corner (IBRA), South Eastern Highlands (IBRA), Monaro, South Coast |
| District | Bega Valley |
| City | Bemboka |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Kybeyan Range, Great Dividing Range near Nimmitabel 897 m (2,943 ft) 36°31′16″S 149°28′18″E / 36.52111°S 149.47167°E |
| River mouth | confluence with Tantawangalo Creek Morans Crossing, Snowy Mountains Highway 93 m (305 ft) 36°40′S 149°39′E / 36.667°S 149.650°E |
| Length | 27.9 km (17.3 mi) |
| Basin features | |
| River system | Bega River |
| Tributaries |
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| National park | Wadbilliga |
The Bemboka River is a cool waterway in New South Wales, Australia. It's like a long stream that flows all year round. This river is part of the bigger Bega River system. You can find it in the Monaro and South Coast areas of New South Wales.
Contents
Where Does the Bemboka River Flow?
The Bemboka River starts high up in the Kybeyan Range. This range is part of the huge Great Dividing Range. Its source is about 18 kilometres (11 mi) east of a village called Nimmitabel.
The River's Journey
From its start, the Bemboka River flows in different directions. It goes south, then southeast, and finally east-southeast. Along its journey, three smaller streams, called tributaries, join it. One of these is the Nunnock River.
The Bemboka River travels for about 27.9 kilometres (17.3 mi) (that's almost 17.3 miles). It drops a lot in height, about 804 metres (2,638 ft) (or 2,638 feet) from its source to its end.
Where the River Ends
The Bemboka River eventually meets another stream called Tantawangalo Creek. This meeting point is called a confluence. It happens at a place called Morans Crossing, right next to the Snowy Mountains Highway. When these two streams join, they form the start of the Bega River.
The Cochrane Dam and Its Purpose
In its upper parts, the Bemboka River is held back by a structure called the Cochrane Dam. This dam creates a lake known as Cochrane Lake.
The main reason for this dam is to help make electricity. It supplies water to a special power station called Brown Mountain Power Station. This station uses the flowing water to create hydroelectric power. The dam also helps provide water for irrigation, which means watering crops and fields.
How Did the River Get Its Name?
Interestingly, the name Bemboka River used to refer to the entire Bega River. But now, the name Bemboka River only applies to the part of the river that flows down to its meeting point with Tantawangalo Creek. After that, the waterway is known as the Bega River.
