Bet Bet Creek facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bet Bet Creek |
|
|---|---|
Bet Bet Creek at Bung Bong
|
|
| Native name | The name is thought to have been derived from an Aboriginal word meaning place of red ochre. |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Ben Major, Victoria 479m 37°16′13″S 143°26′14″E / 37.27014°S 143.43736°E |
| River mouth | Laanecoorie Reservoir 166m 36°50′10″S 143°53′20″E / 36.836°S 143.889°E |
| Length | 87.8km |
Bet Bet Creek is a waterway in western Victoria, Australia. It starts high up near Ben Major, Victoria (west of Lexton) at an elevation of 479 meters. The creek flows for about 87.8 kilometers, dropping around 314 meters in height. It eventually joins the Loddon River at the Laanecoorie Reservoir. Its waters then become part of the much larger Murray River system. The name "Bet Bet" is thought to come from an Aboriginal word meaning "place of red ochre."
Six smaller creeks flow into Bet Bet Creek. They are Moina Creek, Doctors Creek, Caralulup Creek, Timor Creek, Carmanuel Creek, and Burnt Creek.
The Shire of Bet Bet was a local government area in Victoria. It was located about 180 kilometers northwest of Melbourne.
Contents
Places Along the Creek
Bet Bet Creek flows through or near several interesting places.
Towns and Communities
- Bung Bong, Victoria is a town located where the Bet Bet Creek forms a border. It sits between the Pyrenees Shire and the Shire of Central Goldfields.
- Timor, Victoria is another community found along the Bet Bet Creek. A historic place called the "Bridge Inn" is located nearby.
Water Quality
The water quality in Bet Bet Creek has faced some challenges.
Salt and Gold Mining Effects
Over time, natural salts stored in the ground have moved into the creek's upper parts, mainly due to erosion. These salts have gathered further downstream, affecting the water quality that flows into the Laanecoorie Reservoir. Also, gold mining in the past caused some damage to the creek's environment.
Major Floods
Bet Bet Creek has experienced significant floods throughout history. Large floods were recorded in 1860, 1870, and 1935.
Important Bridges
Two bridges over Bet Bet Creek are especially well-known for their history. They are the Glenmona Bridge and Danns Bridge.
