Campaspe River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Campaspe |
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Campaspe River at Elmore
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Course of the Campaspe River in Victoria
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| Native name | Yalka, Yalooka, Boregam, Yerrin |
| Country | Australia |
| State | Victoria |
| Region | Riverina bioregion (IBRA), Central Highlands, Wimmera |
| Local government areas | Greater Bendigo City, Campaspe |
| Towns | Kyneton, Redesdale, Elmore, Rochester, Echuca |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Great Dividing Range Wombat State Forest near Bullengarook 679 m (2,228 ft) 37°25′13″S 144°28′38″E / 37.42028°S 144.47722°E |
| River mouth | confluence with the Murray River Echuca 98 m (322 ft) 36°7′5″S 144°43′36″E / 36.11806°S 144.72667°E |
| Length | 232 km (144 mi) |
| Basin features | |
| River system | Murray-Darling basin |
| Basin size | 4,179 km2 (1,614 sq mi) |
| Tributaries |
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The Campaspe River is an important river in Victoria, Australia. It is part of the huge Murray-Darling river system. The river starts in the Great Dividing Range mountains. It then flows north until it joins the Murray River, Australia's longest river, near Echuca.
Contents
Where the Campaspe River Flows
The Campaspe River begins its journey in the Wombat State Forest. This area is found northwest of Bullengarook. It is also southwest of Macedon. The river starts near a place called Ashbourne and Firth Park. Firth Park is a local camping spot with a lot of history.
River's Path and Towns
After starting, the river flows west of the town of Woodend. It then continues north through the town of Kyneton. A big part of the river in the middle is taken up by Lake Eppalock. This is a large reservoir built by people.
The Coliban River is the most important river that flows into the Campaspe. It also joins the Campaspe at Lake Eppalock. Some towns along the river in this area include Redesdale. This town is just south of Eppalock. Another town is Axedale, which is just below Eppalock.
Further downstream, the towns of Elmore and Rochester are located on the river. Finally, the Campaspe River meets the Murray River. This meeting point is west of the town of Echuca. Echuca is right next to the border between Victoria and New South Wales.
River's Length and Features
Besides the Coliban River, six smaller rivers and creeks join the Campaspe. The river also flows through the Campaspe Weir. From its source to where it meets the Murray River, the Campaspe drops 581 metres (1,906 ft). The total length of the river is about 232-kilometre (144 mi).
Highways Crossing the River
Many roads cross the Campaspe River. The Calder Freeway crosses it three times near Kyneton. The McIvor Highway crosses it near Lake Eppalock. The Midland Highway and Northern Highway cross the river together at Elmore. The Murray Valley Highway and Northern Highway also cross it together at Echuca.
History of the Campaspe River Area
For thousands of years, Indigenous Australians lived along the Campaspe River. They were the first people to care for this land.
European Settlement and Changes
Europeans first arrived in the upper part of the river's area in 1834. After they settled, some native plants were removed. In their place, people planted willow trees and hedgerows of hawthorn bushes. Some of these hawthorn bushes can still be seen today.
Over many years, groups of volunteers have worked to clear the willow trees. They have removed them from parts of the river. After the willows are gone, local plants are put back. This helps the river go back to its natural state. Walking paths and bike tracks have also been built along one side of the river. These paths make it a great place for people to enjoy nature.
What's in a Name?
The Campaspe River has several names. This is because different Indigenous groups lived along its long path.
Indigenous Names
In the Yorta Yorta language, the river is called Yalka or Yalooka. These names mean "dry leaf." In the Daungwurrung language, one name for the river is Boregam. The meaning of this name is not fully clear. Another name in the Daungwurrung and Ngurai-illamwurrung languages is Yerrin. Its meaning is also not clearly known.
European Naming
The river was named by Sir Thomas Livingstone Mitchell in 1836. He named it after Campaspe. She was a mistress of Alexander the Great, a famous ancient Greek king.
Images for kids
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Red Bridge, a railway bridge over the river at Rochester
