Catherine River (Victoria) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Catherine |
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Sunrise over a rocky bank, halfway down the Catherine River. Photo by Leigh Blackall
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| Country | Australia |
| State | Victoria |
| Region | Victorian Alps (IBRA), Victorian Alps |
| Local government area | Alpine Shire |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Alpine National Park, Victorian Alps below Mount Speculation 1,560 m (5,120 ft) 37°7′24″S 146°38′55″E / 37.12333°S 146.64861°E |
| River mouth | confluence with the Buffalo River within the Mount Buffalo National Park 392 m (1,286 ft) 36°57′36″S 146°45′3″E / 36.96000°S 146.75083°E |
| Length | 25 km (16 mi) |
| Basin features | |
| River system | North-East Murray catchment, Murray-Darling basin |
| National parks | Alpine National Park, Mount Buffalo National Park |
The Catherine River is a beautiful river found in the Victorian Alps in Victoria, Australia. It's known as a "perennial river," which means it flows with water all year round, not just after it rains.
This river is an important part of the North-East Murray catchment, which is a big area where many rivers collect water. It's also part of the even larger Murray-Darling Basin, one of the biggest river systems in the world! The Catherine River flows north through the Alpine National Park and eventually joins another river called the Buffalo River.
About the Catherine River
The Catherine River is about 25 km (16 mi) long. It's a relatively short river, but it plays a role in the local environment. The river's journey takes it through remote areas, mostly within national parks. This helps protect its natural beauty and the animals that live there.
Where the River Starts and Ends
The Catherine River begins high up in the mountains, below a peak called Mount Speculation. This area is part of the Alpine National Park. The river starts at a high elevation, more than 1,560 metres (5,120 ft) (about 5,118 feet) above sea level.
As the river flows, it generally moves towards the north and east. Its entire path is through wild, untouched national park land. The river ends when it joins with the Buffalo River. This meeting point, called a "confluence," is inside the Mount Buffalo National Park. From where it starts to where it ends, the Catherine River drops about 1,170 metres (3,840 ft) (about 3,839 feet) in height.
Part of a Bigger System
The Catherine River is part of the North-East Murray catchment. This means its waters eventually flow into the mighty Murray River, Australia's longest river. The Murray River, along with the Darling River, forms the Murray-Darling Basin. This huge basin covers a large part of south-eastern Australia and is vital for farming, wildlife, and people.
