Coxs River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Coxs |
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Coxs River near Mount Cookem
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| Country | Australia |
| State | New South Wales |
| Region | Sydney Basin (IBRA), Central Tablelands, Blue Mountains, Macarthur |
| Local government areas | Blue Mountains, Lithgow, Wollondilly |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Gardiners Gap, within Ben Bullen State Forest Cullen Bullen 1,040 m (3,410 ft) |
| River mouth | confluence with Warragamba River to form Lake Burragorang 114 m (374 ft) |
| Length | 155 km (96 mi) |
| Basin features | |
| River system | Hawkesbury-Nepean catchment |
| Tributaries |
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| Bridges |
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| Reservoirs | Lake Wallace, Lake Lyell, Lake Burragorang |
The Coxs River is a long river in New South Wales, Australia. It flows through the Central Tablelands, Blue Mountains, and Macarthur regions. This river is a key part of the larger Hawkesbury-Nepean river system. It's named after William Cox, an important early Australian road builder.
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Where Does the Coxs River Flow?
The Coxs River starts in a place called Gardiners Gap. This is inside the Ben Bullen State Forest, near Cullen Bullen. From there, it travels generally south, then east. It flows through the beautiful Megalong Valley and parts of the Greater Blue Mountains Area World Heritage Site. This includes the Blue Mountains and Kanangra-Boyd national parks.
River's Journey and Tributaries
As the Coxs River flows, it is joined by many smaller streams and rivers. These are called tributaries. Some of its main tributaries include the Little River, Jenolan River, Kedumba River, Kowmung River, and Wollondilly River. Eventually, the Coxs River meets the Warragamba River. Together, they form Lake Burragorang, which is a very important lake.
The river drops about 931 meters (3,054 feet) from its source to where it meets the Warragamba River. Its total length is about 155 kilometers (96 miles).
Lakes and Bridges Along the River
The Coxs River helps fill several important lakes:
- Lake Wallace: This lake helps cool down the nearby Wallerawang Power Station.
- Lake Lyell: This lake provides water supply for the city of Lithgow. It also helps cool the Wallerawang Power Station.
- Lake Burragorang: This is a huge lake that provides much of the drinking water for greater metropolitan Sydney.
You can also find some interesting bridges over the river. Near Wallerawang, there are two old railway bridges. One was built in 1870 and another in 1923. The Great Western Highway (A32) also crosses the river using the Jack Wilson Bridge.
A Look Back in Time: History of the River
For thousands of years, Aboriginal peoples lived in the area around the Coxs River. For them, the river valley was one of the only ways to cross the tough Blue Mountains. It was the easiest path, but early European settlers didn't know this. They thought the mountains were impossible to cross.
Early Explorers
A former convict named John Wilson might have been the first European to cross the Blue Mountains. He arrived in Australia in 1788. After being released in 1792, he lived with the Aboriginal people. He learned a lot from them. In 1797, Wilson returned to Sydney. He said he had explored far beyond Sydney, even across the mountains. His descriptions were very accurate. It's possible he crossed the mountains using the Coxs River path, guided by his Aboriginal friends.
Naming the River
The river was officially named the Coxs River by Governor Macquarie. He named it after William Cox. William Cox was a military officer and a famous road builder. In 1815, the naming of the river was recorded. It was noted that the river "takes its course...and empties itself into the River Nepean."
Keeping the River Healthy: Water Quality
Sometimes, there have been worries about the water quality in the upper parts of the Coxs River. Researchers have tested the water and found some things that needed attention. For example, they found higher levels of certain metals like zinc and copper. They also found that the water sometimes had less oxygen than fish need.
The Sydney Catchment Authority, which manages Sydney's water supply, confirmed these findings. However, they also said that the water gets cleaner as it flows further downstream, closer to Warragamba Dam. This is important because Lake Burragorang is a major source of drinking water for Sydney.
Organizations like the Blue Mountains Conservation Society have worked to raise awareness about water quality. They want to make sure the river stays healthy for everyone.
Fun Things to Do at Coxs River
The Coxs River area is a great place for outdoor activities!
- Hiking: Many people enjoy bushwalking along the river. There are several well-kept historic walking trails. One of the most famous is the Six Foot Track.
- Horse Riding: If you like horses, you can go horse riding! Several tour groups in the Megalong Valley offer day trips or overnight rides.
- Camping: You can also find places to camp near the river.
- Trails: The Katoomba to Mittagong Trail is another popular path that goes near the river.
You can reach many parts of the river by car, especially near Hartley. However, as the river gets closer to Lake Burragorang, cars are not allowed. This helps protect the natural environment and the water supply.
