Dogwood Creek (Queensland) facts for kids

Dogwood Creek during a flood in the 1930s

Dogwood Creek is a lovely creek located in the Maranoa Region of Queensland, Australia. It's an important part of the local environment and history.

About Dogwood Creek

Dogwood Creek stretches for about 212 kilometers (that's about 132 miles) across the land. As it flows, the creek drops about 101 meters (around 331 feet) in height, from 361 meters down to 260 meters.

Fish and Wildlife

Many different types of fish live in Dogwood Creek. You might find fish like golden perch, Mary River cod, Murray cod, silver perch, and spangled perch. There are also yabbies, which are like small freshwater lobsters, living in the creek.

Where the Creek Flows

Eventually, Dogwood Creek joins up with the Balonne River. From there, its waters become part of the larger Condamine River system.

History of Dogwood Creek

The creek got its name from the many dogwood bushes that grow in the area. An explorer named Ludwig Leichhardt named it on October 23, 1844. He was on a big journey from Moreton Bay to a place called Port Essington (which is now Darwin, Northern Territory).

The bridge over Dogwood Creek at Miles in 2011

Dogwood Crossing and Miles

Long ago, there was a popular path that people used to reach their homes in the area. This path crossed Dogwood Creek at a specific spot. This crossing became known as Dogwood Crossing. Over time, a town grew up around this crossing, and it is now known as Miles. Today, the Warrego Highway follows much of that old track.

Flooding

Like many creeks and rivers, Dogwood Creek has flooded several times throughout history. Some notable floods happened in 1908 and again in 1938.