Dunham River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Dunham River |
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The Dunham River bridge during a flood caused by Cyclone Ingrid in 2005.
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| Country | Australia |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | 180 metres (591 ft) |
| River mouth | Ord River 31 metres (102 ft) |
| Length | 153 kilometres (95 mi) |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 1,631 square kilometres (630 sq mi) |
The Dunham River is an important river located in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. It flows through a beautiful and sometimes challenging landscape. This river is about 153 kilometers (95 miles) long. It plays a key role in the local environment and has a rich history.
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Where Does the Dunham River Start and End?
The Dunham River begins its journey between two mountain ranges: the Durack Range and the O'Donnell Range. From there, it flows mostly towards the north-west.
The River's Path
As it travels, the river runs alongside the Great Northern Highway to its east. It also follows the Bedford Stock Route to its west. The Dunham River crosses the Great Northern Highway near a place called Cabbage Tree Creek. It then continues its north-west path. Later, it crosses the Victoria Highway. Finally, the river empties into the Ord River. This meeting point is west of a town called Kununurra.
What Are the Dunham River's Tributaries?
A tributary is a smaller stream or river that flows into a larger river. The Dunham River has five main tributaries that feed into it.
Main Tributaries
These smaller waterways help to fill the Dunham River. They are:
- Cabbage Tree Creek
- Pelican Creek
- Macphee Creek
- Rabbit Creek
- Pumpkin Lookout Creek
Does the Dunham River Have Waterholes?
Yes, the Dunham River is home to at least one permanent waterhole. A waterhole is a deep pool of water that stays full even when other parts of the river might dry up.
Flying Fox Waterhole
Towards the end of its long journey, the Dunham River flows through a special place called Flying Fox waterhole. This waterhole always has water. It is an important spot for local wildlife.
How Does Flooding Affect the Dunham River?
The Dunham River can experience big floods, especially after heavy rains. This is common for rivers in this region.
Past Flooding Events
In March 2000, the river had a very large flood. During this event, the amount of water flowing in the river was huge. It was estimated at 2,700 cubic meters per second. This shows how powerful the river can become during heavy rainfall.
Who Named the Dunham River?
The Dunham River was named a long time ago by an important explorer. An explorer is someone who travels to new places to learn about them.
Michael Durack's Role
The river was named in 1882 by Michael Durack. He was an explorer and a pioneer in the Kimberley region. A pioneer is someone who is among the first to settle or develop a new area. Durack named the river after Father Dunham. Father Dunham was a clergyman from Brisbane. In 1871, he was the first priest to visit Cooper Creek in outback Queensland.
