Fitzmaurice River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fitzmaurice |
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 Location of the Fitzmaurice River mouth in the Northern Territory
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| Country | Australia |
| Territory | Northern Territory |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Wombungi, Australia 181 m (594 ft) |
| River mouth | Joseph Bonaparte Gulf, Australia 0 m (0 ft) 14°49′29″S 129°50′10″E / 14.82472°S 129.83611°E |
| Length | 276 km (171 mi) |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 10,375 km2 (4,006 sq mi) |
The Fitzmaurice River is an important river in Australia's Northern Territory. It flows through a remote and wild part of the country.
Contents
Where Does the Fitzmaurice River Flow?
The Fitzmaurice River starts near a place called Wombungi. It then flows west towards the coast. The river empties into the Joseph Bonaparte Gulf, which is part of the Timor Sea.
Mountains and Remote Areas
As the river flows, it passes between two mountain ranges. The Wingate Mountains are to its north. The Yamberra Mountains are to its south. This area is very remote, meaning not many people live there. The river also forms the southern edge of a town called Wadeye.
The River's Mouth
Where the river meets the sea, there is an estuary. An estuary is a special place where fresh river water mixes with salty ocean water. This estuary is affected by the ocean's tides. It is also very clean and natural, almost untouched by humans.
What is the Fitzmaurice River's Catchment Area?
The catchment area is the land where all the rain collects and flows into the river. For the Fitzmaurice River, this area is huge. It covers about 10,375 square kilometers. That's a very big space!
Neighboring Rivers
The Fitzmaurice River's catchment area is located between two other large river systems. To the south, it borders the Victoria River. To the north, it is next to the Moyle River. Each year, the Fitzmaurice River sends about 1,600 gigaliters of water into the sea.
What Animals Live in the Fitzmaurice River?
The Fitzmaurice River is home to many different kinds of animals. It is especially known for its fish and crocodiles.
Fish Species
You can find 16 different types of fish in the river. Some common ones include:
- Glassfish
- Fork-talked catfish
- Fly-specked hardyhead
- Mouth almighty
- Spangled perch
- Barramundi
- Oxeye herring
- Rainbowfish
- Northern trout gudgeon
- Bony bream
- Seven-spot archerfish
Other Wildlife
Both saltwater and freshwater crocodiles live in large numbers in the river. On the land around the river, you might also see wild cattle and bush pigs.
History of the Fitzmaurice River
The Fitzmaurice River was first explored by Europeans in 1839. This happened during a trip by a ship called HMS Beagle.
How the River Got Its Name
The ship was commanded by John Lort Stokes. He named the river after Lewis Roper Fitzmaurice. Lewis was a mate and assistant surveyor on the Beagle ship.
A Famous Survival Story
In 1977, an Australian bushman named Rodney Ansell had a challenging experience on the river. His boat flipped over in the estuary. He then had to travel upstream to find fresh water. He was stuck there for several months before being rescued.
