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Fitzroy River (Western Australia) facts for kids

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Fitzroy River
Fitzroy River at Fitzroy Crossing.JPG
Fitzroy River, looking north from bridge at Fitzroy Crossing
Country Australia
Physical characteristics
Main source King Leopold Ranges
486 metres (1,594 ft)
River mouth King Sound
Length 733 kilometres (455 mi)
Basin features
Basin size 93,829 square kilometres (36,228 sq mi)

The Fitzroy River is a very important river in the West Kimberley area of Western Australia. It flows all the way into the Indian Ocean. The river is about 733 kilometers (455 miles) long. It starts in the King Leopold Ranges and ends in King Sound.

The first European explorer to see the Fitzroy River was George Grey in 1837. He was on a ship called the H.M.S. Beagle. The river got its European name in February 1838. Lieutenant J.L. Stokes named it after Captain Robert FitzRoy.

A197, Geikie Gorge National Park, Western Australia, Fitzroy River, 2007
Fitzroy River flowing through Geikie Gorge



Images for kids

  • Nkb-sandy-billabong

    Sandy Billabong, near Yungngora community

  • Alexander Island (Fitzroy River)

    Alexander Island in the Fitzroy River

  • Fitzroy River Willare Bridge

    One channel of the Fitzroy River, looking north from Willare Bridge, dry season 2006

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