Goomadeer River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Goomadeer |
|
|---|---|
 Location of the Goomadeer River mouth in the Northern Territory
|
|
| Country | Australia |
| Territory | Northern Territory |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | 274 m (899 ft) |
| River mouth | Junction Bay Australia 0 m (0 ft) 11°50′56″S 133°49′30″E / 11.84889°S 133.82500°E |
| Length | 138 km (86 mi) |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 5,684 km2 (2,195 sq mi) |
| Tributaries |
|
The Goomadeer River is an important river in the Northern Territory, Australia. It flows through a beautiful part of the country called Arnhem Land. This river is home to many different plants and animals, including some special fish and turtles.
Contents
Where Does the Name Come From?
The name Goomadeer comes from the Kunwinjku language. The local people call an area the river flows through Kumardderr. That's where the river got its name!
About the Goomadeer River
The Goomadeer River starts high up on a sandstone plateau. It gets its water from natural springs. The river begins about 274 m (899 ft) above sea level.
It flows north through wild, empty lands. Eventually, the river reaches Junction Bay and then flows into the Arafura Sea. The only other river that joins the Goomadeer is called the Gumardir River.
River Mouth and Surroundings
Where the river meets the sea, it forms an estuary. This area is very clean and natural. It has about 24.9 ha (62 acres) of open water.
The estuary is surrounded by a large area of mangrove trees. These special trees cover about 11.2 km2 (4.3 sq mi).
River Basin and Water Flow
The area that collects water for the Goomadeer River is called its catchment. This catchment covers a huge area of 5,684 km2 (2,195 sq mi). It is located between the East Alligator River to the west and the Liverpool River to the east.
Every year, the river discharges about 1,140 GL (4.0×1010 cu ft) of water. That's a lot of water flowing into the sea!
Plants and Animals of the Goomadeer River
Riverbank Plants
The plants growing along the riverbanks are called riparian vegetation. These plants are generally in good condition. However, some problems are causing them to decline.
Wild pigs and buffalo, which are not native to the area, cause damage. Also, some types of weeds are growing and taking over.
Fish Species
The Goomadeer River is home to many different kinds of fish. There are 19 species found here! Some of the interesting fish you might find include:
- Macleay's Glassfish
- Barred Grunter
- Sooty Grunter
- Fly-specked Hardyhead
- Northern Trout Gudgeon
- Gulf Saratoga
- Barramundi
- Oxeye Herring
- Rainbowfish
- Black-banded Rainbowfish
- Bony Bream
- Catfish
- Freshwater Longtom
- Seven-spot Archerfish
- Sleepy Cod
Special Turtles
A very special animal found in the river is the pig-nosed turtle. This type of turtle is considered a threatened species. This means there are not many of them left. They live in parts of the Goomadeer River, but only in small groups.
