Goulburn River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Goulburn |
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Middle reaches of the Goulburn, near Seymour
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| Native name | Warring, Koninner, Gungupna, Gaiyila, Omio, Bayyango |
| Country | Australia |
| State | Victoria |
| Region | Alpine and Riverine bioregions (IBRA), Victorian Alps, Northern Country/North Central, Southern Riverina |
| Local government areas | Mansfield, Murrindindi, Mitchell, Strathbogie, Greater Shepparton, Campaspe |
| Towns and cities | Alexandra, Seymour, Nagambie, Murchison, Shepparton–Mooroopna, Echuca |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Corn Hill, Victorian Alps, Great Dividing Range near Woods Point 1,210 m (3,970 ft) 37°32′13″S 146°11′22″E / 37.53694°S 146.18944°E |
| River mouth | confluence with the Murray River near Echuca 100 m (330 ft) 36°6′11″S 144°49′47″E / 36.10306°S 144.82972°E |
| Length | 654 km (406 mi) |
| Basin features | |
| River system | Goulburn Broken catchment, Murray-Darling basin |
| Basin size | 23,916 km2 (9,234 sq mi) |
| Tributaries |
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| National parks | Lower Goulburn National Park |
The Goulburn River is a very important river in Victoria, Australia. It's a long river that flows all year round. It is part of the larger Murray-Darling Basin, which is a huge river system in Australia.
The Goulburn River starts high up in the Victorian Alps near Corn Hill. From there, it flows for 654 kilometres (406 mi) until it joins the Murray River near Echuca. This makes the Goulburn River the longest river entirely within Victoria. Along its journey, the river is used to create large water storages like Lake Eildon and Waranga Basin.
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Where is the Goulburn River located?
The Goulburn River begins in the mountains of the Victorian Alps. Its source is below Corn Hill, close to the town of Woods Point.
The river flows mainly north, then west, then north again, and finally west. It passes by or through several towns and cities, including:
- Alexandra
- Seymour
- Nagambie
- Murchison
- Shepparton–Mooroopna
- Echuca
Many smaller rivers and creeks flow into the Goulburn River. Some of its main branches are the Big River, Rubicon River, and Broken River. The river drops about 1,100 metres (3,600 ft) from its source to where it meets the Murray River.
The Goulburn River is not only the longest in Victoria but also has the most water flowing through it each year. The land around the river is very fertile because of the water used for farming.
How is the river's health?
The Goulburn River's water is used a lot, and its flow is carefully controlled by dams and weirs. This has changed the river's natural environment. In recent dry years, the river's ecosystem has faced even more challenges.
People have discussed how to manage the river's water, especially with projects like the North–South Pipeline. This pipeline helps supply water to Melbourne. Experts are working to balance the water needs of people with keeping the river healthy for fish and other wildlife.
Fun activities on the Goulburn River
The Goulburn River is a special place for nature and fun activities. In 1992, it was named a "Heritage River" because of its unique natural beauty and cultural importance.
In 2010, the Victorian Government created the Lower Goulburn National Park. This park helps protect the tall River Red Gum forests that grow along the riverbanks. These trees can grow up to 45 metres (148 ft) tall and live for over 500 years! They need floods to spread their seeds and grow. Their hollows and branches provide homes for many birds like galahs and cockatoos, and fallen branches help other animals.
You can enjoy many activities on the Goulburn River, such as:
- Canoeing
- Sightseeing and picnicking
- Swimming
- Fishing
In the lower parts of the river, you might catch Murray Cod, Golden Perch, or even find freshwater crayfish. The upper parts of the river, surrounded by tall mountain ash forests, are great for trout fishing.
What's in a name?
The Goulburn River has several names in the Aboriginal languages of the local people.
- In the Daungwurrung language, it's called Warring, meaning "big water," or Bayyango, which seemed to be a general word for river. Another name is Omio.
- In the Yorta Yorta language, it's known as Koninner, meaning "the country where the Murray and Goulburn rivers meet." Other names include Gungupna, meaning "deep waterholes," and Gaiyila, meaning "father of waters."
The river was named "Goulburn" by explorers Hamilton Hume and William Hovell in 1824. They named it after Major Frederick Goulburn, who was an important government official in New South Wales at the time.
See also
In Spanish: Río Goulburn para niños
