Hutt River (South Australia) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hutt |
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 Location of the river mouth in South Australia
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| Native name | Parriworta |
| Country | Australia |
| State | South Australia |
| Region | Mid North, Clare Valley |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Skilly Hills below Atherley, Clare Valley 396 m (1,299 ft) |
| River mouth | confluence with the Broughton River south of Spalding 256 m (840 ft) 33°31′36″S 138°35′53″E / 33.52667°S 138.59806°E |
| Length | 39 km (24 mi) |
| Basin features | |
| River system | Broughton River |
| Basin size | 280 km2 (110 sq mi) |
The Hutt River is an important river in South Australia, a state in Australia. The local Kaurna people call it Parriworta. You can find this river in the Mid North and Clare Valley areas. It plays a big role in the local environment and history.
Contents
Where the Hutt River Flows
The Hutt River starts near a place called Sevenhill. From there, it mostly flows north. It passes through the town of Clare. The river goes through areas with good farms and places where animals graze.
Meeting Another River
The Hutt River eventually joins up with the Broughton River. This meeting point is south of a town called Spalding. The river drops about 129 metres (423 ft) along its 39-kilometre (24 mi) path.
River Branches and Neighbors
The area around the Hutt River has five smaller sections, or "sub-regions." These are Hutt River, Stanley Flat, Armagh Creek, White Hutt Creek, and Bungaree. Armagh Creek is the biggest stream that flows into the Hutt River. The Hill River is like a twin to the Hutt River. It runs right next to it, but a small hill range keeps them separate.
History of the Hutt River
The Hutt River was explored a long time ago. In April 1839, an explorer named John Hill visited several streams in the Mid North region, including the Hutt River.
How the River Got Its Name
John Hill named the river after Sir William Hutt. Sir William Hutt was a very important person in London. He was one of the South Australian Colonization Commissioners. These commissioners helped plan and set up the new colony of South Australia.
Sir William Hutt's brother, John Hutt, was first asked to be the very first Governor of South Australia. A Governor is like the leader of a state or colony. But John Hutt said no. Instead, John Hindmarsh became the first Governor. Later, John Hutt became the Governor of Western Australia from 1839 to 1846.
Early Explorers on the River
John Hill followed the Hutt River downstream. He went as far as just below where the town of Clare is today. A bit later, in May 1839, another explorer named Edward John Eyre also followed the river. He used the information John Hill had shared. Edward John Eyre traced the Hutt River all the way to where it joins the Broughton River.
