Kalgan River facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Kalgan River
Kalgan River
Country	Australia
Physical characteristics
Main source	Stirling Ranges 199 metres (653 ft)
River mouth	Oyster Harbour, Albany, Western Australia
Length	140 kilometres (87 mi)
Basin features
Basin size	2,562 km²

The Kalgan River flows through Western Australia, close to the city of Albany. Imagine this: it's one of the oldest rivers on Earth! Dinosaurs might have even walked along its banks a very long time ago. This amazing river is about 140 kilometers (87 miles) long.

A River's Ancient Story

The Kalgan River has a long and interesting history.

How the River Got Its Name

Back in 1803, a French science team explored this area. They were led by Nicolas Baudin. They named the river 'Riviere des Francais', which means 'River of the French'. Early settlers also called it the 'French River'.

But the river's current name comes from much older times. In 1831, an explorer named Dr Alexander Collie wrote down the name 'Kal-gan-up'. This name is believed to be a Noongar word. The Noongar people are the traditional owners of this land.

What Does Kalganup Mean?

The word 'Kalganup' is thought to mean 'place of many waters'. It might also mean 'place of fishes'. This makes sense because there are still old Aboriginal fish traps found along the river. These traps show how people used the river for food a very long time ago.

Images for kids

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  The River near Kamballup between the Porongurups and the Stirling Range

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  Mouth of Kalgan River into Oyster Harbour

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  Oyster Harbour from Lower Kalgan Bridge

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  Lower Kalgan Bridge from the east bank

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  Government Jetty with Lower Kalgan Bridge to the left

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  Kalgan River - Honeymoon Island

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  Kalgan River southern end

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  Kingfisher sculpture near end of Luke Pen Walk