Leichhardt River facts for kids
The Leichhardt River is an important river located in the north west of Queensland, Australia. It flows through a region known for its unique landscapes and wildlife.
Quick facts for kids Leichhardt |
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Leichhardt River at Stokes, 2013
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 Location of Leichhardt River river mouth in Queensland
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| Country | Australia |
| State | Queensland |
| Region | Gulf Country |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Rifle Creek Selwyn Range, Australia 406 m (1,332 ft) |
| River mouth | Gulf of Carpentaria, Australia 0 m (0 ft) 17°34′46″S 139°47′37″E / 17.57944°S 139.79361°E |
| Length | 630 km (390 mi) |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 32,878 km2 (12,694 sq mi) |
River's Journey
The Leichhardt River starts its journey in the Selwyn Range. This is about 25 kilometers (15 miles) south of the mining town of Mount Isa. It begins near Rifle Creek Hill and is fed by Rifle Creek.
The river generally flows north, passing close to Mount Isa. It then crosses the Barkly Highway. From there, it turns northeast, winding through the area known as the Gulf Country. Along its path, it flows through Lake Moondarra and past Glenroy Station. It also passes through Lake Julius.
Further along, the river turns east and then north again. It runs almost parallel to the Burke Developmental Road, crossing it near a place called Nardoo. The river continues north past Augustus Downs Station before finally reaching its end. It empties into the Gulf of Carpentaria.
The river was named after an early explorer of Australia, Ludwig Leichhardt.
River's Surroundings
The area that drains into the Leichhardt River is called its catchment area. This area covers a huge 32,878 square kilometers (12,694 square miles). The main activities in this region are mining and raising livestock like cattle.
The Leichhardt River is often described as ephemeral. This means that during the dry season, parts of the river can dry up. When this happens, the river turns into a series of separate waterholes. The area around the river and where it meets the sea is in a very natural condition.
Several dams have been built along the river and in its catchment area. Near Mount Isa, the river is dammed to create Lake Moondarra. Other important water storage places include Julius Dam, East Leichhardt Dam, and Rifle Creek Dam. About 50 kilometers (31 miles) upstream from where the river meets the sea, you can find the beautiful Leichhardt Falls. Besides Mount Isa, a small community called Kajabbi is also located along the river.
River's Past
The Leichhardt River has a history that includes both human activity and ancient discoveries. In 2009, a company called Xstrata spent a lot of money to clean up the riverbed. They removed 40,000 tonnes of material to help the river environment.
Scientists have also found amazing fossil remains along the river's course. For example, in 2011, paleontologists discovered the fossil of an ancient marsupial that they had not identified before. This shows that the river area has been home to many different creatures over millions of years.
