Leigh River (Victoria) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Leigh |
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The Leigh River at Inverleigh. The Hamilton Highway bridge is visible in the background.
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| Country | Australia |
| State | Victoria |
| Region | Central Highlands |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Mount Mercer Cambrian Hill 325 m (1,066 ft) 37°37′48″S 143°49′54″E / 37.63000°S 143.83167°E |
| River mouth | Barwon River near Inverleigh 60 m (200 ft) 38°06′31″S 144°03′48″E / 38.10861°S 144.06333°E |
| Length | 61 km (38 mi) |
| Basin features | |
| River system | Corangamite catchment |
| Tributaries |
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The Leigh River is a river in Victoria, Australia. It is also known by its traditional Aboriginal name, Waywatcurtan. This river flows all year round, making it a perennial river. It is part of the larger Corangamite water system. You can find it in the Central Highlands area of Victoria.
About the Leigh River
The Leigh River is a very important part of the Barwon River system. It acts as a main tributary, which means it's a smaller river that flows into a larger one. The Leigh River starts below Mount Mercer. It then flows south for about 61 kilometers (38 miles).
The river drops about 265 meters (869 feet) from its source to where it meets the Barwon River. The Yarrowee River also joins the Leigh River. This meeting point, called a confluence, is near Cambrian Hill. The Leigh River also has three smaller streams that flow into it.
Bridges and Crossings
Many roads and railways cross the Leigh River. People can also walk across it using special pedestrian bridges. Sometimes, when the water is low, you can even cross the river in shallow spots.
Here are some places where you can find crossings over the Leigh River:
- Near Dereel, there's the Leigh Gorge Bridge.
- In Shelford, you'll find the Town Bridge.
- At Inverleigh, there are several crossings. These include the Two Bridges, the Federation Bridge for walkers, and bridges for the Hamilton Highway and the Melbourne/Adelaide railway line.
What's in a Name?
The Wathaurong Indigenous Australian people have their own name for the river: Waywatcurtan. This name has been used for a very long time.
The name "Leigh River" was likely given by a surveyor named J.H. Wedge. He arrived in Australia in 1835. It's thought that he named the river after his farm in Tasmania, which was called 'Leighlands'.
Images for kids
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The Hamilton Highway bridge over the Leigh River at Inverleigh.
