Lerderderg River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lerderderg |
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Lerderderg River, near Darley
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| Other name(s) | The Lerdy |
| Country | Australia |
| State | Victoria |
| Region | Victorian Midlands (IBRA), Western District |
| Local government area | Moorabool |
| Town | Bacchus Marsh |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Blackwood Ranges, Great Dividing Range Lerderderg State Forest 474 m (1,555 ft) 37°29′37″S 144°21′36″E / 37.49361°S 144.36000°E |
| River mouth | confluence with the Werribee River within the Melton Reservoir 91 m (299 ft) 37°42′27″S 144°31′08″E / 37.70750°S 144.51889°E |
| Length | 40 km (25 mi) |
| Basin features | |
| River system | Port Phillip catchment |
| Tributaries |
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| National park | Lerderderg State Park |
The Lerderderg River is a beautiful waterway in Victoria, Australia. People often call it The Lerdy. It's a river that flows all year round. The Lerderderg River is part of the Port Phillip catchment area.
Contents
Exploring the Lerderderg River's Journey
The Lerderderg River starts its journey high up in the Blackwood Ranges. These ranges are part of the huge Great Dividing Range. The river begins in the Lerderderg State Forest, close to a place called Blackwood.
Where the Lerderderg River Flows
The river winds its way generally towards the southeast. It flows through the amazing Lerderderg Gorge. This gorge is inside the Wombat State Forest. Along its path, two smaller streams, The Old River and Goodman Creek, join the Lerderderg.
Finally, the Lerderderg River meets the Werribee River. This meeting point is within the Melton Reservoir, southeast of Bacchus Marsh. The river drops about 383 meters (1,257 feet) over its entire 40-kilometer (25-mile) length.
The Historic Lerderderg River Diversion Tunnel
Long ago, between 1855 and 1870, a special tunnel was built for the river. This tunnel is called the Lerderderg River diversion tunnel. It's about 25 kilometers (16 miles) upstream from Bacchus Marsh.
The tunnel was dug through a mountain spur where the river made a big horseshoe bend. This allowed the river to be diverted. The dry riverbed could then be searched for alluvial gold, which is gold found in river sediments.
Fun Activities and Natural Wonders
The Lerderderg River area is a great place for outdoor adventures. Many people visit the Lerderderg Gorge Picnic Ground. It's a popular spot for camping and bushwalking. Fishing is also a favorite activity here.
Gold Mining History and River Features
In the past, gold was mined in the upper parts of the river. You can still see some of the old mines today. Be careful, though, as these old mines are considered dangerous to enter. You can also see the old sluice on the east bank. This sluice used to carry water to the mines.
During a serious drought in 2007, the river's flow slowed down a lot. It almost became just a trickle.
Popular Swimming Spots
Even when the river isn't flowing strongly, there are still some great places to swim. These popular swimming spots are located in the Lerderderg Gorge. Some of them include "Harry's Hole," "Third Hole," and "The Pit."
River Crossings
The Western Freeway crosses the Lerderderg River. This crossing is northeast of Bacchus Marsh.
