List of rivers of New South Wales (L–Z) facts for kids
This page is the second part of a big list of all the rivers in New South Wales, Australia. It works with the first part, List of rivers of New South Wales (A–K), to include every single one of the 439 rivers that were officially listed by the Geographical Names Board of New South Wales back in 2008. Rivers are super important! They provide water for drinking, farming, and homes. They also create amazing places for animals and plants to live.
Contents
What is a River List?
A river list is like a giant directory of all the rivers in a certain area. For New South Wales, this list helps people know exactly where each river is, what it's called, and sometimes even its old names. It's useful for geographers, environmental scientists, and anyone who wants to learn more about the water systems of Australia.
Why are Rivers Important?
Rivers are like the lifeblood of the land. They carry fresh water from mountains and hills all the way to the ocean or to inland lakes. This water is essential for:
- Drinking water: Many towns and cities get their water from rivers.
- Farming: Farmers use river water to grow crops and raise animals.
- Wildlife: Rivers are home to many different fish, birds, and other animals. They also provide water for plants and trees along their banks.
- Recreation: People love to swim, fish, boat, and relax by rivers.
- Electricity: Some rivers have dams that help create electricity for homes and businesses.
How Rivers Get Their Names
Rivers often get their names from different sources. Some are named after explorers or important people. Others might be named by the Aboriginal people who lived on the land for thousands of years, with names describing the river's features or local animals. Sometimes, a river might even have had a few different names over time before its current official name was decided.
Some Rivers in New South Wales
New South Wales has many amazing rivers, each with its own story and importance. Here are just a few examples from the L-Z part of the list:
- Lachlan River: This is one of Australia's longest rivers. It flows through central New South Wales and is very important for farming in the region.
- Macquarie River: Named after an early governor, this river flows through important towns like Bathurst and Dubbo. It's a key part of the Murray-Darling Basin, which is a huge river system in Australia.
- Manning River: This river is special because it's one of the few large rivers in Australia that has a "delta" – where the river splits into many smaller channels before reaching the sea.
- Murray River: The Murray River is the longest river in Australia! It forms part of the border between New South Wales and Victoria and is incredibly important for water supply across three states.
- Murrumbidgee River: Another major river in the Murray-Darling Basin, the Murrumbidgee is vital for irrigation and supports a lot of agriculture.
- Nepean River: Close to Sydney, the Nepean River is a beautiful waterway that winds through national parks and provides water for the city.
- Richmond River: Located in the northern part of New South Wales, this river flows into the Pacific Ocean and is important for the local environment and communities.
- Snowy River: Famous for its stunning mountain scenery, the Snowy River is part of the Snowy Mountains Scheme, a huge project that generates hydroelectric power and provides water for irrigation.
- Tweed River: Found in the far north of New South Wales, the Tweed River flows through a beautiful volcanic landscape and is known for its clear waters and diverse wildlife.
- Williams River: This river flows through the Dungog area and is a lovely example of the many smaller, but still important, rivers that make up New South Wales's water network.
These rivers, and many others on the full list, are all part of the amazing natural environment of New South Wales. They help shape the land and support life across the state.
See also
