Macdonald River (Bendemeer) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Macdonald River |
|
|---|---|
Macdonald River at Bendemeer
|
|
| Other name(s) | Muluerindie |
| Country | Australia |
| State | New South Wales |
| Region | IBRA: New England Tablelands |
| District | Northern Tablelands |
| Municipality | Tamworth |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Moonbi Range and Great Dividing Range east of Niangala 1,220 m (4,000 ft) |
| River mouth | confluence with the Namoi River Bald Rock Mountain 705 m (2,313 ft) |
| Length | 169 km (105 mi) |
| Basin features | |
| River system | Murray–Darling basin |
The Macdonald River is a river in New South Wales, Australia. It flows all year round and is part of the larger Namoi River system, which then joins the huge Murray–Darling basin. You can find it in the Northern Tablelands area of New South Wales.
Contents
Where the Macdonald River Flows
The Macdonald River starts high up in the mountains, specifically on the western side of the Moonbi Range and Great Dividing Range, near a place called Niangala. From there, it flows mostly towards the northwest.
Along its journey, the river meets up with its main tributary (a smaller river that flows into a larger one), the Cobrabald River. This meeting point is called a confluence. The Macdonald River then flows through Warrabah National Park.
Finally, after traveling about 169 kilometres (105 mi), the Macdonald River joins the Namoi River. During its course, the river drops about 515 metres (1,690 ft) in height. The river also passes by or near the villages of Woolbrook and Bendemeer.
Fun Activities and River Life
The Macdonald River is a great place for outdoor activities. If you enjoy fishing, you can try catching trout in the Macdonald River and its smaller creeks. This is possible upstream from the New England Highway bridge at Bendemeer.
The Unique Namoi River Snapping Turtle
The Macdonald River is also home to a special type of turtle called the Namoi River snapping turtle (Elseya belli). This turtle is quite rare because it's only found in the upper parts of the Namoi River, the Gwydir River, and the Macdonald River. It's an important part of the local wildlife.
Bridges and Floods
A bridge called the T A Perry Bridge crosses the Macdonald River. This bridge carries the New England Highway and was finished in 1985. It helped traffic go around the village of Bendemeer more easily.
In November 2008, there was a lot of rain, which caused the Macdonald River to flood severely. Because of this, the area was officially declared a natural disaster zone.
