Murray River (Queensland) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Murray River |
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 Location of Murray River mouth in Queensland
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| Country | Australia |
| State | Queensland |
| Region | Far North Queensland, Wet Tropics of Queensland |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Mount Wyruna, Great Dividing Range Girringun National Park 297 m (974 ft) 18°17′59″S 145°59′31″E / 18.29972°S 145.99194°E |
| River mouth | Coral Sea 0 m (0 ft) 18°08′49″S 146°02′49″E / 18.14694°S 146.04694°E |
| Length | 70 km (43 mi) |
The Murray River is a beautiful river located in Far North Queensland, Australia. It flows for about 70 kilometers (43 miles) from its source in the mountains. The river drops 297 meters (974 feet) in height as it travels. It starts high up in the Girringun National Park and eventually reaches the Coral Sea on the Queensland coast.
Contents
Discover the Murray River
Where the River Flows
The Murray River begins its journey at Mount Wyruna. This mountain is part of the Great Dividing Range. The river then flows through the stunning Girringun National Park. From there, it makes its way to the coast. The river's mouth opens into the Coral Sea.
How the Murray River Got its Name
The Murray River is named after John Murray. He was an officer in the Native Police force. This force was a type of police group during the time of British settlement.
When British colonists first arrived in 1865, they called it the Macalister River. However, its name was later changed to the Murray River.
The Famous Murray Falls
One of the most popular spots along the river is the Murray Falls. These beautiful waterfalls are a big attraction for tourists. They are located in the upper parts of the river. Many people visit to enjoy the scenery and the natural beauty of the area.
A Sweet History: Sugar Farming
When the first British explorers came to this area, they noticed something special. The middle parts of the Murray River were surrounded by open grassy plains. This was different from the thick tropical rainforest usually found in the lowlands.
These open plains made it easy to grow sugar crops. The soil was very rich, and there was no need to clear dense forests. These plains were known as the Murray or Bellenden Plains. They became the first place in Far North Queensland where sugarcane was grown as a cash crop. A cash crop is something grown to be sold for money.
In 1866, a farmer named John Ewen Davidson was the first colonist to plant sugar on these plains. His efforts helped start the sugar industry in the region.
