Oldfield River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Oldfield River |
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|---|---|
| Country | Australia |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | 329 metres (1,079 ft) |
| River mouth | Oldfield Estuary |
| Length | 95 kilometres (59 mi) |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 2,479 km2 (957 sq mi) |
The Oldfield River is a special river located in the Goldfields-Esperance region of Western Australia. It's known as an ephemeral river. This means it doesn't flow with water all year round. Instead, it only flows after heavy rains, often drying up during drier periods. The river begins about 95 kilometers (59 miles) inland from the South Coast, right at the edge of the Yilgarn plateau.
Contents
Where the Oldfield River Flows
The Oldfield River starts its journey about 300 meters (984 feet) above sea level. From there, it flows towards the southeast. You can see where it crosses the South Coast Highway near a place called Munglinup.
As the river moves, it gently winds through areas made of sandstone. This creates soft, rolling valleys. You'll also spot many large granite rocks sticking out of the ground. Further along, the river carves deeper paths through a type of rock called siltstone. Finally, it reaches the flatter land near the coast.
River Connections
The Oldfield River has a few smaller rivers and creeks that join it. These are called tributaries. One important tributary is the Munglinup River. After this river joins, the Oldfield River flows into the Oldfield Estuary. An estuary is where a river meets the sea, and the Oldfield Estuary eventually empties into the vast Southern Ocean. The only other tributary that flows into the Oldfield River is Coujinup Creek.
What Makes the Oldfield River Special
The water in the Oldfield River is considered saline, which means it's quite salty. It also has high levels of nutrients. The river has some plants growing along its edges, called fringing vegetation. While it's an important waterway, there isn't a very high risk of it flooding.
How the Oldfield River Got its Name
The name "Oldfield River" was first mentioned in a letter written in 1866 by a settler named Michael Simon Dempster. People believe the river was named after Augustus Frederick Oldfield. He was a plant collector who spent time exploring the southern coast of Western Australia. It's thought that Albert Young Hassell from Jerramup likely named the river. He explored this area back in 1861.
