Peel River (New South Wales) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Peel River |
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Peel River at Nundle
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| Other name(s) | Cockburn River |
| Country | Australia |
| State | New South Wales |
| Region | IBRA: New England Tablelands |
| District | Northern Tablelands |
| Municipalities | Tamworth, Gunnedah |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Liverpool Range, Great Dividing Range, and Mount Royal Range south of Nundle 743 m (2,438 ft) |
| River mouth | confluence with the Namoi River south of Keepit Dam 286 m (938 ft) |
| Length | 210 km (130 mi) |
| Basin features | |
| River system | Murray–Darling basin |
| Tributaries |
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| Bridges | Peel River railway bridge, Tamworth |
| Reservoir | Chaffey Dam |
The Peel River is an important waterway in New South Wales, Australia. It's a river that flows all year round. The Peel River is part of the larger Namoi River system, which then flows into the huge Murray–Darling basin. You can find this river in the North West Slopes and Plains area of New South Wales.
Contents
Where the Peel River Flows
The Peel River starts high up in the mountains. Its source is on the northern slopes of the Liverpool Range. This area is where the Great Dividing Range and Mount Royal Range meet. The river begins south of a small village called Nundle.
River's Journey
From its source, the river flows mostly north, then west, and finally northwest. It eventually reaches the flat lands known as the Liverpool Plains, near the city of Tamworth. Along its journey, the Peel River is joined by thirteen smaller streams, called tributaries. One of these is the Cockburn River.
The river also flows through Chaffey Dam, which is a large dam. After traveling about 210 kilometres (130 mi), the Peel River meets the Namoi River. This meeting point is called a confluence. Over its entire length, the river drops about 457 metres (1,499 ft) in elevation.
Towns Along the River
As the Peel River makes its way, it passes by or close to several towns and villages. These include Nundle, Woolomin, and Piallamore.
History of the Peel River
European settlers first explored the Peel River in 1818. It was discovered by a person named John Oxley. Oxley named the river in honor of Sir Robert Peel. Sir Robert Peel was a very important British politician at the time.
Tamworth Rail Bridge
In the city of Tamworth, the Peel River is crossed by a special bridge. This bridge is part of the Main North railway line. It's known as the Tamworth rail bridge. This bridge was finished in 1882 and is considered a heritage-listed site. This means it's an important historical structure.
The Murray Cod and the Peel River
The Peel River is famous for a special fish called the Murray cod. This fish is a large freshwater native fish of Australia. Its scientific name is Maccullochella peelii. The "peelii" part of its name comes from the Peel River!
The explorer Major Mitchell named the fish after the river. In 1838, during his expedition, his men caught many Murray cod from the river. Major Mitchell sketched and scientifically described one of these fish, giving it its name.
