Rivers of Tasmania facts for kids

Tasmania, an island state in Australia, is full of rivers and lakes. All these rivers eventually flow into the ocean surrounding the island. Tasmania has four main river systems:

• In the south, the Derwent River starts in the Central Highlands. It flows past Hobart, the capital city, and empties into Storm Bay.
• In the west, the Gordon River carries water from Lake Gordon and Lake Pedder. It joins the Franklin River before flowing into Macquarie Harbour.
• Flowing east and then south, the Huon River begins at Scotts Peak Dam on Lake Pedder. It reaches the sea in the D'Entrecasteaux Channel.
• From the north-east, the South Esk River, which is Tasmania's longest river, meets the North Esk River in Launceston. Together, they form the Tamar River.

Tasmania has many wild or untouched rivers. This is a much higher number compared to other parts of Australia.

River Catchment Areas

A catchment area is like a big bowl where all the rain and water flows into one main river or lake. Tasmania's major rivers have their own large catchment areas. The Derwent River has one of the most important ones.

Some of the main catchment areas are found in different parts of Tasmania:

• The Gordon River catchment is in the south-west.
• The Arthur River and Pieman River catchments are on the west coast.

Tasmania's Longest Rivers

Here are some of the longest rivers in Tasmania, measured in 2008:

Where Tasmania's Rivers Flow

Tasmania's rivers flow in different directions, depending on which ocean they are closest to.

Rivers Flowing to the Tasman Sea

Many rivers in Tasmania flow towards the east and south-east, eventually reaching the Tasman Sea, which is part of the South Pacific Ocean.

• The Derwent River and its smaller rivers like the Jordan and Styx flow into the Tasman Sea near Hobart.
• The Huon River also flows into the D'Entrecasteaux Channel, which connects to the Tasman Sea. Rivers like the Mountain and Picton join the Huon.
• Other rivers that flow directly into the Tasman Sea include the George, Prosser, and Swan rivers.

Rivers Flowing to the Southern Ocean

On the western and southern sides of Tasmania, rivers flow towards the vast Southern Ocean.

• The Gordon River and its important partner, the Franklin River, are major rivers in this area. They are joined by rivers like the Jane and Collingwood.
• The Pieman River system also flows into the Southern Ocean. It includes rivers such as the Donaldson and Savage.
• Other rivers in the west and south that reach the Southern Ocean are the Davey, Henty, King, and Old.

Rivers Flowing to Bass Strait

In the north of Tasmania, rivers flow northwards into Bass Strait, which separates Tasmania from mainland Australia.

• The Tamar River is formed by the meeting of the South Esk and North Esk rivers. The South Esk has many smaller rivers joining it, like the Meander and Macquarie.
• The Arthur River in the north-west flows into Bass Strait, with rivers like the Frankland and Hellyer joining it.
• Other important rivers flowing into Bass Strait include the Inglis, Forth, Mersey, and Cam.
• Rivers like the Don, Emu, and Leven also flow directly into Bass Strait.