Robinson River (Northern Territory) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Robinson |
|
|---|---|
 Location of the Robinson River mouth in the Northern Territory
|
|
| Country | Australia |
| Territory | Northern Territory |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Barkly Tableland, Australia 343 m (1,125 ft) |
| River mouth | Gulf of Carpentaria, Australia 0 m (0 ft) 16°02′55″S 137°14′41″E / 16.04861°S 137.24472°E |
| Length | 215 km (134 mi) |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 11,369 km2 (4,390 sq mi) |
The Robinson River is a river located in the Northern Territory of Australia. It is about 215 kilometers (134 miles) long. The river flows into the Gulf of Carpentaria.
Contents
Exploring the Robinson River's Journey
The Robinson River begins its journey on the Barkly Tableland. This area is like a high, flat plain. From there, the river flows north across wide, open lands. It even crosses Highway 1, a major road.
The river then passes by the Seven Emu homestead. Finally, it reaches the Gulf of Carpentaria. This is a large, shallow sea to the north of Australia. The river's mouth is about 60 kilometers (37 miles) east of a town called Borroloola.
What is an Estuary?
Where the Robinson River meets the sea, it forms an estuary. An estuary is a special area where fresh river water mixes with salty ocean water. The estuary of the Robinson River is very clean and natural. It covers an area of about 10.15 square kilometers (3.92 sq mi).
This part of the river is mostly shaped by the river's flow. It also has a "wave-dominated delta." This means ocean waves help create the landforms at the river's end. About 142 hectares (350 acres) of this area are covered with mangrove trees. Mangroves are special trees that grow in salty water.
The River's Drainage Basin
The land area that collects water for the Robinson River is called its drainage basin. This basin covers a huge area of about 11,369 square kilometers (4,390 sq mi). Imagine a giant funnel that collects all the rain and sends it to the river!
The Robinson River's basin is located between other river systems. To the west, it's next to the McArthur River. To the east, it's near the Calvert River. To the south, it borders the Barkly Tableland. Each year, the river sends about 1,000 gigaliters (1.3 billion cubic yards) of water into the sea.
Amazing Animals and Plants of the Robinson River
The Robinson River is home to many different kinds of plants and animals. It's a lively place for nature!
Plants Along the River
Along the lower parts of the river, you can find groups of a plant called Cycas angulata. These plants are a type of cycad, which are ancient plants that look a bit like palms.
Fish Species in the River
The river is full of fish! Scientists have found 33 different kinds of fish living here. Some of the interesting fish you might find include:
- Sailfin glassfish
- Barred grunter
- Snub-nosed garfish
- Fly-specked hardyhead
- Mouth almighty
- Golden flathead goby
- Spangled perch
- Barramundi
- Mangrove jack
- Chequered rainbowfish
- Giant gudgeon
- Spotted scat
- Freshwater longtom
- Seven-spot archerfish
Rare and Endangered Animals
The Robinson River is also important for some very rare animals. The critically endangered largetooth sawfish has been found near the river's mouth. Sawfish are amazing creatures with long, flat snouts that look like saws.
In the upper parts of the river, you can find the endangered gulf snapping turtle. These turtles are special and need our protection to survive.
A Look Back: History of the Robinson River
The Robinson River area has a rich history, especially for the Indigenous peoples of Australia.
Traditional Owners of the Land
The original and traditional owners of the land around the Robinson River are the Garawa people and the Gunindiri peoples. They have lived on and cared for this land for thousands of years.
How the River Got Its Name
The river was named by an explorer named Ludwig Leichhardt. He explored this area in 1845 during his journey from Queensland to Port Essington. Leichhardt named the river after Joseph Phelps Robinson. Joseph Robinson was a kind person who helped support Leichhardt's expedition. He was a banker and a Quaker, known for his generosity.
Returning Land to Its Owners
In 1992, an important event happened. The land known as the Robinson River pastoral lease (a type of land agreement) and nearby areas were given back to the Garawa people. The Garawa people had started working to reclaim their land in 1980. This was a significant moment for them.
