Rocky River (South Australia) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rocky River |
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 Location of the river mouth in South Australia
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| Country | Australia |
| State | South Australia |
| Region | Mid North |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Frypan Hill Wirrabara Forest 700 m (2,300 ft) |
| River mouth | confluence with the Broughton River southwest of Crystal Brook 33°24′01″S 138°07′59″E / 33.4002°S 138.1331°E |
| Length | 102 km (63 mi) |
| Basin features | |
| River system | Broughton River |
| Basin size | 1,350 km2 (520 sq mi) |
| Tributaries |
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The Rocky River is a river found in the Mid North area of South Australia, Australia. It's an important waterway for the local environment and communities.
Contents
River Journey
The Rocky River starts its journey high up near the Wirrabara Forest. This forest is a beautiful natural area. The river begins at a place called Frypan Hill, which is about 700 m (2,300 ft) above sea level.
At first, the river flows north. Then, it changes direction and generally flows south. As it travels, it passes by several towns. These towns include Wirrabara, Stone Hut, Laura, and Gladstone. The river provides water and helps shape the landscape around these communities.
Where it Ends
After flowing for about 102 km (63 mi), the Rocky River meets another river. This meeting point is called a confluence. The Rocky River joins the Broughton River. This happens southwest of a town called Crystal Brook.
River's Drop
From where it starts to where it ends, the Rocky River drops a total of 612 metres (2,008 ft). This drop in height helps the water flow along its path.
River System and Tributaries
A river system includes a main river and all the smaller streams and rivers that flow into it. The Rocky River is part of the Broughton River system.
What are Tributaries?
Tributaries are like smaller arms of a river. They are streams or smaller rivers that flow into a larger river. The Rocky River has several tributaries that add water to its flow.
Rocky River's Tributaries
Some of the creeks that flow into the Rocky River include:
- Ippinitchie Creek
- Pine Creek
- Appila Creek
- Pisant/Yanga Creek
- Narridy Creek
- Yackamoorundie/Rocky Creek
These tributaries collect water from a wide area. The total area that drains into the Rocky River is called its catchment area. For the Rocky River, this area is about 1,350 square kilometres (520 sq mi). This means all the rain that falls in this large area eventually makes its way into the Rocky River.
