South Esk River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids South Esk |
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South Esk River in Launceston
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| Country | Australia |
| State | Tasmania |
| Region | Northern Tasmania |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Ben Lomond Mathinna Plains 810 m (2,660 ft) |
| River mouth | Tamar River Launceston 0 m (0 ft) 41°27′S 147°07′E / 41.450°S 147.117°E |
| Length | 252 km (157 mi) |
| Basin features | |
| River system | Tamar River |
| Tributaries |
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| Reservoirs | Lake Trevallyn |
The South Esk River is the longest river in Tasmania, Australia. It is a major perennial river, meaning it flows all year round. You can find it in the northern part of Tasmania.
Contents
Where Does the South Esk River Flow?
The South Esk River starts in the eastern hills of the Ben Lomond plateau. This is near a place called Mathinna. The river then makes a big curve around the southern side of the mountain.
It flows through several towns, including Fingal, Avoca, and Evandale. After that, it winds its way northwest through Perth, Longford, and Hadspen.
Meeting Other Rivers
The South Esk River joins with the Meander River. Then, it flows through a narrow area called the Cataract Gorge. Finally, it meets the North Esk River in Launceston. When these two rivers meet, they form the kanamaluka/Tamar River. The Tamar River then flows out to the Bass Strait.
How Dams Affect the River
The natural flow of the river is changed by the Trevallyn Dam. This dam is near Launceston. It was built as part of the Trevallyn Power Station to create hydroelectric power. When there are heavy rains, the river can flood. This causes water to overflow from Lake Trevallyn. It creates amazing, fast-moving rapids in the Gorge.
Rivers Joining the South Esk
The South Esk River has many smaller rivers that flow into it. Its two biggest helpers are the Macquarie River and the Meander River. Other smaller rivers that join it include the Nile River, River Tyne, Storys Creek, and the Break O'Day River.
The Meander River also has its own helpers, like the Liffey River. The Macquarie River is joined by the Lake, Isis, Elizabeth, Blackman, and Tooms rivers. All these rivers and streams collect water from a large area. This area includes the north Midlands valley, the Western Tiers, the Ben Lomond plateau, and the Eastern Ranges.
A Look Back in Time: The River's History
The South Esk River has a rich history. People have lived along its banks for thousands of years.
Indigenous History: The First People
The Tasmanian Aboriginal people have their own names for the river. In their language, palawa kani, it is called plipatumila. Other names include mangana lienta and mooronnoe. These names describe different parts of the river or its features.
The river was very important to the Aboriginal people. It flowed through the lands of the Ben Lomond Nation and the North Midlands Nation. These groups used the river for hunting and gathering food. They would collect freshwater mussels from the river.
Many signs of their life have been found along the river. These include old campsites and tools. Certain spots along the river were special meeting places. These places include Stony Creek, Glen Esk, Native Point, and Hadspen.
European History: New Names and Settlers
In December 1804, a European explorer named Colonel William Paterson arrived. He renamed the river the South Esk River. He named it after a river in Scotland.
