Victoria River (Northern Territory) facts for kids
The Victoria River is the longest river in the Northern Territory of Australia. It flows into the Timor Sea, which is part of the Indian Ocean. This river is a very important waterway in the northern part of Australia.
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Exploring the Victoria River
The Victoria River has a rich history of exploration by Europeans. Many brave explorers sailed or walked along its banks to learn more about this part of Australia.
Early Discoveries
The first European to explore the mouth of the Victoria River was Phillip Parker King. He was a British explorer and naval officer. King sailed into the river's entrance on 12 September 1819. He was on a mission to map the coastline of Australia.
The Voyage of HMS Beagle
Later, in 1839, the famous ship HMS Beagle visited the river. The crew of the Beagle managed to travel more than 200 kilometers (about 124 miles) up the river. This was a significant journey, as it showed how far inland the river could be navigated. The HMS Beagle is also famous because Charles Darwin sailed on it during his voyage around the world, though he was not on this particular trip to the Victoria River.
Augustus Gregory's Expedition
Another important explorer, Augustus Charles Gregory, reached the Victoria River in 1854. Gregory was leading a large expedition that had crossed the northern part of Australia. They started their journey all the way from Brisbane, which is in Queensland. Reaching the Victoria River was a major achievement for his team.
