Werribee River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Werribee (Wirribi-yaluk) |
|
| River | |
 Werribee River at Exford, downstream from Melton Reservoir
|
|
| Name origin: Aboriginal (Boonwurrung/Wathawurrung): wirribi meaning "backbone". | |
| Country | Australia |
|---|---|
| State | Victoria |
| Regions | Victorian Midlands (IBRA), Western District, Port Phillip |
| Local government areas | Moorabool, Melton, Wyndham |
| Part of | Port Phillip catchment |
| Tributaries | |
| - left | Lerderderg River, Toolern Creek |
| Cities | Ballan, Bacchus Marsh, Werribee |
| Source | Great Dividing Range |
| - location | Wombat State Forest near Korweinguboora |
| - elevation | 501 m (1,644 ft) |
| - coordinates | 37°26′S 144°10′E / 37.433°S 144.167°E |
| Mouth | Port Phillip |
| - location | near Werribee South |
| - elevation | 9 m (30 ft) |
| - coordinates | 37°58′42″S 144°41′40″E / 37.97833°S 144.69444°E |
| Length | 110 km (68 mi) |
| National park | Werribee Gorge State Park |
| Reservoir | Melton Reservoir |
The Werribee River is a river that flows all year round across the flat volcanic plains west of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. One of its main branches is the Lerderderg River. The Werribee River starts in the hills near Ballan. It flows for 110 kilometers (about 68 miles) before reaching Port Phillip Bay near the city of Werribee.
Many areas along the river are protected by parks. These include the beautiful Werribee Gorge State Park. The river also flows through the famous Werribee Open Range Zoo. You can follow the Werribee River Trail which runs alongside the river from Tarneit to Werribee.
The Werribee River flows into the Melton Reservoir. Water from the river is used to water the market gardens (farms that grow vegetables) in Bacchus Marsh and Werribee South. The Western Treatment Plant, which cleans Melbourne's wastewater, is located near where the river meets the bay.
Contents
History of the Werribee River
Before European settlers arrived, the Werribee River was an important boundary for the Bunurong people. Their six clans lived along the Victorian coast. This area stretched across the Mornington Peninsula, Western Port Bay, and down to Wilsons Promontory.
Early Conflicts Along the River
In the late 1830s and 1840s, there were conflicts along the Werribee River. These happened between the Wautharong people and the European settlers. For example, in July 1836, a settler named Charles Franks and a shepherd were killed near Mount Cottrell.
After this event, John Batman led a group of men to punish the Aboriginal people. They found a large group and shot at them, killing at least ten people. There are also stories that flour mixed with poison was given to local Aboriginal groups.
Building Bridges and River Floods
In 1851, a large timber bridge was built to cross the Werribee River. It replaced an older wooden bridge. However, in 1852, this new bridge was washed away when the river flooded. This shows how powerful the river can be.
Protecting the River Today
In August 2004, the Victorian Government promised $300,000 to help improve the Werribee River. This project involved removing willow trees that were blocking the river near the town. These willows were replaced with plants that are native to Australia. This helps the river stay healthy and supports local wildlife.
The River's Name: Werribee
The explorers Hume and Hovell camped by this river on December 15, 1824. They first named it the Arndell, after Hovell's father-in-law.
Later, John Helder Wedge "re-discovered" the river in 1835. He first called it the Peel, then changed it to the Ex or Exe. The name of the early river crossing, Exford, comes from this.
One of the local Wautharong-speaking Kulin tribesmen who was with Wedge said the river's name was 'Weariby Yallock'. The word 'yallock' means 'stream'. Over time, the spelling changed to the current Werribee. The original Aboriginal word wirribi meant spine or backbone.
Things to Do Along the Werribee River
There are many fun activities you can do along the Werribee River.
Exploring Trails and Nature
A network of bike and walking trails follows the river. These trails are great for seeing the many different kinds of plants and animals that live there. It's a perfect way to enjoy nature.
Boating and Fishing Spots
If you like fishing, there are many good spots along the river. You can also launch canoes and boats at the Werribee South Boat Ramp and Riverbend Historical Park.
Bird Watching and Wildlife Safety
Bird watching is a very popular activity along the river. You can see many different types of birds. However, it's important to be careful. There are Eastern Brown Snakes and other dangerous animals living near the river. Always watch where you are walking.
Gallery
-
Werribee River at Ballan
-
Under the old Western Highway at Ballan
-
A ford across the river west of Bacchus Marsh
-
Marking the boundary between Bacchus Marsh and Maddingley
-
In flood over Cotrell Street in Werribee
Related pages
Images for kids
-
Aerial view of the K Road cliffs along the Werribee River in January 2018.
-
The Werribee River in Spring 2017, where pasture (farmland) meets suburban areas.
