Rivers in Australia 

Written by Kirstin Harrington
Published: November 19, 2022
© Benny Marly/Shutterstock.com
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Pieman River, Tasmania

Due to its reputation as one of the most beautiful rivers in Australia, the Gordon River is sometimes busy and packed with tourists. The Tasmanian countryside, where it’s possible to go days without seeing or hearing another person, is a sharp contrast to the shores of the Pieman River

Utilize the Western Explorer Road, which is a famous route in and of itself. If you’re traveling south, after you get to Corrina, the road terminates. You have to go over the Pieman River using “The Fatman” before carrying on to Strahan. 

A stay at Corrina’s tiny campsite will allow you to enjoy the Pieman River’s early-morning serenity and beauty without the throng. Over the course of its 62 miles, the river drops 627 feet.

Pieman River
Pieman river is the most beautiful river in Tasmania.

©David Lade/Shutterstock.com

Jardine River, Queensland

The Jardine River may not be the most beautiful body of water, but the river catchment covers 1,267 square miles of largely unpopulated land, 85 square miles of which are freshwater wetlands.

Some of the well-known creeks along the river include Palm Creek, Cockatoo Creek, Canal Creek, Mistake Creek, the appropriately titled Cannibal Creek, and the infamous Gunshot.

The Jardine is deep, has a moderate stream, and homes a sizable number of ravenous crocodiles. The Jardine River Ferry is the best option for visitors to see the scenery. Less than 50 miles separate you from Pajinka, also referred to as “The Tip,” once you have crossed the river. 

Tropical vines line the final section of the road, from Punsand Bay to The Tip. Then, a short walk will take you to the sign near the northernmost part of Australia.

Jardine River
The Jardine is deep, has a moderate stream, and homes a sizable number of ravenous crocodiles.

©Electra/Shutterstock.com

Pentecost River, WA

The Pentecost River is one of the top places to go barramundi fishing in the Kimberley area. The legendary four-wheel-drive Gibb River Road crosses the Pentecost River, and this location is the perfect spot to cast a net. 

For the greatest fishing location, proceed along a path on the crossing’s northeastern side. Feel the rush of snagging that large barramundi! However, be aware of the saltwater crocodiles that live nearby and avoid swimming.

Camping is possible along the Pentecost River, which flows through El Questro Wilderness Park. You are approaching crocodile country when you reach the Pilbara or Kimberley provinces. 

The estuary (saltwater) crocodile and the freshwater crocodile are both species that inhabit Western Australia. The world’s largest reptile and the potentially most lethal predator is the estuarine crocodile. Freshwater crocodiles are smaller and less violent.

The Pentecost River
The Pentecost River is not good for swimming due to the saltwater crocodiles that live in it.

©Howlandsnap/Shutterstock.com

Finke River, NT

Explore the historic vistas of Finke Gorge National Park, a significant nature preserve that safeguards one of the world’s oldest rivers. This area is home to Aboriginal cultural sites and historic landscapes.

Finke River, a significant but sporadic river in central Australia, originates in the MacDonnell Ranges in the southern portion of the Northern Territory. The Finke travels between Palm Valley and Glen Helen Gorge before meandering mainly southeast across the Missionary Plain. 

The Palmer and Hugh rivers meet the river when it enters a 40-mile canyon between the Krichauff and James hills, emerging into mudflats and sand flats. The river drains a 44,000-square-mile basin. There are numerous continuous waterholes and subterranean sources over its 440-mile route. John McDouall Stuart visited the river in 1860, and gave it his patron’s name, William Fink.

Finke River
Finke River, a significant but sporadic river in central Australia, originates in the MacDonnell Ranges.

©Benny Marly/Shutterstock.com

Murchison River, WA

The huge Murchison River, the second-longest river in Western Australia, is one of the best places for fishing. It flows for 500 miles from the southernmost point of the Robinson Ranges to Kalbarri, where it meets the Indian Ocean. 

Its route across towering cliffs and down to the Indian Ocean provides spectacular scenery as well as fantastic opportunities for paddling, sailing, and hiking. The Murchison River, which has been flowing through the park for a few million years, has carved a sizable gorge.

Nearly 200 different bird species, such as eagles, black swans, and marsh waders, call it home. Emus drink from the shore, while eagles soar overhead to catch trout from its clear waters.

Murchison River
The Murchison River, which has been flowing through the park for a few million years, has carved a sizable gorge.

©EQRoy/Shutterstock.com

Myall River, NSW

The Myall River is one of many lovely rivers that originate in the Barrington Coast’s hinterland, a location where the foliage meets the waterways from the mountains to the sea. As their clear waters cascade from the craggy slopes, they bring life into the landscape. 

The Myall River is well known for its serene natural beauty, which makes it ideal for rowing, paddle boarding, canoeing, fishing, diving, and scenic excursions. It originates in the Kyle Range not far from Stroud, runs 51 miles southeast, drops 1,165 feet, and then merges into Port Stephens Bay at Hawks Nest. 

The renowned Singing Bridge, which spans the Myall River between the communities of Tea Gardens and Hawks Nest, makes wistful noises with its railing when there is a lot of wind.

Myall River
The Myall River is well known for its serene natural beauty, which makes it ideal for recreational activities.

©Anne Powell/Shutterstock.com

Noosa River, Queensland

The Noosa Rover flows through southeast Queensland. The catchment begins near Mount Elliott in the coastal Great Sandy National Park’s Como Escarpment and flows south through a region of lakes near Tewantin. Unfortunately, residential construction has invaded areas that were formerly inhabited by the shifting river path. 

The river is renowned for its migrating bird populations. The Noosa Ferry provides scheduled service and tourist excursions from Noosa Heads to Tewantin. The Noosa River unquestionably plays a significant role in the distinctive ecology that spans three national parks and two Biosphere Reserves. 

Therefore, there are countless breathtaking locations to visit. The Noosa Everglades and Noosa Coastal Walk are ideal for hikers and campers.

Noosa River
The Noosa River plays a significant role in the distinctive ecology that spans three national parks and two Biosphere Reserves. 

©Guillem Lopez Borras/Shutterstock.com

Ord River, WA

In Western Australia’s Kimberley region, flows the 405-mile-long Ord River. The catchment area of the river is 21,274 square miles. The lower Ord River and its confluence with Cambridge Gulf creates the most northern estuarine habitat in Western Australia. 

The lower parts of the river support the Ord River Floodplain, a conservation area with various mangrove forests, lagoons, streams, flats, and expansive floodplains. The Upper Ord is the safest area to swim because it only has freshwater crocodiles, whereas the Lower Ord is a habitat for many saltwater crocodiles.

Ord River
The lower parts of the river support the Ord River Floodplain, a conservation area with various mangrove forests and lagoons.

©Danita Delimont/Shutterstock.com

The Frankland River, WA

The Frankland River wine area, one of Western Australia’s best-kept secrets, is home to hills and valleys, fertile and profitable farming land, and natural woodland teeming with native wildflowers. This place is perfect for those that love to enjoy a nice glass of wine as a special treat. 

Frankland River, which is around 224 miles south of Perth, is quickly rising to the top of the State’s most prosperous wine-producing districts. Its exceptional wine show is a tribute to the excellence of the region’s vineyards and wines.

Frankland River discharges into Nornalup and Walpole Inlets. Frankland is a big river, so be certain you understand where you’re going before you kayak in it. Fishing on this river is also very popular.

Frankland River
Frankland River, which is around 224 miles south of Perth, is quickly rising to the top of the State’s most prosperous wine-producing districts.

©EA Given/Shutterstock.com

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Finke River
The Finke River is a good place to fish in Australia.
© Benny Marly/Shutterstock.com

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About the Author

When she's not busy playing with her several guinea pigs or her cat Finlay Kirstin is writing articles to help other pet owners. She's also a REALTOR® in the Twin Cities and is passionate about social justice. There's nothing that beats a rainy day with a warm cup of tea and Frank Sinatra on vinyl for this millennial.

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