Top 3 Longest Rivers In Australia That You Should Visit

When you are planning an overseas tour, surely the name of Australia has crossed your mind. It is such a country that every travel lover should explore to complete their travel experience. 

Let’s just take a minute to think about Australia as a country. Think which are the things that pop into your mind when you hear the name of the country. 

Well, of course, you are picturing a whole bunch of Kangaroos, and Koalas, the Great Barrier Reef, outstanding beaches, tall buildings and good food wherever you go. 

However, did you know that Australia does have some excellent rivers which need your immediate attention?

Yes, you are right if you are thinking that how come the rivers of Australia are important? 

Well, Australia may not be worldwide recognized because of the rivers it includes. But it does have immense significance in their agriculture and local development. If the rivers were not there, it would be almost impossible for European travelers to settle there. You would be surprised to know that Australia has more rivers than you know about.

Murray, Murrumbidgee, Darling, Lachlan, Cooper Creek, Paroo, and Warreego are some of the best Rivers in Down Under. It is indeed the sixth largest country across the globe that is situated on the Australian continent. These rivers have played a very crucial role in building modern Australia. Do you want to know how these rivers became so important? Scroll down to know about them in detail.

1. The Murray River (2,508 km long)

Want to visit the longest and most important river in Australia? Well, then you have to dig deeper than just about the visiting part. You need to be aware of its history and its importance as well.

Go through this brief introduction to Murray River. Then decide for yourself how exactly you should plan to get a look at it.

The Murray River is the longest in Australia. It stretches from the Australian Alps in New South Wales to the Southern Ocean in South Australia. It also serves as a border between Victoria and New South Wales. 

In 1884, some European travelers discovered this river while exploring this place. Legend has it that a hunter once dug up the river while he was chasing a Murray cod. The name of the river was taken from Sir George Murray, the colonial secretary. 

In 1956, when a massive flood devastated some parts of Australia, the Murray River also flooded. This flood is recognized as ‘South Australia’s greatest catastrophe’. The river Murray is a big part of the Murray-Darling River Basin which is spread across over 1 million square km. 

Now there are four dams, some locks, and 16 weirs to cope with the situations in times of floods and droughts. The river water serves as a major water supply to agriculture and millions of nearby residences. 

The habitats of the river Murray include Catfish, Trout Cod, Perch, Western Carp Gudgeon, and not to mention Murray Cod. The famous Koalas, Gray Kangaroos, Pelicans, Turtles, and Lizards are seen nearby as well. 

Aside from being the longest river down under, the Murray River is known for attracting visitors as well. When you decide to visit the place, you have so many things to explore. The Annual Canoe race that is held here, is a thing that tourists choose to be a part of. This is the third longest navigable river in the world, after the Amazon and Nile. Understandably, people want to explore its water by kayaking, jet boating and canoeing. An amazing UNESCO World Heritage Site is here by the shore of Murray River, known as the Mungo National Park. 

You won’t need to stop just after witnessing the beauty of the river. You can explore the national park while you are at it. You can just hire a houseboat for the day to sail across the river. You can also rent a fishing boat for the occasion. The wider parts of the river call for waterskiing and paddle streaming if that is your calling. Also, don’t miss the museums and Swan Hill, Echuca Moama Albury Wodonga, and Mildura. These are the river towns that need to be checked out as well.

You need to get on one of the famous Murray River Cruises to experience the excellence of the river. 

Check out Thomas Cook’s Australian tour packages to plan a trip today.

2. The Murrumbidgee River (1,485 km long)

The Murrumbidgee River originated from Peppercorn Hill in the Australian Alps and eventually joined the Murray River. At Boundary Bend. It is a major contributor to the longest river in Australia. According to the Wiradjuri language, the name Murrumbidgee means ‘big water’. 

Many years ago, the river contributed a lot to building the life of the native Australians. It also helped the European settlers when it came to the water supply.  Steamboats were introduced back in the day and dams were built as well to get a better water supply. In 1832, on the southern shore of the river, Wagga Wagga city was founded. 

Both geographically and ecologically, the Murrumbidgee River is important even in today’s date. Plenty of travellers all over the world choose this particular place to spend their holidays. When it comes to agriculture, it still contributes plenty to provide a good water supply. It has maintained plenty of wetlands and swamps over the years to provide a balance in the local ecology. 

When it comes to water inhabitants, the Murrumbidgee River has no sort of them. It includes Mountain Galaxies, Crayfish, Murray Cray, Murray Cod, Perch, Australian Smelt, and Trout Cod. As for the wildlife, you will see plenty of Kangaroos, Turkeys, Emus, Bandicoots, Wildfowls and more.

That being said, the Murrumbidgee River, too, is not out of danger. These days the normal flow of water has decreased and some unknown fish species are destroying the original ones. You have to visit it before it goes extinct. 

As a visitor, you don’t have to go searching for activities. There are plenty of nature reserves which are for you to enjoy, including a European heritage conservation zone. Eight recreation reserves are here as well.

Go on a guided Murrumbidgee River adventure on a sunny day. There are a lot of fun things to do here including kayaking, paddling, bushwalking and more. Visit the Narendera Wetlands, Narrandera Flora and Fauna Reserve, the Koala Reserve, and the Royal Doulton Hankinson Memorial Fountain. If you want to go camping, you can do that as well.

Check out Thomas Cook’s New South Wales tour packages to book a trip.

3. The Darling River (1,472 km long)

Last but not least, here comes the Darling River which has plenty in store to surprise you.

The Darling River is not that short compared to the Murrumbidgee River. The Murray River wouldn’t be the longest if it wasn’t for Darling and Murrumbidgee. It has joined the Murray River near Wentworth, New South Wales, after originating from near Bourke. It is the third longest river in Australia after Murray and Murrumbidgee. 

The water supply is necessary for agriculture, though on a smaller scale. Few dams are here as well to get a better water supply. The water inhabitants include Murray Cods, Murray Hardyheads, Catfish, Perches, etc. Lizards, Koalas, rats, frogs, possums, and turtles are found in the nearest lands.

Over the years, the river has been through a lot due to drought. The water quality is not the same now as it used to be because of the low rainfall each year. This river mainly runs across saltbush meadows which makes it harder to maintain the water quality. It is also drying up due to the harsh climate.

Want to visit this beautiful river in Australia? Then you have to take The Darling River Run route to visit the river towns and all. This way you can visit it all from the great Australian bush to the outstanding landscape filled with a rich history. While exploring the Darling River Towns, you will have the opportunity to meet the locals as well.

Conclusion 

The rivers in Australia, including the longer ones, are in danger. Things like pollution, the making of excessive dams, and the overuse of water are making things harder for the rivers to exist. The role of changing climate is also not helping.

Visit the rivers now or else you might miss out on one of the most memorable experiences in life. If you are going on a tour to Australia, don’t forget to include these rivers on your tour list.

If you are looking for Australian tour packages, make sure to visit Thomas Cook’s Australian tourism section.