ATLAS OF AUSTRALIA—1886.
Tlie C a f T i c o r n iiaiifffiliea inimediBtoly to the north of the soiitliern
tropic, and hounds part of the Talloy of the Asliburton River ou the
south, Ou the opposite hauk are the Bivriug Dott-ns.
The S i m i - r a l c i j Range is situated near the 22iid parallel, nnd to
the east of the 117th meridian. Its culminating point is supposed to
be Moimt Pyrtou, which reaches an elevatiou of 2,7(55 feet ahove tho
The formation i I sandstone, resting <
älopo augments the v
granitic
le of the
level of thi
base. The miufall
Fortescue River.
Tho R i p o n H i l h collect part of the wate« of the De Grey lliver.
K i n g Leopold R a n g e s . — T h e s e mountains are situated in the
Kimberley district, and have a curved form, the general direction of
which is from north-west to south-east. The summits are generally
flat, presenting the characteristics of a plateau, peaks being seld.
met with. On tho w
Tlio
side the des
e important
abrupt.
if the north coast
me from the King Leopold
Mounts Krauss, Brooiue,
places, precipiti
receive a considerable portion
Ranges. The principal ele-
Leake, Hart, and Matthew.
The Oscar Range lies to the south-west of the King Leopold
Mountains, with which it preserves a parallelism. The i-ainfall on its
slopes contrihntes to the volume of the Fitzroy Uiver. Between the
Fitzrey and Margaret Rivei-s, and separating pai-t of the hasins of
these streams, is tho QeiMe Range. The N a j n e r B m i g e
lear the north bank of the Lennard Ri
mrboniferous limestone.
The Si. George Ranges are situated on th
River, near the 125th meridian. They ai
ixtending for a distance of about thirty
r, being in some places roimded or
It mposed of
e south side of the Fitzroy
•0 latitudinal in direction,
flat, and in others broken
oating poin is situated
ire on the south side of St.
to the seaboard. A short
inland from Doubtful Bay,
and precipitous. Mount TuekCekl, the
near tho western extremity.
The C f r a n l . Range follows a direction between east and west, being
situated near the right bank of the Fitzroy River, about fifty miles
from it.s mouth. These mountains are mgged and precipitous, and
attain an elevation, in their highest part, of over 1,000 feet above the
level of the sea. A short distance to the north-east is the iJrsWjieJinMjFf.
The K i m l o U o n Range is situated on the eastern side of King
Sound, and runs parallel, for some distance, with its shore-line. It
gives rise to several small streams, which empty their waters into
King Sonnd. Mounts Dawson and Heytesbury are tho principal
elevations. The TF;/'iri/i"m Range is a small spur which branches ofi
from these mountains, in a north-easterly direction, towards the head
of Shoal Bay.
The M u c D o m i l d and ^ n a t e l í y Range.
George's basin, and approach veiy closi
distance sonth from these mountains, an
there is the S t e p h e n Range.
West from the 127th meridian, and north from the 17th parallel,
are numerous ranges of sandstone and basaltic formation, ft'om which
many of the streams flowing into Cambridge Gulf take their rise.
Neai' the head of this inlet is Mount Cockburo, a very prominent
elevation. Inland a few miles from the mouth of the King River,
there is the E r s k i n e R a n g e , which forms part of the watershed
between that stream and the Ord River. The Carr-Bo<j<l Ranges
follow a course from north to south, and are situated near the border
of the Northern Territory of South Australia. They are described as
being rugged and precipitous, many of the gorges being impassable.
These mountains form part of the western bouudary of the valley of
the Ord Eiver.
L i n a c r c ' i Range lies to tho south of the 17th parallel, and is
meridional in direction. It forms tho watershed between tho Ord
River, and some of the streams which join it on the left bank. Slate,
gi-anite, and sandstone are the prevailing rocks. Its most prominent
elevation is Mount Elder, near the middio of the chain.
The E o w i t l Range forms pari of the watershed between the
Margaret and Ord Rivei-s. The latter has a general direction to the
noi-th, and flows into Cambridge Gulf, while the former adds its
watei'S to those of the Fitzroy, one of the streams which reach King
Sound.
The M u e l l e r R a w j c lies immediately south of the 18th parallel, and
forms part of the watershed of the Margaret River. Mount Malcolm,
one of its principal elevations, reaches au altitude of over 2,000 feet.
A short distance to the oast, near the sources of the Mary nnd Elvira
Rivers, is Mount Barrett. The country throngh which the upper
waters of these streams flow, has recently been discovered to be
aurifei-ous. The testing of its capabilities as a gold-field has been
attended with much difficulty, on account of its distance from the coast.
There are some mountains in the interior of Western Australia,
but they are of inconsiderable extent, and of no great elevatiou.
Much of this portion of the colony remains yet to be explored ; but
the absence of any streams of importance, points foi-cibly to the
conclusion that the features of the unknown tracts do not differ
essentially from those of the regions travei-sed by Foreest and Giles.
Tho C a r n a r v o n and F r è r e Rangea lie between the 2ôth and 26th
parallels, and the 120th and 121st meridians. A short distance
east from the former, are the peaks known as Mounts Salvado
and Davis.
The F a r k e r Ranges are situated immediately south of the 25th
parallel, aud about forty miles south-east from the Wold Springs.
The T I m p c r l e i j M o u n t a b u , of which Mount Hosken is the principal
elevation, lie to the south-east of Lake Augusta. About sixty miles
farther east there are the F a m e M o u n t a i n s .
The and M a r i e M o u n t a i n s are situated north of the 25th
parallel, and east of the I25th meridian. They were discovered by
Giles, in 1876. Some distance to the south-east are the S n l l i e r l a n d ,
B a k e r , T o d d , and W a r b u r t o n Range». Thence east to the South
Australian border are the B a r r o w , J u m U o n , T o w n s e n d , C a v e i i a g h ,
and T o n i k i n m i Ranges. North from the 25th parallel, and uear the
eastern limits of tho colony, are the Ra^olínson M o n n t a i w . These
consist of several parallel ranges, and give rise to numerous spurs.
They foi-m part of the watershed of the drainage towards the southwestern
side of Lake Ama<leus. The more prominent summits are
Mounts Barlee, Buttfield, Russell, Deering, and Sargood.
P r é c i s of M o u n t a i n R a n g e s . —
1. Alfred Mountains.
2. Baker Range.
3. Barlee Range.
4. Bai-loweerie Range.
5. Barrow Range.
6. Capricorn Range.
7. Carnarvon Range.
S. Carr-Boyd Ranges.
fl. Cavenagh Range.
10. Darling Range.
11. Erskine Range (King Eiver).
12. Erskine Range {Fitzroy Eiver).
13. Fame Mountains.
14. Frùro Range.
Gairdner Mountains.
16. Gcikie Range.
17. Glengarry Range.
18. Grant Range.
19. Hamersley Range.
20. Herschel Mountains.
21. Hoiritt Range.
23. Kennedy Range.
24. Kimberley Range.
25. Kimbolton Range.
26. King Leopold Ranges.
27. Linaore's Range
28. Lockyer Range.
20. MacDonald Range.
80. Marie Mountains.
31. Moresby Range.
32. Mueller Range.
33. Napier Range.
34. Ophthalmia Range.
35. Oscar Range.
36. Parker Ranges.
37. Porongorup Range.
38. Rawlinson Mountains.
30. Ripon Hills.
'W. Robinson Ranges.
41. Roe Range.
42- Smith Mountains.
43. Stephen Range.
'W. St. George Ranges.
45. Stirling Range.
40. Sutherland Range.
47. Timpei'ley Mountains.
48. Todd Range.
40. Tomkinson Range.
.50. Townsoud Range.
51. Warburton Range.
52. Weld Range.
58. Wiately Range.
54. Woodada Mountains.
?>ry. VVyndham Range.
WESTERN AUSTRALIA.
The following table illustrates the principal elevations of Western
Australia, together with their approximate heights above the le^
the sea
Lui»-.
Coghl
Mürel
Luke
Mnpn
Sa'dS.
lOtli üai^lcl ssiss
tester
Australia is of the
simplest character. Its rivers are not numerous, nor, with one or two
exceptions, do they possess any very great length. Not only is a
large portion of its surface without even the smallest watercourses,
hut, as has already been noticed, vast tracts may be found quite
destitute of water. For a distance of 300 miles along the seaboard
of the Great Australian Bight, not even the smallest strei
empty
their waters. To the absence of any great elevation in the
of Western Austi-alia, is this result largely due. Tlie principal rivers
are found ou. the west and north-west coasts. One continuous
watershed, extending along the seaboard, may be traced from the
south coast to the north-eastern limit of the colony. This narrow
slope is of varying width, according to the position of the low
ranges forming its inland boundary, with regard to the neighbouring
oceans. East and north-east from Shark Bay, and also in the
Kimberley DUtrict, it gives rise to sevei'al streams of considei-able
length,
Ou the south coast, between Bsperauee Bay and Hood Point, are
the following small streams : - T h e G a g e , L o r t , Y c r n g , O l d f i e l d ,
J e r d a c i i U n p , Steum, P h i l l i p s , B u m e r s h i j , P i l z g e r a l d , and G a i r d n e r
B i t e r s .
This stream receives part of its waters from the
northern slope of the Stirling Range, and has a general direction to
the south-east, emptying its waters into Beaufort Inlet.
The K a l g a n R i v e r rises between tho Porongorup and Stirling
Ranges, and has a sc ath-oasterly direction in the upper part of its
course. Crossing the 118th meridian, it turns to the south, flowing
into King George's Sound. Its chief tributaries, the N a p i e r and K i n g
R i v e r s , join it on the right bank.
The ffiiv and Denmark R i i x r s are small streams which reach the
sea through Wilson's Inlet.
The F r m i k l a n d R i v e r flows sonth into Nornalup Inlet, Its
principal tributary, the G o r d o n R i v e r , issues from a western spur of
the Stirling Rauge,
The F o r t h R i v e r is a small stream which empties itself into
Brookes Inlet. In the vicinity of D'Entrecasteaux Point, there is
the G t i r d m r R i i c r . Between Black Head and Flindei-s Bay, are the
W a r r e n and D o n n e l l y R i v e r s .
B l a c k w o o d . — T h k river rises to tho north of Mount Latham, and
follows a general direction to tho south-we
western seaboard i
Flindei-s Bay, The Blackwood has !
and is the most important stream oi
aflluents are the A r t h u r , B e a u f o r t , a
uth-west. As it approaches the
south, emptying its waters into
I total length of about 180 miles,
n the south coast. Its principal
ad B a l g a r u p R i v i y r s .
The P r e s t o n River flows north-west into Koombanah Bay. Its
principal tributary, the F e r g w o n , joins it near its embouchure
The C o l l i e River follows a general coui-se to the west, emptying its
waters into into Leschenault Estuary. Its chief tributary sti-eains are
the I T a r r i s , B i n g h a m , B r m s w i e k , and I ri.'Ziw?!';, R i v e r s .
The narvcj Ricer rises in the Darling Range, south from Mount
WilUam, and flows north-north-west, into Harvey Estuary.
JWiothi/.—This river has its source in tho northern slope of tho
Carnarvon Hills, and, in the upper part of its course, has a general
direction to the west. As it approa^^hes tho sea, it turns to tho northwest,
emptying its watei-s into Peel's Inlet. It ha.s a total length of
about 100 miles. Its chief affiiients are the W i l l i a m s and E o t h a v i
R i v e r s . The former rises on the south side of the Carnarvon HilU,
and the latter on the north.
mall stream i;
s Inlet, near t
ing from the Darling
3uth of the Ml rray
• Hows,
changes to the
I north-westerly
T o o d y a y B r o u l t ,
spread out i
The S e r p e n l i n - . R i v e r is a
Range. Its watei-s roach Pee
River.
/S'0(i>i.—Tho Swan
dii'ection. In about latitude
shortly after which its cours
approaches the coast, the waters of this
broad lake-like expanse, known as Perth Wat
mouth, Melville Water. The principal tributaries are the D a l e , A v o n .
M a c k i e , S a l t , M o r t l o e k , S e l e n a , and C a n n i n g R i v e r s , and I b o d y a g
B r o o k . On tho right bank of the Swan River, about twelve miles
from the heads, is built Pei-th, the capital city of Western Australia.
M o o r o . — l h e Moore River, which receives the rainfall from the
slopes of the Smith Mountains, lias a very circuitous course. Its
upper waters How west, and then south. South of the 31st parallel, a
westerly oouree is again assumed. Then follow successively southeast,
west, and south-west courses.
The E i U River is au unimportant stream, rising near Mount
Leseur. A little farther north there is the A r r o > c s m i / h R i v e r .
The I r w i n R i v e r has its source near Pet^erwangy Hill, and flows
into the sea north of Leander Point.
The Greenough R i v e r l eaches the coast south from Port Grey, and
the C k a j m a n R i v e r empties its waters into the sea north from
Champion Bay.
The B u l h r , O a k a j e e , B o w e s , and S u i t R i v e r s flow into Geelvink
Channel.
, one of the most important
waters from tho Robinson and
1 direction to the south-west,
becomes north-west; tui-uing
ihe sea at Gantheaume Bay.
pper portion of this stream is
Jfiirc/<t»o».—Tbe Murohi
streams on the west coast,
Glengairy Ranges, and h
As it approaches the coas
again to the south-west.
Much of the country watered
well grassed.
ited to the pasturing of stock. Seaward of the
mountains, extensive alluvial plains are found on both banks. The
following tributaries add to its volume ' . — I m p c j and S a n f o r d R i v e r s .
It has a total length of about 450 miles.
Gaicojiiie.—This river follows a westeriy course, and flows into
Geographe Channel. It receives the rainfaU on Mount Labouchere,
and the Waidburg and Te Ano Ranges. Its principal affluent, the
L y o n s R i v e r , joins it on the right bank, a little to the east of the
Kennedy Range. The total length of the Gascoyne is about 380
A shoi-t distajioe north from tho Gascoyne is M i n i l y a R i v e r .
A s h h u r t o n . — S o m e of tho tributaries of this river issue from tho
slopes of the Ophthalmia Range. It flows west-north-west, tho
course becoming uorth-west and north as it approaches the coast.
Its mouth is situated north-east from Exmouth Gnlf, nearly opposite
Direction Island. The principal tributary streams are H a r d e y and
E e n r g R i v e r s , nnd Duek C r e e k .
The Cane R i v e r rises near Mount Amy, and reaches the coast after
flowing in a north-westerly direction.
Tho Robe R i v e r issues from the Buckland Hills, and has a course
the north-west.
F o r l e s c u e . — T h e Fortescue has its main source near Slonnta Vigors
id Bruce, and follows a north-westerly direction. Below its conlence
with H o o U y C r e e k , its volume is augmented by the rainfall
I the northern slope of the Hamersley Range.
Point James and Port Hedland are the following
a m u r r a C r e e k , Y u n y a r e , M a i t l a n d , N i c k o l , E a r d i n g ,
G e o r g e , S h e r l o c k , B u l l a B a l l a , P e n e a h , Y u l e , and T t i r n e r R i v e r s .
De Oki/,—Tho Do Grey River issues from the Eipon Hills, and
ving in a north-westerly direction, empties its waters into Breaker
Inlet. Its principal tributaries are tho Oakocer R i v e r , which rises in
Mount Sydney, the C o n g d o n , S h a w , and S t r e l l e y R i v e r s , aud E m u
C r e e k . It has a total length of about 180 miles. Mnch of the country
watered by this stream consists of well-grassed plains, suited to the
pasturing of stock.
Along the largo extent of coast line between Poissonier Point and
Roebuck Bay, there are no rivers.
The F r a s e r R i v e r flows east into the west side of King Sound.
The Logue R i r e r rises in the mountainous area situated inland
from Cape Boileau, and flowing in an eastei'ly direction, becomes lost
in a marsh near the mouth of the Fitzroy Eiver.