ÍC
ATLAS OF AUSTRALIA—1S86.
ly Jta«}r.-(,!l.m f«t,)
Guaì íc^t.)
Tbc heights givoa il
Drainage.—The river system of Ne-i
natural diviaioas, corresponding with
surface. TUese are ;—
1. Jiftst Slope.
2. Soutli Slope.
3. West Slope.
4. Inland Slope
Soutli Wales falls iu
lie number of slopes
with the Great
of a limited ¡
ím, and western di-ainage
iding Bange. Laki
aroiuid its margin
an ijilaiid slope.
On accoiint of tlie ]iroxii
in which they take- their rise,
speaking, are not i-emarkabh
Hawkesbury i
connection
leorge receives the rainfall
.-hich may be regarded as
;oan o ty to the ocean f the mountain Chain,
bo rivoi-s of tJio eastern slojie, generally
iither for tlieir length or volume. The
•lonter, which are Uto of the longest, attain
:tremely tortuous character of their courses,
jf these rivei's lie at n considerable elevation
on the eastern edge of the tableland districts; witli so shoi-t a
distance to run, it follows that the fall in most cases is very ra))id,
the average boiug about seventy feet per mile for the whole of
the rivers on this slope. Wbenover the rainfall exceeds the usual
average they are all liable to become flooded, and dangerous to the
inhabitants in their vicinity, or travellers who require to cross tliem.
Under a down-pour that is often semi-tropical in its violence, the
small mountain stream soon increases to a foaming torrent, and,
as each tributary ponrs its waters into the main channel, a body of
•water becomes acciunulated, irresistible in its fnry, and desolating in
its cffect. Althougli considered (and rightly so) a destroying agent,
when it sweeps rathlessly among the results of our modem civilization,
it should not bo lost sight of that these inundations cari-y with them
an economic benefit. The alluvial lands of the Shoalhaven and
Hnnter Rirei-s, with depths of soil scarcely surpassed in ¡my other
part of the world, are undoubtedly what the floods of past ages have
made them. They owe ail their fertility and richness to the silt
deposits bomo down from the mountain sides by these flood-waters.
The greatest floods within the meinoiy of colonists aro perhaps those
which cauie like dark clouds of adversity over the land, in the yen.-s
1852, 1800, and 1870. Small freshets and even overflows have
occurred, both before and since the dates mentioned, but none
assumed the powei« of destruction shown by these, Unlike the rivers
on the western side of the Cordillera, thoso on the eastern slopelire
unconnected, and find their way into the Pacific Ocean, each within
the limits of its own basin. The Biuhmond, Clarence, JIacleny, and
othei-s, it will be observed, have a southern tendency, while those
rising in the south, such as the Shualhaven, and Hawkesbury, manifest
a dcoided inclination, to trend nor
) valleys, througl
Bow, with t inge. and t
s partly
eil- up].i
extent to tlie pr
i g to
e of the .ai>lelands,
md exteuded the i:
cause wlich s
planes inclined to each other,
the adjacent territory.
Nearly all the ri^'ei-s of tlie Pacific slope have obstructions i
their mouths. These are known n.« bars, and are genei-ally foniit
of sand by the action of the tides, and the wavus of the oceai
So formidable are the bars, that several of the rivers are blockc
against slii])jiiiig for very long periods, Flouils have the eflect c
clearing out these sand-ridges and oijoning the channels, which, ho\
of t s before. The ba
the Richmond, Cla ), JIaoleay, and Manning, hii^ erha
the greatest amount of trouble to shipping. Attempts have been
made to remove thorn by dredging, but, thougli this has been successful
for a time, there is always the tendency remaining to refonn,
necessitating continued operations. This method of attack on
the obstructions situated at the mouths of the eastern rivers only
deals with the effect; and, so long as the cause remaius in existence,-
just 80 long will dredging require to be continued. No perfectly
satisfactoiy results can be obtained until all the elements of their
formation have been carefully studied and ascertained.
The rivers of the eastern watershed have a much more constant
volume than those which flow west; the latter, especially in the upper
parts of their courses, become very much reduced in this respect.
The rivers of the south const are more constant in their flow than
those situated in the north ¡lart of the colony. This, of course, is
directly ti-aoeable to the snow-falls in the Muniong Bange, the melting
of which in spring, augments the mountain torrents, and swells the
so.irces of supply.
There Ls only one main stream on the southern slope, viz., the
Sno-wy River or ilargaloug; before its exit into the colony of Victoria,
however, it receives a number of tributaries from the Muniong,
Manaro, and South Coast Ranges. It drains a veiy large extent of
fertile countrj-.
The westei-n rivers are distinguished by their extreme length,
compared with those of the eastern slope. For example, the Hawkesbury,
tho longest river emptying itself into the Pacific Ocean,
urse, including the principal windings, which measures
les; while the Muiriimbidgee, flomng west, has a total
length which equals about 1350 miles. Unlike the eastern, which
retain their individuality from source to embouchure, the western
rivers converge, and, forming one large stream, empty theii' united
watera into the ocean after flowing through part of the colony of
South Australia. Their volume is much below what their length, and
the vast area of country drained, would lead the observer to expect.
Compared with rivei's of equal length, either in the Old or New
World, it is at once seen, that they show a marked
Looking closer, it is not difficult to arrive at a conolusion
causes which operate to this end. They arc :—
T h e a iif sa
short distance south of the 2V)l
and enters the ocean sonth of !.
taries From the west ; the most
the left bank is that kno«Ti i
country watered is of a very f
suited in various parts to
o the north-east.
.X Head. It has u
of a A bnr obstr
m<\cr\
lallow
vessels are altogether
B delay
able, becomes u it for n
mond, including tl:
120 miles, and drai
southern face of the Macpherson T
considerable distance between the
):rict and the New Knglmid Range,
a low range called the Coal liidg
•too s, oiiles
of the Chi
ä tho Paci Iii Ocean at Shoal Ra,
B^^ipal are the ,Uary!,
f considerable extent.
, Calorad, a
ä of tlio southern bra
irily.
2. Extensive evajioration,
8. Percolation, and absorption by a dry and thirsty soil.
The small drainage inland into Lake George is comparatively
EAST St.oi'E.—
Tweed.—Thp. Tweed, the most northern river in New South 'Wales,
is a small stream which rises near Jlonnt Warning, and fed by the
copious rainfall on the southern declivity of tho Macpherson Range,
flows in a north-east direction, entering the ocean a short distance
south from Point Danger. Unimportant as regards navigation, it
does not exceed 30 miles in length, but drains a country in which a
large pi-0])ortion of tho land is of a high quality,
Ri.hmoml—This river takes its rise on the southei-n slopes of the
Macpherson Range near Mount Lindsay, and has, in tho upper part of
its course, a south-east and south direction; when it re.icbes a point.
mond Itìvr. The
,nd the soil is we'll
ami othnr products
\vith much danger,
t the usual trading
eutcd from entering or Ic:
the settlers, whoso produce, when perishbefore
ili reaches a market, Tho Rieh-
|)al windings, has a total length of about
•d on the
tl. lor .1
•t end of
ÍS, after
suddenly
N E W SOUTH WALES.
this direction are
These unite their
north into the Claj'once. The Oram is a branch,
low hilU close to the seaboard near Bed Rock, follows a northwesterly
LG Mitchell, Yarrow, Sara, Äber/oyU, and Nymhoi.
•rth of Mount Cunglebang, and thence flow
dii'ection, p ining the main stream jnst before its turn to the
north-east. In the lower parts of its course, the Clarence sj)reads out
into broad sheets of water. The largest of these expanses is called
the Broadwater. Numerous islands on their surface give variety to
vhole. The Clarence has
is without doubt, iu eve
•S of the east coast. It
the area drained ropresei
s banks is largelv alluvia
ription. The surrounding district, with which tho nam.
r has become associated, is among the most prosperous
a navigable length of about 70 miles,
y respect, one of the most prominent
las a total length of about 240 miles,
ts about 8,000 sqnare miles. The soU
and is of a very fertile
of the
colony.
Bellingin.—Tkd Bellingen is a small river i-ising on the eastoi-n
slopes of the North Coast Bange, and flowing in an easterly direction
into the sea. The principal tributary, called the South Ai'm, which
has a coui-se for a considerable distance ahnost parallel to the main
stream, joins it on the south bank, ni
some parts of the country drained,
others, it is of on inferior desoriptii
length of about 40 miles, and its I
embouchure,
a fertile character, but in
The Beüingen has a total
represents an area of 800
Na/mliwm.—The Nambuc
and a veiy limited extent of
Coast Range and
of the Macleay, i
•U river, with numerous s
water. Rising in the North
:h separates it from tho ba:
east into the Pacilic Ocean, a short distar
south from the mouth of the Bellingen. Numerous small ibuta
augment its watei-s, the more important of which are Tayloi
and Algcniiera Creek. It has a total length of about <10 miles and
a of about GOO square n
country in the \-iciuity is of an infer
including some of the best and most
aro found on the banks of this river
given riso to sa^vmills, and trade to s
Maclcay.—'ïhc Maeleay has its sc
gland Range, and i
the norther
ittle to the
les, A large proportion of the
r character. Extensive forests,
urable hard-woods (Eucalypiiis)
and its tributaries; those have
uill vessels of light draught
.rces in the eastern slopes of the
I Tableland and the North Coast Range, reaches a
.f the 81st parallel, where it turns to the nortl
and enters the sea at Trial Bay. Its head waters are composed of
se\-eral small tributaries, Tho branch,
. short distance from Bon Lomond, and has
ra its waters are precipitated into a deep
m which they are joined by several of the
three main streams a
known as the G-yra, rise
a southerly course ; at i
gorge, after emerging i
more soathei-n branchi
Harnham Hill, aud afte
which several falls occi
Chandhr RU-er, a tribut
north bank, and from th
with its source near tho Bald Nob, has
falls. Before en
i-avine, the perpendicular sides of which ha
f e e t ; thence on to the sea numerous small a
but nono of any import
The Salishia-y Waters How east from
.•ecei\-ing the Saumarcz and Mild Creeh, in
e united stream enters the Gyra
ising near Chandler's Peak, joins
received the Apiley River,
larked by a s<
through a
n of 2,000
fluents add their waters,
if its course the ilacleay
1 each side spreads out
erne fertility. Around
s prosperity. Many of
9 coast the land
into level alluvial flats, noted for their ex
Kenipsey is a large district, prominent for
tho settleii are owners of the land they occupy, and in the various
homesteads into which the country has long since become divided,
there is ample evidence of that ease and comfort which attend
success. The ilacleay has a total length of about IDO miles, and the
1 from t
;iugs Bauge on the south, i
re miles.
r R a i the north, to n
of I than 4,800
regai'ded as among tho n
le is not long, and the ooui
ted in extent. Rising at
!• Mount Sea View
Tho Hastings c
iinpoi'tant rivers of the colony
watered by it and its tributar
eastern extremity of tho Hastings Range, nea
flows in an easterly diroction, entering the Pacific at Port Macqnnrie.
The principal affluents are the IFíisoíi and Maria Rivers, the head
waters of the latter appi-oaching very close to the lower course of the
Macloay. These streams join aud empty their united water.s into the
main channel, just before it reaches the sea. The length of the
Hastings is about 70 miles, and the area of its basin about 1,400
jlfn!iHi?i.7.—Tl
shortly aftor its s
íMa ning River rises in the Great Dividing Range,
turn to the west to form the northern edge of
1, and in an easterly course reaches the sea.
foi-ming two m.,utb.s, south of Crowdy Head. A considerable divergenco
takes place between the two parts of the divided stream ; tho
northern bninch is known a.s Hurriwjlon Mel, and the otiier ns
Farqiihtr Inlet. The islands which are tl.e result of this deltafoi
mation have received the names of MitMl, Oxley, Jo„^>,, and
Dim,ares,jm. Tlie basin of tho Manning is bounded on the soutli by
Mount Royal Range, and its eastern spurs, and in a northerly direction
it extends to the southei-n face of the Hastings Range, There are
n\imerous tributaries which add thoir waters to the main body; the
more important of which on the right bank aro, the GloticMter aud
Aiiun Rivers, and on the left, the Barnard, Dingo Creek, and Lan».
downe. In the lowoi' part of its course occur rich alluvial flats well
agriculture; the country in which the upper waters aro
many places very rugged. The tot^il length
100 miles, and tho country drained rei)rescnts
[uare miles.
nning are found several small, unimportant
ever, b e enumerated. Tiiey are tho Wollimha
n g into a northei-n extension of Wallis Lake,
m the Broadwater, runs i)arallel
seaboard, emptying its waters
collected
of the Manning is abou
an area of about 8,000 squan
South from the Mannin,
streams, which may, however
and McLean Rivers flowing i
aud the Myall, which after it
to, and but a short distance from tlu
into Port Stephens. The Myall, for
navigable for small vessels of light draught. From tho forests in tho
neighbourhood timber, chiefly hard-wood, is obtained and ahipjjed to
Sydney.
Karuak.—Tho Karuah River rises in one of the easteni spurs of
Mount Royal Range, which separates it from the southern tributaries of
tho Manning, and has a general diroction to tho south, slightly inclined
to the east, emptying itself into the head of Port Stephens, It has
several affiuents, but they are small and of an unimportant character.
Tho country drained, though of a fair average quaUty in many parts,
includes o largo proportion of inferior lands. The Karuah is about
1 contains about 600 square miles,
>n tho banks of which settlement took
the history of the colony, is certainly one
istern slope. Rising on the southern face
Hunter.—The Hunter,
place at a very early date
of the flnest rivers on the
of the Livei-pool Range,
It of it upper 1 nited
remity. 1 the
on the east by Mount Royal Range,
[rection until its Junction with the
when it tuiTis shar])ly to the southtributaries
1 south-westerly d:
pal aflluent, the Gonlhurn,
ind, aftor a somewhat wii
which issue from elevations of a well-defined character
lying on both sides. The principal affluents are, on the left bank,
Stewart'«, Rouchel, Mu^le, Fal, and Gh-ndon Brooku, the Pallorsm
River, with its tributary the AlUjn, and the Williams Rivor; on the
right bank the I»i« and Page Rivers, Dart Brook, the Goalbum River,
Greiy's Creek, H'otlombi Brook, nail ]\'allis Creok.
The Goulhum, die most important of tho many tributaries of the
Hunter, lias several streams of considerable sif.e flowing into it. The
following are the more noticeable :~Munmiirra Brook, Krui River,
M'-rriwa River, Gungal Creek, and Wyboyig Creek from the north, aud
'ollar and Bylong Creeke, and Widdin Brook from the south.
The Hunter River district,
both banks, is one of the mc
very lai-ge agricultural, mii
siderable proportion of the
river consists of flats, which
side. These level tracts, the
alluvial deposits of ages, fi
studded witli homesteads of
side \vith the vine and oran
grassy meadows, on '
endless perspective,
valley of tho Hunter,
to the wealth of th
navigable for about â
side of which are n
ich includes & large part of tho
1 fertile in the colony, and mai
Qg, and business population.
drained by tho lower part of the
ixtend towards the mountains on either
soil of which has been enriched by the
m floods that have surged over their
ai'eor to the sea, are all occupied and
prosperous rural population. Side by
1 orange are fields of waving grain; and the
lioh browse cattle and sheep, furnish an almost
Coal-beds of vast extent are abundant in the
ud the mining industry has contributed largely
part of Ne -
mües fioj
i about 300 miles
Wales, The Hunter:
, The channel, on each
shoals aud sand-bonks, has been very
powerful dredges. The total length of
the , country drained is about
(0 squn
The Tuggerah Beach Lakes are fed by two streams, v
however, are small, and of little or no importance. They are k
as the Wyoitg and Ourimha Creeks.
ffawkesbury.—rhe Hawkesbmy, which is the longest river o
tern watershed, takes its rise in the southern exti-emity o
Jullarin Bange, where ing from the n:
Tollondilly. It has a general northerly, and north-easterly direction,
intil joined by the McDouatd from the north, when it suddenly turns