The Murray River, together with its largest tributary (Darling), forms Australia's largest river system. Its pool is 1 million square kilometers. This is 12% of the territory of the state. The river has for the most part formed the borders between two states: New South Wales and Victoria. Murray originates in the Australian Alps, flows to the northwest and flows into the Indian Ocean into Lake Alexandrina. The river is rather shallow, especially at present. Its individual tributaries completely dry up, since water is infinitely taken for irrigation. The annual runoff is 14 km3, of which 11 goes to agricultural needs. The adjacent territories are irrigated, which account for up to 40% of the vegetation of the entire state. The length of the Murray River is 2995 kilometers.
Murray River Complex
The vast majority of Australia's rivers flow along the coasts. The Murray River on the map is located in the east of the mainland, passes a little deeper and goes to the ocean. It passes through many different natural complexes: mountains, forests, mountain forests, ponds and swamps. Murray passes through several lakes (Alexandrina, Kourong and others), the salinity of which varies quite a lot. By its fullness and length, the river is an Australian analogue of the American Mississippi. In summer, the river becomes full-flowing, in winter - becomes shallow. In addition to Darling, it has many fairly large tributaries: Goulburn, Mitt-Mitt, Marrambigi, Loddon, Owens and Compaspe.
River history
Initially, the Murray River was called Yuma. It was discovered in the first quarter of the 19th century by an expedition of the colonists Howell and Hume. In honor of the latter, it was named. A few years later, another expedition explored the river in detail. Then she got her current name. The leader of the expedition, Stert, decided to leave for centuries the name of the Minister of the Australian colonies, George Murray. The river was immediately exploited as a waterway for the transport of goods. Mostly it was wool that was transported to the southern coast of Australia, from where it was exported to the UK. The Murray River entered the irrigation system in 1887 with the light hand of William Chaffee. Dams and locks were erected along the shores, which began to feed orchards, vineyards and cotton fields. This continues to this day.
Legend of the river
Legends are peculiar to each locality, and they are not alien to the territory where the Murray River is located. Once a former convict, Hopwood decided to establish a city on the waterway of Australia near Melbourne. He built several taverns along the banks, and a ferry on the river. The ship's schedule was carefully thought out and included a long wait. Of course, passengers spent their time in entertainment venues, where a lot of money was spent. They were enough to build the city of Ichuchka. And when Australia was “captured by the gold rush” during the time of intensive wheat trade, the settlement grew so much that to this day its embankment is more than 800 meters. And it is built from an array of eucalyptus.
Tourism
The Murray River attracts fishermen from all over the world with its fishing. There are many types of fish that are good prey: cod, silver and golden perch, Australian smelt, river trout, freshwater shrimp, eel and catfish. Boat departure bases settled all along the river. Boats and boats are used for water skiing. River cruises are popular. Here you can rent a ferry, a floating house or a barge. They are comfortable to relax and watch the beauties along the shores of Murray. These are eucalyptus forests, rainbow lorikeets. The unique flora of Australia can not leave indifferent any tourist.