Top 9 Australian Natural Water Resources

Top 9 Australian Natural Water Resources

Australian Natural Water

Australia is home to some of the most naturally beautiful sights in the world, and it also has an incredible variety of wildlife found nowhere else on the planet. Water plays an important role in the natural environment and ecosystem of Australia, so it should come as no surprise that there are many places in Australia that are considered important or unique natural water resources. 

The following list covers 10 of the most important and unique natural water resources found in Australia.

The Murray River

The Murray River is one of Australia’s most iconic and important waterways. Stretching for over 2,500 kilometers, the Murray River flows through three states – New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia. The Murray River is a vital waterway for irrigation, transport, and recreation, and is home to a diverse range of plant and animal life. One of the oldest rivers in the world, it is also significant to indigenous people. For example, according to Aboriginal legend, Ngurunderi was a giant spirit who created the first Murray River. 

To understand more about the importance of this river and its unique features, here are 10 facts about Australia’s most important natural resource: 

1. It is considered an endangered ecosystem that supports biodiversity such as 20 species of fish found only within its waters. 
2. The Murray River is located in 3 different states, with the longest length (2,500 km) of any river on mainland Australia. 
3. Due to extreme climate change, flooding has been predicted to occur much more often than it has historically done so- leading to a need for increased management and mitigation measures on behalf of those living near the river. 
4. Historically, large sandbanks have developed at various points along the riverbed, which can result in major obstacles during floods or droughts. 
5. The largest source of pollution to the Murray River is agricultural runoff; livestock feces contain nitrogen and phosphorus which flow into streams and eventually reach the river where they act as nutrients for weed growth.

The Snowy Hydro

The Snowy Hydro Scheme is a large-scale hydroelectricity and irrigation complex in south-eastern Australia. The Scheme diverts water from the Snowy Mountains region to the Murray-Darling Basin, through a series of tunnels, canals, and power stations. 

It was completed in 1974 and is now operated by Snowy Hydro Limited. The scheme includes sixteen major dams, seven power stations (comprising nine generating units), and associated tunnels, pipelines, and aqueducts. It has been recognized as one of the engineering marvels of the 20th century.

The Great Artesian Basin

The Great Artesian Basin is one of the world’s largest underground freshwater systems. It covers more than 1.7 million square kilometers, making it about the size of France. And it’s not just big—it’s also old. Scientists estimate that the basin began to form around 65 million years ago. In addition to its impressive size and age, the Great Artesian Basin has another important characteristic: it’s mostly undisturbed. 

Most of the water in this area remains untouched by human hands because there are no aquifers or wells in the area that can pump up water from below ground. Because they never come into contact with humans, these waters are among some of Australia’s most pristine and well-protected natural resources.

Spencer Gulf

This gulf is located south of the Gulf of Carpentaria and north of Kangaroo Island. It is a major inlet of the Southern Ocean, extending over 2,600 km from near Perth to the West Coast near Adelaide. The Spencer Gulf is home to many species including sea lions, tuna, and migratory birds. More than 100 small islands dot this region and can be accessed by boat or light aircraft. These are some of the most popular destinations for fishermen who are interested in catching barramundi, snapper, prawns, and scallops.

The Great Barrier Reef

This reef is the largest living organism on earth, and it includes more than 3,000 different species of fish. The Great Barrier Reef supports a marine ecosystem that is home to just as many creatures as we have on land. And because of the diversity of habitats found there - including tropical rainforest, coral reefs, mangrove forests, and seagrass meadows - it provides a home for countless other species too. The reef is so big that you can see it from outer space! It covers an area of 1,400 miles (2,200 km) and is composed of about 900 islands. 

The freshwater around the edge comes from rainfall and in some places, there are springs that bring up salt water which mixes with fresh water. On one side it borders Queensland’s coastline while on its southern edge it borders New Caledonia’s mainland coast with only 50 miles (80 km) separating them.

The Darling River

The Darling River Run is an iconic Australian event that takes place every year in the small town of Walgett, New South Wales. The race is a grueling 42km endurance event that follows the winding Darling River through some of the most remote and beautiful countries in Australia.

Lake Eyre Basin

The Lake Eyre Basin is the largest desert drainage basin in Australia. It is also one of the lowest points on the Earth's surface, being below sea level. The Lake Eyre Basin covers a vast area of southern and central Australia, about one-quarter of the continent. It includes parts of Queensland, New South Wales, and South Australia. The basin is drained by a network of rivers that empties into salt lakes or dried river beds. One of these rivers, the Warburton River (sometimes called the lost river), can flow during floods but may not flow for years at a time.

The lake covers an area up to 250 kilometers long and 150 kilometers wide, with a total volume of about 1 million cubic kilometers (240 cubic miles).

Sydney Harbour

The Sydney Harbour Bridge is one of Australia’s most iconic landmarks. The bridge spans the Sydney Harbour and connects the CBD with the North Shore. The Sydney Harbour Bridge is one of the world’s longest steel arch bridges and was opened in 1932.

Other Lakes

Lake Argyle is the largest freshwater lake in Australia, and one of the most popular spots for travelers to visit. It's located in the Kimberley region, near Kununurra. Lake Argyle was constructed by damming the Ord River for irrigation purposes. The water is then stored in an enormous natural depression which is gradually filled with water from nearby creeks and rivers. 

Lake Boomanjin lies just off of Port Douglas, Queensland on the Cape York Peninsula. It has a high concentration of salt but provides a valuable habitat for animals such as turtles, crocodiles, and fish that have adapted to the saline waters. There are also many places around the lake where visitors can go camping or swimming. Daintree National Park protects a large part of this area. Visitors can explore rainforest habitats and ancient tribal sites like Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park through guided tours. Visitors to the park will experience an abundance of plants, wildlife, and waterfalls. They'll also be able to see birds like cassowaries, kingfishers, and bowerbirds up close while they're there.