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Paroo River

geography Maturity 7-9 Next article →

The Paroo River is a special place in Australia. It sits in the South West of Queensland. It also flows into the Far West of New South Wales. This river is part of the Murray-Darling basin. It is a very unique river system. It is the last free-flowing river in the northern part of its basin.

How the river works depends on the weather. In dry times, it is a series of waterholes. These pools stay separated from each other. In wet weather, the water connects together. Then it becomes a running stream. It flows into the vast floodplains of New South Wales. It eventually reaches the Paroo overflow lakes.

The river has a long and deep history. The Paarkantji people call this area their home. The name Paroo is an Aboriginal word. It is the name for the bony bream fish. These fish are very common in the water. A writer named Henry Lawson wrote about the river in 1894. He wrote a poem called "The Paroo 'River'".

Many things make up the river's path. Forty-three minor tributaries join the river as it flows. Natural formations like Buckenby Waterhole hold the water. Other spots include Humeburn and Corni Paroo Waterhole. Caiwarro and Budtha Waterhole are also there. Thoulcanna Dam and Talyealye Billabong are part of it too. The river usually ends south of Wanaaring.

The Paroo River wetlands are very important for nature. They are part of a special bird area. Many waterbirds visit when conditions are right. Threatened species like the freckled duck live here. The Australian painted snipe also uses these wetlands. On 20 September 2007, a big announcement was made. The wetlands became Australia's 65th Ramsar site. This means they have international importance.

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