Australia is home to many significant rivers that play crucial roles in its ecosystem, agriculture, and human settlement. Here are the top ten rivers in Australia, based on their length, basin size, and importance:
- Murray River
- Length: 2,508 km (1,558 mi)
- The longest river in Australia, flowing through New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia. It is crucial for irrigation and agriculture.
- Murrumbidgee River
- Length: 1,485 km (922 mi)
- A major tributary of the Murray River, running through New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory.
- Darling River
- Length: 1,472 km (915 mi)
- Another significant tributary of the Murray River, primarily flowing through New South Wales and Queensland.
- Lachlan River
- Length: 1,440 km (895 mi)
- Flows through New South Wales and is part of the Murray-Darling Basin.
- Cooper Creek
- Length: 1,300 km (810 mi)
- One of the most famous inland rivers, running through Queensland and South Australia.
- Paroo River
- Length: 1,210 km (752 mi)
- A seasonal river in Queensland and New South Wales, part of the larger Murray-Darling Basin.
- Flinders River
- Length: 1,004 km (624 mi)
- The longest river in Queensland, flowing into the Gulf of Carpentaria.
- Diamantina River
- Length: 941 km (585 mi)
- Another significant river in Queensland, flowing into Lake Eyre.
- Goulburn River
- Length: 654 km (406 mi)
- A major river in Victoria, contributing to the Murray-Darling Basin.
- Macquarie River
- Length: 626 km (389 mi)
- Flows through New South Wales and is part of the Murray-Darling Basin.
These rivers are essential for the Australian environment, supporting diverse ecosystems, agriculture, and providing water for towns and cities. They also play important cultural and historical roles for Indigenous Australians.