Victoria River /Bilinarra
Victoria River is a river found in the Northern Territory of Australia's Victoria Bonaparte bioregion. The Victoria Bonaparte bioregion, an interim Australian bioregion, spans 7,301,242 hectares in the Northern Territory and Western Australia (18,041,760 acres). In the World Wide Fund for Nature categorization scheme, a bioregion is an ecologically and geographically defined area smaller than a biogeographical realm but more significant than an ecoregion or an ecosystem. There is also an attempt to use the phrase in a rank-less generalist meaning, akin to how 'biogeographic region' or 'biogeographic unit' are used.
The Victoria River is the longest individually named permanent river in the Northern Territory, flowing 560 kilometres (350 miles) from its headwaters south of the Gregory National Park to the Joseph Bonaparte Gulf in the Timor Sea. Because of its importance for waterbirds, a portion of the region next to the river mouth has been designated as the Legune (Joseph Bonaparte Bay) Important Bird Area.However, according to international criteria, the Katherine/Daly River is the longest permanent river in the Northern Territory. This is a single river with two separate European names (at the Flora River tributary).
Due to European naming practices, this large river was thought to be two independent rivers until recently. It begins as a trickle just south of Jabiru, high in the Arnhem Land escarpment. It runs into the Timor Sea 690 kilometres (430 miles) later, making it 130 kilometres (81 miles) longer than the Victoria River. The Camfield River, Wickham River, Battle Creek, Angalarri River, Gidyea Creek, and Armstrong River are among the river's 56 tributaries. The river also runs through several waterholes, including Catfish Waterhole and Four Mile Waterhole. It has an annual average discharge of 5,000 gigatonnes (1.3211012 US gal).
The lower portions of the river have significant wetlands that provide appropriate habitats for waterfowl breeding colonies and roosting locations for migrating shorebirds. Along the river, there are also large tracts of rice-grass floodplain grasslands. There are several big cattle stations along the river's course, including the river, where the river starts, Victoria River Downs, Wave Hill, and Coolibah Station.
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The Northern Territory is an Australian territory located in Australia's centre and central northern regions. The Northern Territory is bounded to the west by Western Australia (129th meridian east), to the south by South Australia (26th parallel south), and to the east by Queensland (138th meridian east). The Northern Territory (NT) has a land area of 1,349,129 square kilometres (520,902 square miles), making it the third-largest federal division in Australia and the 11th-largest national subdivision in the world. It is thinly inhabited, having a population of just 247,000 people as of September 2021, less than half the population of Tasmania. Darwin, the capital city, has the highest population density. The economy is heavily centred on mining and petroleum, which produced 23 per cent of the gross state product, or $5.68 billion, in 20182019, accounting for 92.4 per cent of exports. The area's population is centred along the Stuart Highway and the shore. Apart from Darwin, the largest settlements include (in descending order of size) Palmerston, Alice Springs, Katherine, Nhulunbuy, and Tennant Creek. Residents of the Northern Territory are commonly referred to as 'Territorians' or 'Northern Territorians,' or more colloquially as 'Top Enders' and 'Centralians.
For several decades after its founding in 1869, the Port of Darwin was the main supply point for the territory. Between 1883 and 1889, a railway was built between Palmerston to Pine Creek. By 1911, the economic pattern of cattle farming and mining had been established, and there were 513,000 cattle. Victoria River Downs was formerly the world's largest cattle station. In 1872, gold was discovered in Grove Hill and Pine Creek, Brocks Creek, and Burundi, while copper was found at Daly River. Tropical Cyclone Tracy battered Darwin from Christmas Eve to Christmas Day in 1974. Cyclone Tracy killed 71 people, damaged A$837 million (about A$6.85 billion as of 2018), and destroyed more than 70% of Darwin's structures, including 80% dwellings. Tracy left more than 41,000 of the city's 47,000 residents homeless. The town was reconstructed using considerably superior building rules and is now a contemporary, manicured metropolis.
Welcome to the breathtaking Victoria River region in Australia's Northern Territory, a hidden gem that promises adventure and awe-inspiring landscapes. Nestled in the heart of this untamed wilderness is the Victoria River Valley, a majestic expanse where towering escarpments and rugged ranges converge to create a panorama that's nothing short of spectacular. Whether you're an avid hiker, a keen photographer, or simply a nature enthusiast, the Victoria River Valley offers an array of outdoor activities to captivate your senses. Explore the extensive network of walking trails, such as the Joe Creek Loop, where you'll encounter ancient Aboriginal rock art and panoramic vistas that will leave you spellbound. This trail is a must-do for anyone seeking to connect with the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty of the region.
For those craving an off-the-beaten-path experience, a visit to Jasper Gorge is essential. This remote gorge, characterised by its striking red rock formations and serene waterholes, is a haven for wildlife and a paradise for photographers. The dramatic landscapes of Jasper Gorge provide the perfect backdrop for a day of exploration, whether you're trekking along the rugged trails or simply soaking in the tranquil atmosphere. Continue your adventure at Bullo River Station, a working cattle station that offers a unique glimpse into the Australian Outback lifestyle. Here, you can participate in cattle mustering, fishing, or enjoy a scenic helicopter flight over the sprawling landscape, giving you a bird's-eye view of this extraordinary region.
No visit to the Victoria River area would be complete without experiencing the iconic Victoria River Downs and Coolibah Station. Victoria River Downs, one of Australia's largest cattle stations, is steeped in history and offers an authentic outback experience. Learn about the station's storied past, meet the local cowboys, and witness the daily operations of this vast property. Meanwhile, Coolibah Station, made famous by the TV series 'Keeping up with the Joneses', provides a unique opportunity to see modern station life in action. From the lush riverbanks to the sprawling savannahs, the Victoria River region is a treasure trove of natural wonders and cultural experiences, ensuring that every traveller leaves with unforgettable memories and a deep appreciation for this incredible part of Australia.
Shaheryaar Shahid