The Murray River

Brief Introduction

Located south of Perth in the southwest of Western Australia, winding through the historical town of Pinjarra, is the majestic Murray River. The Murray River is home to a rich diversity of plants and animals. Terminating at the Peel Inlet, which is part of the Peel-Harvey estuary, the Murray supports a variety of fishing industries and recreational activities for those that live in the area.

More information

The Murray is an important resource for both the animals and people that live nearby. Sadly, it is in danger. Rising water tables from land clearing is increasing the salinity of the river. Land clearing has also led to erosion along parts of the river. Large amounts or fertilisers that have been washed into the river are causing eutrophication - the overloading of waterways with nutrients. This is causing harmful algal blooms in the Peel-Harvey estuary. Invasion from weeds and feral animals are placing native plant and animal species at risk.

Greening Australia is one of several environmental groups that want to prevent further damage and help the Murray maintain its magnificence. You can help too. Read on to find out how.

General Geographic Information

The Murray River is situated in the beautiful southwest of Western Australia.

Beginning its journey from major tributaries the Hotham River (which starts just north of the town of Narrogin) , and the Williams River (which begins just east of the town of Williams), the Murray winds through the range of hills known as the Darling Scarp (also known as the Darling Ranges), passing through the town of Pinjarra. After being joined by another tributary, the Dandalup River, the Murray flows across the sand plain that lies between the Darling Scarp and the coast before it finally feeds into the circular Peel Inlet in the Mandurah area which joins to the ocean.

The Harvey River, to the south of the Murray, feeds into the Harvey estuary, while the Serpentine River flows into the Peel Inlet from the north. Together, the Peel Inlet to the north and the Harvey estuary to the south are known as the Peel-Harvey Estuarine System.

A catchment is an area of land that catches water from rainfall (or snow) and feeds it into a waterway such as a creek, river system, lake, wetland or dam, or into groundwater.

Check out the map below to see the extent of the Murray River catchment.

(Map courtesy of the Department of Water’s Ribbons of Blue program)

Climate

This area experiences a Mediterranean climate, with warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. Hot, dry easterly winds occur between September and March, with occasional rainfall from thunderstorms that are linked to tropical cyclones further north. Temperatures are around 17 degrees in winter and 29 degrees in summer. Around 80% of the rain falls in winter from coastal cold fronts. Average annual rainfall on the Coastal plain is 800 mm, while on the Darling Scarp it is 1000mm. You can see how most of the rain falls on the Darling Scarp, where the land is higher.