Murray River

Australia · longest river · irrigation · ecosystems

Longest in Australia. The Murray River stretches for 2,508 kilometers (1,558 miles) across southeastern Australia, making it by far the country's longest river. It's so important that entire cities and farms depend on its water.

Source of life. The Murray River and its tributaries form the Murray-Darling basin, which covers about one-seventh of all Australia. This massive water system is the country's most important region for growing food and raising animals.

Feeds the outback. The Murray River's water brings irrigation to farmland across Australia's dry interior, helping grow crops and livestock in places that would otherwise struggle because of the heat and low rainfall.

Home to wildlife. The river supports a unique ecosystem with native fish, birds, and plants specially adapted to live in and around its waters. These creatures depend on the river's flow to survive.

Built by people. Dams and locks have been constructed along the Murray to control its flow and create reservoirs, allowing farmers to use the water when they need it most during dry seasons.