Gilbert River (South Australia)

Gilbert
River
Bridge over the Gilbert River at Saddleworth
Name origin: Thomas Gilbert[1]
Country Australia
State South Australia
Region Mid North
Part of Light River
Source Barossa Ranges
 - location near Manoora
 - elevation 399 m (1,309 ft)
Mouth confluence with the Light River
 - location near Hamley Bridge
 - elevation 93 m (305 ft)
 - coordinates 34°21′S 138°40′E / 34.350°S 138.667°E / -34.350; 138.667Coordinates: 34°21′S 138°40′E / 34.350°S 138.667°E / -34.350; 138.667
Length 59 km (37 mi)
Location of the river mouth in South Australia
[2]

The Gilbert River is a river in the Mid North region of South Australia.

Course and features

The Gilbert River rises near Manoora, on the Barrier Highway and flows generally south, as a broad and shallow valley through mainly undulating country, flowing through Saddleworth, Riverton, Tarlee then southwest through Stockport and Hamley Bridge. The Gilbert reaches its confluence with the Light River just downstream from Hamley Bridge. The Light River continues west to Gulf St Vincent. The Gilbert descends 306 metres (1,004 ft) over its 59-kilometre (37 mi) course.[2]

Characteristic with many Mid North streams, the Gilbert can entirely cease flowing in summer, yet be a swirling and dangerous torrent after flooding rains. Grain cropping and grazing are carried out along its banks, which are mainly low and open.

History

The river lies within the traditional lands of the indigenous Ngadjuri people, but their name for the river is unknown. Although there has never been a valid attribution for it, the European discoverer of the river is believed to be John Hill in early April 1839. Hill named it after Colonial storekeeper, Thomas Gilbert, who was responsible for all government stores. The first mention of the river is by explorer Edward John Eyre. When he crossed the river in May 1839 on his northern expedition he acknowledged it was already named the Gilbert.[1] The river was a source of fresh water for the settlements that soon followed, scattered along its banks.

Bridges

The earliest pioneers were obliged to ford the river, but following the founding of the Burra mines in 1846 the Great North Road (later named the Main North Road) between Adelaide and Gawler was extended to Burra. This took over a decade to construct and included the first bridges over the Gilbert, most being built in the early to mid 1850s.[3]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 Waterhouse, Jill, ed. (1984). E.J. Eyre’s Autobiographical Narrative, 1832-1839. Caliban Books. p. 196. ISBN 0-904-573-3-2X.
  2. 1 2 "Map of Gilbert River, SA". Bonzle Digital Atlas of Australia. Retrieved 25 March 2017.
  3. ↑ For example, see Register, 5 January 1855. p.3, re the new bridge at Tarlee.


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