Dale | |
---|---|
Etymology | Robert Dale, an explorer |
Location | |
Country | Australia |
State | Western Austria |
Region | Wheatbelt |
Physical characteristics | |
Source | Darling Scarp |
• location | Boyagarring Conservation Reserve |
• coordinates | 32°18′56″S 116°25′27″E / 32.31556°S 116.42417°E |
• elevation | 374 m (1,227 ft) |
Mouth | Avon River |
• location | west of Beverley |
• coordinates | 32°4′17″S 116°50′2″E / 32.07139°S 116.83389°E |
• elevation | 189 m (620 ft) |
Length | 75 km (47 mi) |
Basin features | |
River system | Avon River |
[1][2] |
The Dale River is a perennial river located in the Wheatbelt region of Western Australia.
Rising on the eastern slopes of the Darling Scarp, the river flow generally east by north, joined by six major tributaries including the Dale River South, Gibb Gully, Connelly Gully, Sherlock Gully, Flint Gully and Talbot Brook. The river reaches its mouth to join the Avon River approximately 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) west of Beverley near the Avondale Agricultural Research Station. The river descends 185 metres (607 ft) over its 75-kilometre (47 mi) course.
The Dale River was named in honour of Robert Dale, the first European explorer to venture into the Darling Ranges in 1829.
The Dale River has been a historically useful waterway for the Wheatbelt regions surrounding towns and cities. The Dale River's mouth connects with the Avon River which is 240 km (150 mi) in length and a significant tributary from the river Dale. The Avon River in turn is a stream running from the Swan River being a significant waterway of the city of Perth. The Dale River is overall an important ecosystem of Western Australia housing native flora and fauna and additionally maintains the livelihood of surrounding towns and cities.