McArthur River

McArthur
McArthur River at Borroloola, 2011
McArthur River is located in Northern Territory
McArthur River
Location in Northern Territory, Australia
EtymologyJames McArthur
Location
CountryAustralia
TerritoryNorthern Territory
RegionKatherine Region
Physical characteristics
SourceBarkly Tableland
 • locationeast of Elliott
 • elevation234 m (768 ft)
MouthGulf of Carpentaria
 • location
east of Borroloola
 • coordinates
15°54′S 136°40′E / 15.900°S 136.667°E / -15.900; 136.667
 • elevation
0 m (0 ft)
Length521 km (324 mi)
Basin size20,010 km2 (7,730 sq mi)
Discharge 
 • average103.6 m3/s (3,660 cu ft/s)
[1]

The McArthur River is a river in the Northern Territory of Australia which flows into the Gulf of Carpentaria at Port McArthur, opposite the Sir Edward Pellew Group of Islands. The river was named by Ludwig Leichhardt while he explored the area in 1845.[2] He named the River after James MacArthur and the MacArthur family of Camden, who were enthusiastic supporters of his expedition.[3] The McArthur River has significance for the local Aboriginal communities, who use it for fishing and other traditional activities.[4]

  1. ^ "Map of McArthur River, NT". Bonzle Digital Atlas of Australia. Retrieved 11 December 2015.
  2. ^ "Borroloola". The Sydney Morning Herald. Fairfax Media. 8 February 2004. Retrieved 19 August 2011.
  3. ^ "Place Names Register Extract - Mcarthur River River". NT Place Names Register. Northern Territory Government. Retrieved 17 May 2015.
  4. ^ "Garrett approves MRM zinc mine expansion". The Sydney Morning Herald. Fairfax Media. 20 February 2009. Retrieved 19 August 2011.