Today we are setting out to explore the most dangerous rivers in Australia! The country, surrounded by the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean, is known for its beautiful reefs and landscapes, and does not have a dearth of water bodies. The country’s landscape spans a large variety, from tropical forests to mountain ranges and dry deserts in the center. And, all of it is generously peppered with rivers and creeks!
However, over the years numerous cases of drowning have surfaced in its rivers and have even seen an increase in recent years. A research conducted by the Royal Life Saving Society has revealed that over 735 people have been victims of drowning in Australia’s rivers between 2002 and 2012. And, the rivers were most of these accidents have occurred have been termed as the black spots and the most dangerous rivers in Australia!
A major cause for most of these drownings has been revealed to be alcohol, considering the fact that almost 37% of the victims were found to be intoxicated. Drinking and swimming have grown into the Australian culture and the rivers have proved dangerous for indulging in water sports in the intoxicated state. Compared to the seas the rivers may appear more peaceful, but they often are lurking dangers that they pose. Some of the rivers in the country also pose the threat of predators and aquatic animals that one should be weary of.
However, Australian rivers are way less scary than its counterparts in the other countries who feature in the list of 10 Most Dangerous Rivers in the World. These are the deepest and darkest rapids, infested with unknown fears that should be always traversed with extra care and precautions.
But, if you happen to be in Australia and river recreation and sports are on your to-do list, here is the list of the most dangerous rivers in Australia that you should best avoid or be extra careful about!
6. Swan River,
With the stellar Perth city skyline as its backdrop, the Swan River derives its name from the black swans that are its frequent habitants. However, beautiful it is, it also does fall into the category of dangerous rivers for its notable history of flooding as well as deaths on account of drowning.
5. Murrumbidgee River,
The river which is also a tributary of the Murray River, often referred as the most dangerous river in Australia, is also the second longest river in the country. The land adjoining the river includes many nature reserves as well as recreational reserves.
4. Hawkesbury River,
Located in New South Wales, the river is a semi-matured drowned valley estuary, dominated by tidal tendencies. It is a hotspot for some extreme sports and tournaments including the Hawkesbury Canoe Classic and also the Australian version of the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series. However, the rugged terrains pose imminent threats.
3. Yarra River,
It is a perennial river in Victoria, Australia that originates in the Yarra Ranges. The river is a major attraction for water sports like kayaking but has seen its shares of crashes and deaths over the years, too. Pollution has also been a major problem rendering certain parts of the river unsuitable.
2. Brisbane River,
The longest river in Queensland is admired for its beauty. It is also noted for the cases of drowning and damaging floods in the past years. But, it is the bull sharks that infest the river waters that are a major cause of threat! Swimming is definitely not advisable unless you want to become shark fodder.
1. Murray River,
And, the most dangerous river in Australia has been reported to be the Murray River which is also the country’s longest. Though it has been known for water sports and has a host of boats plying it, it has also been a major spot of most drowning deaths in the country, with over 43 deaths in a decade.
