Watson River (Queensland)

The Watson River is a river located in Far North Queensland, Australia.

Watson
Location of Watson River mouth in Queensland
Location
Country	Australia
State	Queensland
Region	Far North Queensland
Physical characteristics
Source	Emberley Range
• elevation	40 m (130 ft)
Mouth	Gulf of Carpentaria
• location	Archer Bay
• coordinates	13°22′45″S 141°43′50″E
• elevation	0 m (0 ft)
Length	92 km (57 mi)
Basin size	4,679 km^2 (1,807 sq mi)
[1]

The headwaters of the river rise near the Aurukun Road and flows in a south westerly direction to Watson Crossing and continues through a valley before discharging into Archer Bay near Aurukun along with the Archer River and the Ward River, then onto the Gulf of Carpentaria. From source to mouth, the Watson River is joined by four tributaries; descending 40 metres (130 ft) over its 92-kilometre (57 mi) course.[1]

The catchment occupies an area of 4,679 square kilometres (1,807 sq mi) and is bordered by the Archer River drainage basin to the south.[2] The catchment contains large wetland areas with the margins covered in stringybark forests and paperbark lined lagoons that are vital refuges for wildlife during the dry season.[3]

Several species of fish are known to inhabit the river including; The Empire Gudgeon, Northern Trout Gudgeon, Chequered Rainbowfish, Black-banded Rainbowfish, Banded Rainbowfish, Spotted Blue-eye.[4] Obbes Catfish, Delicate Blue-eyes Fish and Barramundi.[3]

The traditional owners of the area are the Wik, Winda winda and Mbelwum peoples.[3]

See also

• List of rivers of Queensland

References

1. "Map of Watson River, QLD". Bonzle Digital Atlas of Australia. Retrieved 13 June 2015.
2. "Watson drainage basin". WetlandInfo. Queensland Government. Retrieved 13 June 2015.
3. "Watson River – Conservation and cultural values". Wilderness society. Retrieved 14 June 2015.
4. "Watson River catchment". Fish Atlas of North Australia. Retrieved 13 June 2015.