Timbarra River (Victoria)

Course and features

The Timbarra River rises on the Nunniong Plains, below Blue Shirt Hill, that is part of the Victorian Alps of the Great Dividing Range; approximately 30 km east of . The river flows through the Nunniong Plain and the Mount Elizabeth scenic reserves; generally south, then east, then south, then south by east, then southwest, joined by the Back River and three minor tributaries, before reaching its confluence with the Tambo River about 10 km southeast of in the Shire of East Gippsland. The river descends 1170 m over its 90 km course; Along its route it passes through the small settlement of Timbarra, about 30 km northwest of .

Together with the Nicholson, Tambo, and Mitchell rivers, and their respective drainage basins, including the Timbarra River, the rivers empty into the Gippsland Lakes and flow into Bass Strait.

The isolated Timbarra River Gorge, 8 km north of Timbarra, has been classified as a site of local significance by the Geological Society of Australia.

Ecology and recreation

The Timbarra River is in good environmental condition, and maintains a reliable year-round flow.

Although access to the river is difficult, it remains popular for fishing, especially for the introduced brown trout which spawn naturally in the river without the need for artificial stocking. Native fish found in the river include the vulnerable Australian grayling, the river blackfish, tupong, and eels.

The Swifts Creek School has named one of its sports houses Timbara, after the river.

References

References

1. (2 May 1966). "Timbarra River: 27786". [[Government of Victoria (Australia).
2. "Map of Timbarra River, VIC". Bonzle Digital Atlas of Australia.
3. (1982). "8423 Omeo, Victoria, Topographic Map". [[Commonwealth of Australia]].
4. (2000). "Vicroads Country Street Directory of Victoria". [[Royal Automobile Club of Victoria]].
5. "Timbarra River – Tambo Nicholson Catchment". G.W. & L.A. Keating.
6. (1996–2012). "Tambo River Basin – Angling Waters: Timbarra River, Timbarra". [[Government of Victoria (Australia).
7. (1996–2009). "Victorian Resources Online: 8523-6 Timbarra River Gorge". [[Government of Victoria (Australia).
8. (1996–2012). "Tambo River Basin". [[Government of Victoria (Australia).
9. (2009). "Swifts Creek Secondary College – About: Sport". Swifts Creek P-12 School.