Ord River, River in Kimberley region, Western Australia
The Ord River is a river in the Kimberley region that flows roughly 650 kilometers from a highland plateau through changing landscapes until it reaches Cambridge Gulf. The system passes through different ecological zones and shapes the geography of northwestern Western Australia.
The river was named in 1879 by explorer Alexander Forrest after Sir Harry St. George Ord, who served as Governor of Western Australia from 1877 to 1880. This naming reflects the European exploration and administration of the region during that period.
The Miriwoong and Gajerrong peoples have deep roots along this river, which they call Goonoonoorrang in their traditional language. You can sense this enduring connection to the land when you visit.
The river is controlled by dams that support a large irrigation system for farming in the surrounding area. Visitors should know that access can vary depending on water levels and weather conditions.
A dam built in 1972 created Lake Argyle, one of Australia's largest artificial water reservoirs by volume. This reservoir fundamentally changed how people and wildlife interact with the river system.
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