River Derwent (Tasmania)
| River Derwent | |
|---|---|
Sunrise over the River Derwent | |
Location of the river mouth in Tasmania | |
| Native name | timtumili minanya (Mouheneenner language) |
| Location | |
| Country | Australia |
| State | Tasmania |
| Cities | Derwent Bridge, New Norfolk, Hobart |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Source | Lake St Clair |
| • location | Central Highlands |
| Source confluence |
|
| • location | Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park |
| • coordinates | 42°7′12″S 146°12′37″E / 42.12000°S 146.21028°E |
| • elevation | 738 m (2,421 ft) |
| Mouth | Storm Bay |
• location | Hobart |
• coordinates | 43°3′3″S 147°22′38″E / 43.05083°S 147.37722°E |
• elevation | 0 m (0 ft) |
| Length | 239 km (149 mi) |
| Basin size | 9,832 km2 (3,796 sq mi) |
| Discharge | |
| • location | Storm Bay |
| • average | 90 m3/s (3,200 cu ft/s) |
| • minimum | 50 m3/s (1,800 cu ft/s) |
| • maximum | 140 m3/s (4,900 cu ft/s) |
| Basin features | |
| Tributaries | |
| • left | Nive River, Dee River, River Ouse, Clyde River, Jordan River |
| • right | Repulse River, Tyenna River, Styx River, Plenty River, Lachlan River |
| Natural lakes | Saint Clair Lagoon; Lake St Clair |
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The River Derwent, also known as timtumili minanya in palawa kani, is a significant river and tidal estuary in Tasmania, Australia. It begins its journey as a freshwater river in the Central Highlands at Lake St Clair, descending over 700 metres (2,300 ft) across a distance of more than 200 kilometres (120 mi). At the settlement of New Norfolk in the Derwent Valley its waters become brackish, flowing through Hobart, the capital city of Tasmania, its seawater estuary eventually empties into Storm Bay and the Tasman Sea.
Historically, the banks of the Derwent were covered by forests and frequented by Aboriginal Tasmanians. With the arrival of European settlers, the area saw agricultural development and the construction of dams for hydro-electricity generation during the 20th century.
Today, the Derwent's catchment area is characterised by agriculture, forestry, and hydropower generation. It serves as a vital source of water for irrigation and urban supply, notably providing a significant portion of Hobart's water needs. The river is also crucial for recreation, supporting activities such as boating, fishing, and leisure along its banks. Additionally, it facilitates marine transportation and various industrial activities, playing a central role in Tasmania's economy and lifestyle.