Pipers River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Pipers(wattra karoola) |
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Pipers River area
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| Country | Australia |
| State | Tasmania |
| Region | Northern Tasmania |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Mount Arthur south of Lilydale 975 m (3,199 ft) 41°18′20″S 147°16′54″E / 41.30556°S 147.28167°E |
| River mouth | Noland Bay, Bass Strait Pipers Heads 0 m (0 ft) 41°00′32″S 147°09′26″E / 41.00889°S 147.15722°E |
| Length | 59 km (37 mi) |
| Basin features | |
| Tributaries |
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The Pipers River is a perennial river located in northern region of Tasmania, Australia. It was named for Captain Hugh Piper. The Aboriginal name for the river is Wattra karoola.
Course and features
The river rises below Mount Arthur near Lilydale. It runs through Hollybank Forest, a tourist attraction, before flowing through the outer reaches of Lilydale. It then proceeds through to Karoola, Lower Turners Marsh and then Pipers River town. The river has its mouth at Pipers Heads near the towns of Weymouth and Bellingham flowing into Noland Bay, Bass Strait. A number of tributaries flow into the Pipers River including; Pipers Brook at Bellingham, Back Creek at Weymouth and Rocky Creek near Lilydale. The river descends 975 metres (3,199 ft) over its 59-kilometre (37 mi) course. The river isn't very tidal except in the immediate area around Weymouth.
Gunns Limited has proposed the construction of a pulp mill which will require a lot of water. It has been suggested that this could be drawn from a dam to be built across Pipers River. It is estimated that would reduce the rivers flow by one-third. The proposal has been met with strong opposition.
Wildlife
Results from a genetic study indicated that specimens of Tasmanian giant freshwater crayfish from a site in the Pipers River catchment (Little Creek) were significantly genetically distinct from the rest of the species, and should be considered an important location for conservation.
