The Darling River is the third longest river in Australia, measuring 1,472 kilometres (915 mi) from its source in northern New South Wales to its confluence with the Murray River at Wentworth, New South Wales. Including its longest contiguous tributaries it is 2,844 km (1,767 mi) long, making it the longest river system in Australia.
The Darling River is the outback's most famous waterway. The Darling has been in poor health, suffering from overuse of its waters, pollution from pesticide runoff and prolonged drought. In some years it has barely flowed at all. The river has a high salt content and declining water quality. Increased rainfall in its catchment in 2010 has improved flow, but the health of the river will depend on long-term management.
The Division of Darling, Division of Riverina-Darling, Electoral district of Darling and Electoral district of Lachlan and Lower Darling were named after the river.
Read more about Darling River: History, Course, In Popular Culture
Famous quotes containing the words darling and/or river:
“My darling boy whom I shall never know,
My son, I love you in my deepest fears....”
—Allen Tate (1899–1979)
“Cole Thornton: Just a minute, son.
Mississippi: I am not your son. My name is Alan Bourdillon Traherne.
Cole: Lord almighty.
Mississippi: Yeah, well, that’s why most people call me Mississippi. I was born on the river in a flatboat.”
—Leigh Brackett (1915–1978)