River Derwent (Tasmania)
The Derwent is a river in Tasmania, Australia. It was named after the River Derwent, Cumbria by British Commodore John Hayes who explored it in 1793. The name is Brythonic Celtic for "valley thick with oaks". John Hays placed the name "Derwent River" only in the upper part of the river. Matthew Flinders placed the name on all of the river.
The banks of the Derwent were once covered by forests and occupied by Aborigines. European settlers farmed the area and during the 20th century many dams were built on its tributaries.
Read more about River Derwent (Tasmania): History, Geography, Bridges, River Health, Cultural References
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