The upper stretches of the river and the reservoirs in its watershed supply a significant part of the city's water supply. The river's long linear parks and a constructed lake in the lower stretch are iconic of the city. At its 1836 discovery an inland bend was chosen as the site of the Adelaide city centre and North Adelaide.
The river is named after Colonel Robert Torrens, chairman of the colonial commissioners and a significant figure in the city's founding. The river is also known by its native Kaurna name Karra wirra-parri. The river and its tributaries are highly variable in flow, and together drain an area of 508 square kilometres. They range from sometimes raging torrents, damaging bridges and flooding city areas, to trickles and completely dry in summer. Winter and spring flooding has prompted the construction of flood reduction works. A constructed sea outlet, landscaped linear parks and three holding reservoirs contain peak flow.
The river's flora and fauna have been both deliberately and accidentally impacted since settlement. In the 19th century, native forests were cleared, gravel removed for construction and many foreign species introduced. With construction of the linear parks, many species native to the river have been replanted, and introduced species have been controlled as weeds. Since European settlement the river has been a frequently touted tourist attraction. During the early years of settlement, the river acted as both the city’s primary water source and main sewer, leading to outbreaks of typhus and cholera.
This post is part of James' Weekend Reflections meme,
and also part of the Scenic Sunday meme.
What a beautiful place, Nick! Wonderful to have access to a place like this in the middle of a city! I love the black swan! Superb captures as always! Thanks for the tour! Have a terrific weekend!
ReplyDeleteThis looks like a lovely river to have there in the middle of the city! Loved the black swan reflection, and that first one with the still water! Very nicely done!
ReplyDeleteAs always great photos. I love the black swan also!!
ReplyDeleteGood shots.
ReplyDeleteNice, I really like the picture of the swan with the reflection
ReplyDeleteI love the photo of the rowers. Shows how much strength, power and teamwork it takes to move forward. But yet gives the above view for a different look.
ReplyDeleteAt the reservoir covering the old township of Chain of Ponds the detention style fence is destroying wildlife and the sense of ownership that we need to help us take care of the river. In other states reservoirs are available for recreation, but here it is as though we are being denied access to our own public areas.
ReplyDelete