Paterson River

Summary

Paterson River, a perennial river[1] that is part of the Hunter River catchment, is located in the Hunter and Mid North Coast regions of New South Wales, Australia.

Paterson River
Yimmang River, Cedar Arms River[1]
Paterson River at Vacy, joined by the Allyn River (top right)
EtymologyIn honour of William Paterson[1]
Location
CountryAustralia
StateNew South Wales
RegionNSW North Coast (IBRA), Hunter, Mid North Coast
Local government areasDungog; Maitland; Port Stephens
TownsGresford, Vacy, Paterson, Woodville, Hinton
Physical characteristics
SourceBarrington Tops
 • locationnear Careys Peak
 • coordinates32°3′43.26″S 151°24′57″E / 32.0620167°S 151.41583°E / -32.0620167; 151.41583
 • elevation256 m (840 ft)
MouthHunter River
 • location
Hinton
 • coordinates
32°43′7.7″S 151°38′33.7″E / 32.718806°S 151.642694°E / -32.718806; 151.642694
 • elevation
3 m (9.8 ft)
Length159 km (99 mi)
Basin features
River systemHunter River catchment
Tributaries 
 • leftSheepstation Creek, Allyn River, Dunns Creek (New South Wales)
 • rightBoonabilla Creek, Horse Creek (New South Wales), Fenwicks Creek
National parkBarrington Tops National Park
[1][2]

Course and features edit

Paterson River rises in the Barrington Tops National Park, west by north of Careys Peak, and flows generally south and southeast, joined by six minor tributaries including the Allyn River at Vacy, before reaching its confluence with the Hunter River between Hinton and Morpeth.[1] Between Hinton and Duns Creek, the Paterson River forms the border between the Port Stephens and Maitland local government areas. The river system courses through fertile the farming land of the Paterson and Allyn River Valleys and the historic Patersons Plains; descending 933 metres (3,061 ft) over its 151 kilometres (94 mi) course.[2]

The river is impounded by Lostock Dam, located 48 kilometres (30 mi) downstream from the source in the Barringtons. The embankment dam was constructed by the New South Wales Department of Water Resources to supply water for irrigation and was completed in 1971.[3][4] The river is tidal to above the village of Paterson and below Vacy.[citation needed]

Riverside towns within the Paterson's catchment include Gresford, Vacy, Paterson, Woodville and Hinton.

Colonel William Paterson surveyed the area along the river in 1801. Later Governor King named it in his honour.[1]

References edit

  1. ^ a b c d e f "Paterson River". Geographical Names Register (GNR) of NSW. Geographical Names Board of New South Wales. Retrieved 24 March 2013.  
  2. ^ a b "Paterson River, NSW". Bonzle Digital Atlas of Australia. Retrieved 24 March 2013.
  3. ^ "Lostock Dam". Water delivery: dams. State Water Corporation. Archived from the original on 10 April 2013. Retrieved 20 April 2013.
  4. ^ "Lostock Dam" (PDF). State Water Corporation. 2009. Archived from the original (PDF brochure) on 3 March 2016. Retrieved 20 April 2013.

External links edit