Ord River

The Ord River is a river located in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. It flows in a generally north-easterly direction from its source in the Durack Range to Cambridge Gulf, a large tidal estuary that connects to the Timor Sea.

The river's upper reaches flow through rugged sandstone ranges and gorges, while the lower reaches meander across expansive floodplains. The Ord River is dammed to create Lake Argyle, a large artificial reservoir used for irrigation and hydroelectric power generation. The Ord River Irrigation Scheme has transformed a large area of the surrounding landscape into agricultural land, supporting a variety of crops, including cotton, sugar cane, and various fruits and vegetables.

The river's ecosystem is diverse, supporting a range of flora and fauna, including freshwater crocodiles, barramundi, and numerous species of birds. The traditional owners of the land surrounding the Ord River are the Miriuwung Gajerrong people, who have a long history and deep cultural connection to the river and its resources. The river holds significant spiritual and economic importance to the local indigenous communities.