Mooki River

Mooki River at Caroona, NSW

Mooki River at McDonagh Bridge, Oxley Highway, Gunnedah, NSW

The Mooki River is a river in northern New South Wales, Australia.

The Mooki River is the main river of the western half of the Liverpool Plains. Its headwaters rise on the northern slopes of the Liverpool Range and Coolah Tops, and flow northwards.

The towns of Quirindi and Werris Creek lie within the basin of the Mooki River, much of which is prime agricultural land. Little natural vegetation remains in the plains but River Gums and other trees grow on the banks of the Mooki River. The Kamilaroi Highway and the North-west railway line cross the Mooki River near Breeza.

The Mooki River flows into the Namoi River just north-east of Gunnedah.

History

The earliest recorded exploration of this area is that of John Oxley and his party travelling through here in August 1818. 'Mooki' was the name given to the river by Aboriginal tribes roaming the lower reaches.

Major flooding occurred in and around Gunnedah when the Mooki River flooded in November 2000.

Mention is made of the Mooki River in "The Old Timer's Steeplechase" by the noted poet, A. B. "Banjo" Paterson.

References

• Mooki catchment Map - Map of Mooki River catchment area