Gilbert River (South Australia)

Gilbert
River
Bridge over the Gilbert River at Saddleworth
Name origin: Thomas Gilbert
Country	Australia
State	South Australia
Region	Mid North
Part of	Light River
Source	Barossa Ranges
- location	near Manoora
- elevation	399 m (1,309 ft)
Mouth	confluence with the Light River
- location	near Hamley Bridge
- elevation	93 m (305 ft)
- coordinates	34°21′S 138°40′E / 34.350°S 138.667°E / -34.350; 138.667Coordinates: 34°21′S 138°40′E / 34.350°S 138.667°E / -34.350; 138.667
Length	59 km (37 mi)
Location of the river mouth in South Australia

The Gilbert River is a river in the Mid North region of South Australia.

The Gilbert River rises near Manoora, on the Barrier Highway and flows generally south, as a broad and shallow valley through mainly undulating country, flowing through Saddleworth, Riverton, Tarlee then southwest through and Hamley Bridge. The Gilbert reaches its confluence with the Light River just downstream from Hamley Bridge. The Light River continues west to Gulf St Vincent. The Gilbert descends 306 metres (1,004 ft) over its 59-kilometre (37 mi) course.

Characteristic with many Mid North streams, the Gilbert can entirely cease flowing in summer, yet be a swirling and dangerous torrent after flooding rains. Grain cropping and grazing are carried out along its banks, which are mainly low and open.

The river lies within the traditional lands of the indigenous Ngadjuri people, but their name for the river is unknown. Although there has never been a valid attribution for it, the European discoverer of the river is believed to be John Hill in early April 1839. Hill named it after Colonial storekeeper, Thomas Gilbert, who was responsible for all government stores. The first mention of the river is by explorer Edward John Eyre. When he crossed the river in May 1839 on his northern expedition he acknowledged it was already named the Gilbert. The river was a source of fresh water for the settlements that soon followed, scattered along its banks.