Hydrologic Reference Stations

There are 467 streamflow gauging stations within the Hydrologic Reference Stations. The feature stations below are a cross-section from regions of contrasting catchment size, water resource development, land use and long-term trends in streamflow. All jurisdictions are represented and the selected stations are in contrasting hydro-climate regions of Australia.

William River at Tillegra (210011)

The William River at Tillegra in the Hunter River Basin, New South Wales is in a temperate climate region. Average annual rainfall is about 1194 mm, 43% of which results in streamflow. Land use within the catchment (6.4 km²) is mostly agricultural production, plantations and other uses (60%) along with conservation and natural environment uses (35%). The step change detected in 1978 marks a reduction in streamflow of approximately 35%.

Adelaide River at Railway Bridge (G8170002)

The Adelaide River at Railway Bridge in the Adelaide River Basin, Northern Territory is in a tropical climate region. Average annual rainfall is about 1490 mm of which 29% is converted to streamflow. The catchment (638 km²) is primarily used for conservation and the natural environment purposes (99%). A step change observed in 1996 shows an increase in streamflow of about 70%.

Stanley River at Peachester (143303A)

The Stanley River at Peachester in the Brisbane River Basin, Queensland is in a sub-tropical climate region. The average annual rainfall is about 1650 mm of which 49% becomes streamflow. The catchment (102 km²) is mainly used for production plantations (42%) and for conservation and the natural environment uses (44%). The step change detected in 1974 points to a reduction in streamflow of approximately 55%.

Mosquito Creek at Struan (2390519)

Mosquito Creek at Struan in the Millicent Coast Basin, South Australia is in a temperate climate region. The average annual rainfall is about 580 mm, 2.5% of which results in streamflow. Land use in the catchment (1550 km²) is primarily production from agriculture, plantations and other uses (83%). A step change detected in 1992 shows a large reduction in streamflow of about 85%.

Snug Rivulet at U/S Snug Tiers Rd Bridge (305202)

The Snug Rivulet upstream of the Snug Tiers Road Bridge in the Kingston Coast Basin, Tasmania is located in a temperate climate region. The average annual rainfall is about 980 mm, 29% of which becomes streamflow. Land use in the catchment (18.3 km²) is conservation and the natural environment (100%). The step change detected in 1986 denotes a reduction in streamflow of approximately 32%.

Lerderderg River at Sardine Creek O'Brian Crossing (231213)

The Lerderderg River at Sardine Creek O'Brian Crossing in the Werribee River Basin, Victoria is in a temperate climate region. The average annual rainfall is about 940 mm, 18% of which is converted to streamflow. Land use in the catchment (152 km²) is mainly forestry (approximately 75%) along with conservation and the natural environment (22%). A step change observed in 1996 marks a large reduction in streamflow of about 71%.

Yarragil Brook at Yarragil Formation (614044)

Yarragil Brook at the Yarragil Formation in the Murray River Basin, in the south west of Western Australia, is in a temperate climate region. The average annual rainfall is about 950 mm of which 3.5% is converted to streamflow. Land use in the catchment (80 km²) is mainly forestry (approximately 96%). The step change detected in the mid 1970's shows a large reduction in streamflow of around 80%.