Lexi Webster
The Channel Country is a region of outback Australia, situated primarily in southwestern Queensland but also extending into South Australia, the Northern Territory, and New South Wales. The region is characterised by its unique geography, including flat alluvial terrain, ancient flood plains, and interconnected river systems. The name Channel Country is derived from the numerous intertwined channels and rivers that crisscross the region, covering approximately 150,000 to 280,000 square kilometres. This vast and arid landscape has a rich history, having been inhabited by Indigenous Australians for thousands of years and later becoming a site of conflict between European pastoralists and the Aboriginal population.
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Geography and landscape
The Channel Country is a region of outback Australia, mostly in the state of Queensland, but also in parts of South Australia, the Northern Territory, and New South Wales. It covers an estimated 280,000 square kilometres, including the southwest of Queensland, the northwest corner of South Australia, and a small section in the northwest of New South Wales. The region features a distinctive landscape of flat alluvial terrain, essentially a desert that floods after heavy rainfall. The name "Channel Country" comes from the numerous intertwined channels and rivers that cut over the vast floodplains during times of high water. The principal waterways include Cooper Creek, the Diamantina, Barcoo, Georgina, and Thomson rivers, which form a series of braided channels, washed creeks, and waterholes.
The Channel Country's geography is intimately connected to its history. The region was once part of a prehistoric inland sea, and today, it is a precious ecosystem with pulses of water, making it valuable land for pastoralists, Aboriginal people, and companies exploiting oil and gas reserves. The annual flooding, which can last up to six months, transforms the landscape, giving rise to nutritious grasses and excellent conditions for cattle grazing. This flooding occurs due to the flat, basin-like nature of the land, which is a result of erosion over millennia and "continental sagging" when Australia was connected to Gondwana near the South Pole.
The Channel Country is the source of most of the water in the Lake Eyre drainage basin, which extends into the Northern Territory and South Australia, with one edge in New South Wales. The Lake Eyre Basin is a remnant of an ancient inland sea, and the water flowing into it from the Channel Country rarely reaches it due to evaporation and absorption into the cracked ground and channels. However, the water that does reach the lake supports important bird areas like Lake Yamma Yamma and the Lake Machattie Area.
The Channel Country features a vast arid landscape interspersed with flat-topped ridges, sand dunes, and ancient floodplains. The region includes national parks such as Diamantina National Park, which covers 507,000 hectares of variable landscapes, including treeless plains, sand dunes, and river channels. The Channel Country is also home to rare and threatened species, with important wetlands like Lake Constance and Hunters Gorge supporting breeding populations of birds and other wildlife.
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History
The Channel Country is a region of outback Australia, mostly in the state of Queensland, but also in parts of South Australia, the Northern Territory, and New South Wales. The region covers 150,000 square kilometres and is characterised by its unique geography: a flat, basin-like expanse of land that was formed by erosion and 'continental sagging' millions of years ago, when Australia was connected to Gondwana near the South Pole, and the area was covered by a vast inland sea.
Indigenous Australians have inhabited the Channel Country for approximately 20,000 years, with over 25 tribal groups living in the area. A vast trade network was established, running from north to south, with goods such as ochre and shells being traded. Birdsville was once a major meeting place for ceremonies and trade.
In 1861, Burke and Wills perished in the Channel Country during their expedition to the Gulf of Carpentaria, the first south-to-north crossing of the continent by non-Aboriginal people. Their deaths led to search parties being sent into the region, discovering valuable new grazing lands. European settlement of the interior began in the 1870s, primarily through sheep and cattle runs established by pastoralists such as John Costello, Robert Collins, Patrick Durack, and Oscar de Satge. This period also witnessed conflict between the pastoralists and the Aboriginal population, notably the Kalkadoon people, who resisted the invasion until they were defeated in a battle with settlers and police in 1884.
The Channel Country is the source of most of the water in the Lake Eyre drainage basin, which takes up approximately one-sixth of the Australian landmass. The region's principal rivers, including the Georgina River, Cooper Creek, and the Diamantina River, drain the land from far to the north. However, due to the arid climate, the floodwaters are usually absorbed or evaporate, and the lake itself is typically a dry salt pan.
In recent times, the Channel Country has become a site of oil and gas exploration, with deposits discovered in the Cooper Basin since 1959. The region is also home to multiple Aboriginal nations negotiating native title rights with the government, mining companies, and pastoralists.
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Indigenous Australians
The Channel Country is a region of outback Australia, mostly in the state of Queensland, but also in parts of South Australia, the Northern Territory, and New South Wales. The region covers 150,000 square kilometres of distinctive landscape, including flat alluvial terrain, sand dunes, and ancient flood plains. The area is named after the numerous intertwined rivulets and channels that cross the region, cutting through the vast floodplains during times of high water. The principal rivers of the Channel Country are the Georgina River, Cooper Creek, and the Diamantina River.
The unique geography of the Channel Country played a crucial role in the lives of Indigenous Australians. The presence of permanent waterholes and periodic pulses of substantial water allowed Aboriginal people to thrive in this arid environment. The explorer John McKinlay, who travelled through the region in 1861, observed the abundance of Aboriginal people, noting their presence "in every nook and corner where there was water". The Channel Country was integral to an extensive network of trade routes and "dreaming pathways" that connected this region with the rest of the continent. Goods such as pituri, stone, ochre, and pearl shells were traded across a vast area of central and northern Australia.
The Dreaming, a concept central to Aboriginal culture, encompasses the knowledge, stories, songlines, dances, and ceremonies that provide a framework for relationships, kinship responsibilities, and caring for the land. Traditional healers, known as Ngangkari in the Western desert areas, played multiple roles as custodians of important Dreaming stories and as respected healers or doctors.
While Christianity and European culture have influenced Indigenous Australians' religion and culture, individuals like Vincent Lingiari have played pivotal roles in advocating for Indigenous rights. In 1966, Lingiari led the Wave Hill walk-off (Gurindji strike) to protest against poor pay and conditions for Indigenous employees. Additionally, in politics, individuals like Ken Wyatt, Linda Burney, Adam Giles, and Hyacinth Tungutalum have become the first Indigenous Australians to hold significant positions in Australian parliaments and governments.
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Settlements and towns
The Channel Country is a region of outback Australia, mostly in the state of Queensland but also in parts of South Australia, the Northern Territory, and New South Wales. The region covers 150,000 square kilometres and is characterised by its distinctive landscape and unique geography. The area is named after the numerous intertwined rivulets that cross the region, forming a series of ancient flood plains from rivers that only flow intermittently.
The Channel Country has a long and fascinating history, having been inhabited by Indigenous Australians for approximately 20,000 years. Over 25 tribal groups lived in the area, establishing a vast trade network running from north to south. Birdsville, one of the most prominent towns in the Channel Country, was once a major meeting place for ceremonies and trade. The town, originally known as Diamantina Crossing, was formally named in 1887 with the proclamation of the town. Other notable settlements in the Channel Country include Betoota, Bedourie, and Haddon Corner.
The region's towns and cattle stations are serviced by a mail run operated by West Wing Aviation, which delivers goods, passengers, and mail. The area is also known for its pastoral activities, with large companies owning multiple properties. The largest company, started by Sidney Kidman in 1899, owned around 1.5% of Australia's landmass in 2009, with the majority of its properties in the Channel Country.
The Channel Country is home to significant natural landmarks, including Lake Yamma Yamma and the Lake Machattie Area, which are important bird areas. The region's principal rivers, including the Georgina River, Cooper Creek, and the Diamantina River, provide essential water sources and contribute to the area's distinctive geography.
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Wildlife
The Channel Country is home to a rich diversity of wildlife, boasting a unique ecosystem that supports a range of flora and fauna. The region's rivers and floodplains are of particular ecological importance, providing a habitat for a variety of species.
The Channel Country rivers are among the last free-flowing desert rivers on Earth. When they flow, they replenish the delicate floodplains, nourishing the arid landscape. The waterways form the basis of several First Nations cultural stories, highlighting their significance to Indigenous Australians. The rivers and wetlands are crucial for sustaining wildlife during long dry periods. Waterholes and wetlands provide refuges for animals, ensuring their survival until the next rainy season.
During wet periods, the Channel Country teems with life. The floodwaters create lush carpets of native grasses and wildflowers across the vast floodplains. This abundance of plant life, in turn, supports a diverse range of animal life. The wetlands become a haven for fish, turtles, waterbirds, and small mammals, providing a rich foraging area. The region is also home to at least two important bird areas, Lake Yamma Yamma and the Lake Machattie Area, which are known for their rich avian diversity.
The Channel Country's ancient floodplains and river systems, including the Georgina River, Cooper Creek, and the Diamantina River, play a vital role in shaping the region's ecology. These waterways provide essential habitats for aquatic life and support the growth of plant life during wet periods. The annual flooding, which can last up to six months, transforms the landscape, making it ideal for cattle grazing. The nutritious grasses that sprout after the floods contribute to the region's pastoral significance.
The Channel Country's wildlife and ecosystems are under threat from fossil fuel exploration and climate change. The region's delicate river systems and floodplains are at risk of being carved up for oil and gas development, endangering the unique and culturally significant landscapes. However, recent steps have been taken to protect the Channel Country rivers and floodplains, with the Queensland government announcing measures to safeguard this globally significant river system from oil and gas exploration.
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Frequently asked questions
The Channel Country is a region of outback Australia, mostly in the state of Queensland, but also in parts of South Australia, the Northern Territory, and New South Wales.
The Channel Country is an arid landscape with a series of ancient flood plains from rivers that only flow intermittently. The region covers around 150,000 square kilometres of flat alluvial terrain, drained by several rivers and their intricate channels.
The principal rivers of the Channel Country are the Georgina River, Cooper Creek, and the Diamantina River.
The Channel Country was a prehistoric sea and holds significant value for Aboriginal people and European pastoralists. Indigenous Australians have inhabited the area for approximately 20,000 years, with over 25 tribal groups living in the region.
The Channel Country is primarily used for cattle grazing and premium beef production. The region is known for its ability to fatten cattle after floods, with nutritious grasses appearing post-flood.
