World’s Oldest River Found in Australia: Dinosaurs Once Roamed Its Banks

Canberra: While rivers are often thought to have life cycles—growing, changing course, and eventually drying up—Australia’s Finke River challenges this conventional understanding. Believed to be between 300 and 400 million years old, the Finke River, known as Larapinta in the local Arrernte language, is considered the world’s oldest known river. Remarkably, it predates the dinosaurs, which appeared around 230 million years ago.

Located in the arid regions of Northern Territory, the Finke River stands apart from most other rivers. For much of the year, it appears as a series of sandbeds and shallow waterholes, with water flowing only after rainfall. Its unique geology and persistent course over hundreds of millions of years make it one of the most fascinating river systems in the world.

Course of the River
The Finke River originates in the MacDonnell Ranges, west of Alice Springs, and flows southeast, eventually disappearing into the sands of the Simpson Desert. Despite its seasonal nature and long dry periods, the river remains an integral part of central Australia’s natural landscape.

Witness to History
Over millions of years, the Finke River has witnessed continental shifts, climate changes, mass extinction events, and the gradual aridification of central Australia. Its enduring path provides invaluable insights into the Earth’s geological history.

Cultural Significance
For the western Arrernte people, the traditional custodians living along its banks, the Finke River holds immense cultural and spiritual significance. Local stories and traditions reflect thousands of years of dependence on and reverence for the river, making it both a natural and cultural treasure.

While scientists remain cautious about declaring any river definitively the “oldest,” evidence of the Finke’s remarkably stable course over millions of years makes it a strong contender. Other ancient rivers, such as the Nile, the Indus, and America’s New River, are also considered very old. What makes the Finke exceptional is its age and the remarkable continuity of its path, captivating researchers and nature enthusiasts worldwide.