Boyne River
Rising in the Great Dividing Range southwest of Miriam Vale, the Boyne River flows generally northwards, draining a 2,496 square kilometre catchment before changing course to cross the Bruce Highway near Benaraby and discharge into Port Curtis and the Coral Sea between Boyne Island and Tannum Sands. Thirteen tributaries join the Boyne over its 125-kilometre course.
The Awoonga Dam, built where the river's course changes direction, is the Gladstone region's main water source.
The Boyne, named by John Oxley in 1823 because it reminded him of Ireland's River Boyne, is considered the southern extent of the saltwater crocodile's habitat. However, miogratory 'salties' are occasionally found as far south as the Burnett and Mary Rivers.
Sources:
Queensland Place Names Database: Boyne River (Requires search)
Wikipedia: Boyne River (Central Queensland): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boyne_River_(Central_Queensland)
