Mooki River, a perennial stream that is part of the Namoi catchment within the Murray–Darling basin, is located in the Northern Tablelands district of New South Wales, Australia. The river starts at the junction of Omaleah Creek and Phillips Creek, and forms below the Liverpool Range, south-west of Quirindi, and flows generally west of north, joined by three minor tributaries, before reaching its confluence with the Namoi River north-east of Gunnedah; descending 88 m over its 128 km course. The towns of Quirindi and Werris Creek lie within the basin of the Mooki River, much of which is prime agricultural land. Little natural vegetation remains in the plains but river gums and other trees grow on the banks of the Mooki River. The Kamilaroi Highway and the North-west railway line cross the Mooki River near Breeza.

History

The earliest recorded exploration of this area is that of John Oxley and his party travelling through here in August 1818. 'Mooki' was the name given to the river by Aboriginal tribes roaming the lower reaches. Major flooding occurred in and around Gunnedah when the Mooki River flooded in November 2000. Mention is made of the Mooki River in The Old Timer's Steeplechase by A. B. "Banjo" Paterson.

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