Tumut River

The Tumut River is a perennial stream located in the Snowy Mountains and South West Slopes districts of New South Wales, Australia.

It rises on the northern face of Mount Jagungal and flows generally north by west, joining twelve tributaries before meeting the Murrumbidgee River. The river spans 182 kilometers and passes through stunning scenery.

The natural course of the Tumut River has been altered by the Snowy Mountains Scheme, which involved the construction of sixteen major dams and seven hydro-electric power stations. The river is impounded by six dams and four hydro-power stations are located adjacent to its flow. The natural flow of the Tumut River is amplified by water transferred from the Tooma River and Lake Eucumbene.

The management of the Tumut River has faced environmental concerns, including erosion of river banks, waterlogging of low-lying land, isolation of historical anabranches, thermal pollution, loss of flora and fauna, and rock facing of river banks. The village of Brungle has received media coverage regarding river flows and water quality.

The word "Tumut" is derived from the Wiradjuri word meaning camping by the river.

The Tumut River is popular for sport and leisure activities such as canoeing/kayaking downstream of Blowering Dam. Canoeing is best during higher flows, and the Tumut Valley Canoe Club regularly paddles the river. Fishing on the Tumut River is limited to cold water species such as introduced trout due to the low temperatures caused by dam releases.