Green’s Dictionary of Slang

(Aus.) the cold shivers.

1941		Baker Popular Dict. Aus. Sl.
1950		Sun. Herald (Sydney) 5 Nov. 95/4: ‘Hawkesbury Rivers’ is more likely to appear as Hawkesburies.
1951		D. Stivens Jimmy Brockett 72: I had the Hawkesbury Rivers every time I thought of what could happen if the press boys got on to it.
1960		Bulletin 6 July 18: In the roadside pub, the shearer between sheds was a beautiful case of the Hawkesbury Rivers.
1972		Dodson & Saczek Dict. of Cockney Rhy. Sl.
1983		R. Aven-Bray Ridgey-Didge Oz Jack Lang 31: Hawkesbury Rivers Shivers (alcoholic).
1999		G. Seal Lingo 90: Some other examples: [...] hawkesbury rivers shivers (usually hawkesburies); kembla grange change (money); mallee root for prostitute, a drollery on the slang term for sexual intercourse.
2002		Pete’s Aussie Sl. Home Page 🌐 Hawkesbury Rivers: the cold shivers.