Paddling the length of the mighty Murray

EIGHT years ago, a group of ex-teachers began an epic journey, paddling down the entire length of the Murray River in two stages per year.

Now in their late 70s, the Paddling Dinosaurs are poised to complete their journey in May.

“It all started when a group of retired teachers decided to keep fit by walking around Lake Wendouree every Monday morning,” group member Arthur Morvell said.

“A few walkers thought it would be fun to paddle the upper reaches of the Murray River.

“From small beginnings, the idea grew and now up to eight paddlers and four ground crew are involved.

“We have completed two trips per year for the last eight years and have covered 2400 kilometres.”

They have one more trip in May where they will reach the end of the Murray River, and after that they hope to paddle across Lake Alexandrina to get to the sea.

“Our paddling started at the Brigenbrong Bridge near Corryong where the river is clear, fast-flowing and dangerous in parts,” Mr Morvell said.

“Eventually the river becomes broader and slower away from the high country where paddlers have to pass through many lochs to reach Lake Alexandrina in SA.

“We mostly camp along the river, enjoying campfires and music.”

A bonus has been enjoying the people and wildlife they encounter along the way.

“On one of our trips we rescued a pelican badly entangled in fishing lines and hooks,” Mr Morvell said.

“At Cohuna, a thunderstorm with large flashes of lightning had residents of a riverside home call us to get off the river and take shelter at their house, which we were glad to do.

“At a camp at Nangiloc when heavy rain bogged all our cars, the Nangiloc Tavern called a local farmer with a tractor to drag us out. The tavern staff treated us very well, calling us Paddling Pensioners.

“At Waikerie we were invited to a lovely afternoon tea at the senior citizens club after meeting some of the members the previous night.”

The paddlers plan to keep fit by regularly getting out on Lake Wendouree and some rivers.

“However, as we are all getting older we are not as flexible and strong as we were and balance is becoming a problem,” Mr Morvell said.

“We have been trying for three years through the City of Ballarat to get a safe all-inclusive kayak launching facility installed at Lake Wendouree, for use by the wider community.

“At present we use unsuitable platforms at Durham Point where entry and exit is difficult and hazardous for even able-bodied paddlers.

“A suitable floating launch platform allowing even wheelchair-bound people access to the lake will apparently cost around $130,000, which is not much when you consider the population of Ballarat.

“The council wants us to provide data on the number people who would use a facility at Durham Point.

“I calculated that the 10 people I know who use Durham Point regularly, have launched their boats a total of around 600 times per year.

“If there is anyone who would genuinely use a launch facility, they could go to our Facebook page, All Abilities Access to paddling on Lake Wendouree, register their interest and comment.

“That may help to inform the council of the real need for a safe way of getting in and out of the lake when using a variety of watercraft.”