Murrumbidgee River 2023

An attempt to kayak the 'Bidgee from Gundagai to the Murray junction. Leia mais

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6 de março de 2023
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Dia 1
segunda-feira, 6 de março de 2023 11:00
☀️ 23 °C
Altitude: 214 m
Austrália Jones Creek -35.076539, 148.0944735°4’36” S 148°5’40” E
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6 de março de 2023, Austrália ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C
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Dia 1
segunda-feira, 6 de março de 2023 18:13
☀️ 28 °C
Altitude: 185 m
Austrália Mundarlo -35.082895, 147.81248335°4’58” S 147°48’45” E
3
Day 1
6 de março de 2023, Austrália ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C
Hi All,
Arrived in Gundagai last night after a very long all day drive from Adelaide. A big thankyou to Claire and Will for co-piloting on the drive.
Set off mid morning after the mandatory visit to the Dog on the Tuckerbox. The river flow is perfect at about 13,000 ML/day, so drifting at about 6km/h and 10km/h when paddling. Very quiet and peaceful. Did not see another person or boat on the river. Just the way I like it!
Should take about 4-5 weeks to reach the Murray Junction.
MarkLeia mais
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Viajante Same tent as last time?
08/03/2023ResponderTraduzir
ViajanteA different tent actually. I used the tent John used on his Heysen trip. It was a bit cramped, so I upgraded to a 2 man tent which I can fit all the gear in when it rains!
09/03/2023ResponderTraduzir
ViajanteStill looks pretty small to me!
10/03/2023ResponderTraduzir
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Dia 3
quarta-feira, 8 de março de 2023 09:18
☁️ 15 °C
Altitude: 188 m
Austrália Tarcutta Creek -35.135592, 147.59797635°8’8” S 147°35’53” E
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Day 2
8 de março de 2023, Austrália ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C
A long day's paddle of about 45kms but still enjoying the serenity. Very isolated, with only a few cattle and sheep observing my progress. Onto Wagga tomorrow to reconnect with the human race!
M
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ViajanteCan just feel that serenity…
08/03/2023ResponderTraduzir
I knew it wouldn't be long before you started another adventure. I'm looking forward to the photos, history lessons and the odd character you meet along the way. Take care, chat soon. Shane G [Shane Gosling]
08/03/2023ResponderTraduzir
Viajante Wow!
08/03/2023Responder
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Dia 4
quinta-feira, 9 de março de 2023 17:56
☀️ 22 °C
Altitude: 213 m
Austrália Estella -35.079197, 147.35088535°4’45” S 147°21’3” E
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Day 3
9 de março de 2023, Austrália ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C
Distance travalled 120kms
Next town Narrandera

Finally arrived in Wagga Wagga after a bit of a slog. I was expecting to see the boat ramp of the caravan park, but in fact it didn’t have one so I ended up paddling about 1km past it and then had to paddle back upstream against the current. Seriously hard work! Not happy!
Wagga apparently is the Indigenous word for "crow" and in their language (as in various others) the plural is formed by repeating the word, so Wagga Wagga means "land of many crows". I thought that was rather interesting.
Staying in the caravan park tonight which is rather strangely situated right next to the Treatment Works!
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Dog looks a bit like Moshi! [Michele]
10/03/2023ResponderTraduzir
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Dia 4
quinta-feira, 9 de março de 2023 18:09
☀️ 21 °C
Altitude: 213 m
Austrália Houlaghans Creek -35.084797, 147.29343235°5’5” S 147°17’36” E
2 2
Day 4
9 de março de 2023, Austrália ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C
Distance travelled 142kms
Next town Narrandera

Had a look around Wagga this morning and indulged myself with a Big Breakfast. I had intended to stay there tonight also, but thought I may as well push on. It is a large town of about 70,000 people but to me it lacks the charm of most of the towns along the Murray. Although it is on the Murrumbidgee, there are no sweeping lawns along the riverfront, picnic areas, riverfront cafes and the like that you see on the big towns on the Murray. The Murrumbidgee just quietly winds it way behind the town, almost unnoticed. Quite strange.
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Nice spot for camping. [Michele]
10/03/2023ResponderTraduzir
Viajante Nice one👍 lots of camping by the looks of it. I was wondering what your food menu looks like for each day. More canned tuna and noodles?
10/03/2023ResponderTraduzir
ViajanteHi Scott. A pretty uninteresting diet. Muesli, skim milk and a coffee stick for breakfast, 5 vitaweet, a small tin of tuna and a muesli bar for lunch, 2 minute noodles and a small tin of tuna for dinner. A few lolly snakes along the way to keep the glucose levels up, but probably overall in calorie deficit ( counteracted by the massive mixed grill I have just demolished at the Narrandera RSL Club!)
13/03/2023ResponderTraduzir
Viajante Nice camping spot!
10/03/2023ResponderTraduzir
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Dia 5
sexta-feira, 10 de março de 2023 17:48
☀️ 26 °C
Altitude: 171 m
Austrália Berry Jerry Lagoon -35.025189, 147.06165635°1’31” S 147°3’42” E
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Day 5
10 de março de 2023, Austrália ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C
Distance travelled 190kms
Next town Narrandera

Very cold last night, a minimum of 7 degrees according to BOM. Quite cosy in my new sleeping bag thankfully, as it was the cold nights that was probably the worst of the Murray trip.
Made it to Currawarna State Forest reserve after a 45km paddle today. Have to keep reminding myself that it’s the journey not the destination, so occasionally I stop paddling, stretch back in the kayak and drift for a while listening to the sounds of the river. Very pleasant. Saw 2 tinnies today, and had a brief chat with the fishermen. Nice to have some human contact!
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ViajanteYour such a social butterfly !!
10/03/2023ResponderTraduzir
ViajanteSocial butterfly? Oh yeah!
11/03/2023ResponderTraduzir
Hi. Your Son Angus volunteers with us at Orange Sky and he told us about your adventure. Enjoy. The trees are beautiful. [Lisa]
11/03/2023ResponderTraduzir
ViajanteHi Lisa. Yes, we are very proud of Angus' amazing work ethic. Thanks for following my trip.
11/03/2023ResponderTraduzir
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Dia 6
sábado, 11 de março de 2023 17:28
☀️ 29 °C
Altitude: 158 m
Austrália Bulgary -35.019453, 146.92760535°1’10” S 146°55’39” E
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Day 6
11 de março de 2023, Austrália ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C
Distance travelled 232kms
Next town Narrandera

Quite a few fishing boats on the river today, being a Saturday. Thankfully I have yet to see a ski boat!
The current is definitely slowing, from around 6km/h to around 2 or 3km/h, I assume that's due to the first weir coming up.
All going well, plenty of good camping spots, and good weather on the horizon.
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ViajanteStill channeling nice weather Mark. Yes it’s a bit grim seeing plain dirt all the way to waters edge.
11/03/2023ResponderTraduzir
Viajante We think this might be a pacific or white necked heron
13/03/2023ResponderTraduzir
Viajante Probably an Intermediate heron!
13/03/2023ResponderTraduzir
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Dia 7
domingo, 12 de março de 2023 18:54
☁️ 22 °C
Altitude: 156 m
Austrália Narrandera -34.873109, 146.8009834°52’23” S 146°48’4” E
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Day 7
12 de março de 2023, Austrália ⋅ ☁️ 22 °C
Distance travelled 272kms
Next town Narrandera

Hi All,
I had to negotiate the first of about 6 weirs today. Unlike the Murray, none of them have locks to transfer boats from one level to the other. This "portage" involved emptying the kayak of all the gear, lugging it all to the top of the riverbank, trying to pull the kayak up to the top then along a very rough track to the downstream part of the river about 500m away. The whole exercise took about 1.5 hours and was quite exhausting! Only 5 more to go :-(
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Viajante That picture is off to the ABC news - might have to pretend it is in SA!
13/03/2023ResponderTraduzir
ViajanteWhy no transfer facilities? Is it because the locks are older?
13/03/2023ResponderTraduzir
ViajanteNot really sure, but I would imagine that it is because there was much less river traffic on the Murrumbidgee compared to the Murry and locks are expensive to build and require a full time Lockmaster. A Lockmaster on the Murray said typically he would transfer 3 or 4 boats a day. I doubt they would do that many a week on the Murrumbidgee. All about the $ as usual...
14/03/2023ResponderTraduzir
ViajanteI guess some occasional portage is part and parcel of a long kayaking expedition! Enjoying the great photos!
15/03/2023ResponderTraduzir
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Dia 8
segunda-feira, 13 de março de 2023 19:18
☀️ 25 °C
Altitude: 138 m
Austrália Narrandera Park -34.74536, 146.55185834°44’43” S 146°33’7” E
Day 8
13 de março de 2023, Austrália ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C
Distance travelled 318kms
Next town Darlington Point

Hi All,

A wild night last night with 60km/h winds, rain and thunderstorms. I thought several times the tent was going to self destruct. I had a very broken nights sleep but it was quite enjoyable in a strange way.
Made it to Narrandera late today. The intention was to stay at the caravan park but there was no access up the 5m near vertical riverbank. Not to worry, camped on the other side of the river and will forego my hot shower for a few more days! Way ahead of schedule so I am constantly telling myself to slow down and enjoy it. I'm not sure what it is that keeps pushing me forward. Still thinking about that one...
Hope you're all enjoying Mad March!
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Indeed, Mad March it has been - the antithesis of your tranquil Murray odyssey (last night excepted)! I hope you get a better night tonight. Thanks for all the beautiful photos - stunning sunrises, sunsets and trees. [Eileen Scott]
13/03/2023ResponderTraduzir
ViajanteYes, Mad March has been in full swing. Funny to think that it was this time three years ago that the Covid pandemic hit South Australia or at least that’s when a public health emergency was declared. Everything back to normal this year!
15/03/2023ResponderTraduzir
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Dia 9
terça-feira, 14 de março de 2023 17:05
Altitude: 142 m
Austrália Narrandera -34.760098, 146.54056734°45’36” S 146°32’26” E
Day 9
14 de março de 2023, Austrália
Distance travelled 318kms
Next town Darlington Point

A lovely relaxed day today. Very impressed with Narrandera, a shadow of its former self no doubt, but still full of stately old buildings and wide shady streets. Did my laundry and manscaping (wash and shave) and fully refuelled for the next section!
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Dia 10
quarta-feira, 15 de março de 2023 18:10
☀️ 32 °C
Altitude: 118 m
Austrália Euroley State Forest -34.631642, 146.36102434°37’54” S 146°21’40” E
2
Day 10
15 de março de 2023, Austrália ⋅ ☀️ 32 °C
Distance travelled 350kms
Next town Darlington Point

Hi All,
Paddling through some beautiful forest country today, part of the Murrumbidgee Valley National Park. Lots of great campsites whether you're in a camper or a kayak.
Had to negotiate Yanco Weir today and again there are no facilities at all for portaging a kayak around the weir. The whole exercise again took about 1.5 hours and was really quite dangerous to both body and boat. I have resolved to send some suggestions to the Shire Council and NSW Water to get this improved. Still enjoying the adventure though, my fingers and thumbs are a bit sore from all the paddling, otherwise the body is holding up well.
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Viajante Our research indicates a yellow billed spoonbill. The Royals have black beaks though both very widespread!
19/03/2023ResponderTraduzir
ViajanteAh! OK. Makes sense. I think it is the Royal Spoonbill we have seen down at Goolwa.
20/03/2023ResponderTraduzir
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Dia 11
quinta-feira, 16 de março de 2023 16:55
Altitude: 121 m
Austrália Leeton -34.643691, 146.11021534°38’37” S 146°6’37” E
Day 11
16 de março de 2023, Austrália
Distance travelled 382kms
Next town Darlington Point

Hi All,

Had to negotiate Gogelderie weir today. Another epic performance which took over 2 hours. No more weirs until Hay thank goodness.
Just finished listening to David Nicholls "Sweet Sorrow" audiobook. Highly recommended.
Onwards to Darlington Point tomorrow and the promise of a pub meal.
:-)
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ViajanteI haven’t heard of “Sweet Sorrow” but looks good - I’ll add that to the reading list!
17/03/2023ResponderTraduzir
ViajanteHe also wrote "Starter for 10" about a trivia quiz fanatic. Hilarious and required reading for all Maxsters!
18/03/2023ResponderTraduzir
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Dia 13
sábado, 18 de março de 2023 07:33
☀️ 16 °C
Altitude: 118 m
Austrália Reserve Beach -34.56834, 146.0044834°34’6” S 146°0’16” E
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Day 12
18 de março de 2023, Austrália ⋅ ☀️ 16 °C
Distance travelled 412kms
Next town Carrathool

Hi All,
Woke up this morning to find the kayak floating free after the river had risen 20cm or so overnight and I had forgotten to tie it up (cardinal sin). Luckily the breeze was blowing it onto shore, otherwise it would have meant a search and rescue on the air mattress! Phew!
Made it into the little town of Darlington Point where I have booked into the caravan park. Forecast temps of 39 and 41 for the weekend so I might stay here for a bit longer.
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Viajante Beautiful.
17/03/2023ResponderTraduzir
ViajanteOh no, that was lucky.
17/03/2023ResponderTraduzir
A near miss to add to the adventure log! Those locks sound like hard work. Your experiences and beautiful photographs would make a great book. [Eileen]
17/03/2023ResponderTraduzir
ViajanteHi Eileen. Not sure about a book, but I might post my experiences online somewhere so future Paddlers can avoid some of the pitfalls I have fallen into!
18/03/2023ResponderTraduzir
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Dia 13
sábado, 18 de março de 2023 16:48
☀️ 39 °C
Altitude: 133 m
Austrália Wowang Warang Lagoon -34.570607, 145.85174734°34’14” S 145°51’6” E
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Day 13
18 de março de 2023, Austrália ⋅ ☀️ 39 °C
Distance travelled 437kms
Next town Carrathool

I was going to spend the day in Darlington Point but have pressed on this afternoon.
The lady in the caravan park told me yesterday there was a big group of vans coming in for a reunion this weekend and they had booked out the south end of the (small) van park. I camped right at the northern end just in case, but, of course, they ended up at the northern end too, about 50 metres from my tent. The boom box started at about 7pm then progressively got louder until about midnight. After that it was just loud partying until about 3am. The park Manager came over this morning to apologise to me. Said he had told them 3 times to pack it in and it had nearly come to blows. Give me a secluded beach on the river anytime, just not worth it for a hot shower!
Moral of the story? Avoid caravan parks on a Friday night.
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ViajanteAccording to the Punt Hotel website, they employ two prestigious French chefs specialising in French haute cuisine so sounds like you would have had a good feed there! Oh, and they also do a $17 schnitzel on Tuesday nights and have the coldest beer this side of the ‘Bidgee!
22/03/2023ResponderTraduzir
ViajanteThe 2 French chefs must have had the night of when I was there, but whoever cooked the pork loin chops still did a good job of it!
23/03/2023ResponderTraduzir
Viajante Indeed and repeated in so many places.
26/03/2023ResponderTraduzir
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Dia 14
domingo, 19 de março de 2023 17:55
Altitude: 131 m
Austrália Gumbungy Lagoon -34.471754, 145.6355934°28’18” S 145°38’8” E
Day 14
19 de março de 2023, Austrália
Distance travelled 480kms
Next town Carrathool

Very hot today. It got to 41 degrees and sure felt like it. I paddled most of the day, stopping every hour or so for a quick dip which made it bearable. Super quite on the river apart from 4 jetskis that just blasted past with no acknowledgement at all. It sure broke the serenity spell!
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ViajanteThe start of the Hay Plains. Cue Don Morrison’s “Hay Plains Blues” from his “It’s a Long Drive” album if you have Spotify out there!
22/03/2023ResponderTraduzir
ViajanteThanks Pete. I'll look that one up.
23/03/2023ResponderTraduzir
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Dia 15
segunda-feira, 20 de março de 2023 17:53
☁️ 31 °C
Altitude: 118 m
Austrália Warweebundimumbie Lagoon -34.454116, 145.4710234°27’15” S 145°28’16” E
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Day 15
20 de março de 2023, Austrália ⋅ ☁️ 31 °C
Distance travelled 510kms
Next town Carrathool

Much cooler today with a Max in the low 30's. I was going to push on to Carrathool for a pub dinner tonight but, of course, the one day it's not open is Monday! Going to call in tomorrow for lunch. Hopefully it's going to be the 4km walk from the river.
All going well but lots of snags which need some careful concentration and manoeuvring.
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ViajanteThat photo of dry creek bed reminded me: many backwaters or any tributaries on your river? Any signs of the elusive platypus?
21/03/2023ResponderTraduzir
ViajanteHey Pat. None of the backwaters, lagoons and anabranches that were common along the Murray. The Murrumbidgee seems to stay contained within its banks, but I’m sure all that changes when it's in flood. No sign of platypi, nor goats which is interesting, as there were more goats than sheep along the Murray.
23/03/2023ResponderTraduzir
ViajanteThat’s quite a snag across the river in that photo. May be it’s the elusive Murrumbidgee beaver!
22/03/2023ResponderTraduzir
ViajanteIf it is, I wish he would build his dams somewhere else!
23/03/2023ResponderTraduzir
Viajante Hmm not for me!
26/03/2023ResponderTraduzir
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Dia 16
terça-feira, 21 de março de 2023 16:53
☁️ 28 °C
Altitude: 106 m
Austrália Yannaway Lagoon -34.444074, 145.36581634°26’39” S 145°21’57” E
Day 16
21 de março de 2023, Austrália ⋅ ☁️ 28 °C
Distance travelled 530kms
Next town Hay

An easy day today of only 20kms or so, with a stop for lunch at the Carrathool pub. This required a 4km walk each way in the drizzle, but all worthwhile with Sean the Owner taking my rubbish (literally), refilling my water containers and shouting me a drink. A nice fella.
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ViajanteSo you had to carry all the water back 4 km??
22/03/2023ResponderTraduzir
ViajanteYep, but it was only 2 litres in a,fruit juice container. Sadly it floated away last night while I had it in the river to cool the water down. Grrrr....
23/03/2023ResponderTraduzir
ViajanteCarrathool Family Hotel looks nice but pretty quiet! Sean must be a Central Districts fan!
22/03/2023ResponderTraduzir
ViajanteI had 2 glasses of wine while I was there, and he had 4 beers, so yes quite likely a Centrals fan!
23/03/2023ResponderTraduzir
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Dia 17
quarta-feira, 22 de março de 2023 16:41
Altitude: 105 m
Austrália Hay -34.495712, 145.16838434°29’45” S 145°10’6” E
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Day 17
22 de março de 2023, Austrália
Distance travelled 565 kms
Next town Hay

A very quiet day on the river. No people, no boats, just the distant rumble of trucks on the nearby Sturt Highway as a reminder of civilisation.
M
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ViajanteSounds quite good actually! PS Reminds me of the bus from "Speed" or "Dirty Harry"!
26/03/2023ResponderTraduzir
Viajante That's 'our' water!
26/03/2023ResponderTraduzir
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Dia 18
quinta-feira, 23 de março de 2023 17:58
☀️ 29 °C
Altitude: 93 m
Austrália Illilawa -34.494153, 144.96273234°29’39” S 144°57’46” E
Day 18
23 de março de 2023, Austrália ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C
Distance travelled 600kms
Next town Hay

It started raining about midnight last night and kept going on and off until lunchtime today, together with thunder and lightning most of the time. It's now very humid, so I assume this is some weather which has come down from the tropics.
Hit a big snag across the river today and had to walk along the banks each side to see if I could portage it as it appeared impassable on the water. The portage would have meant emptying the kayak and pulling it up a 5m high slippery clay bank then over 2 barbed wire fences. No thanks! Eventually threaded my way through, pushing the branches away as I went. Hopefully there won't be any more like that one!
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You deserve a gin and tonic after that. Did you pack any? [Selwyn]
24/03/2023ResponderTraduzir
ViajanteI did manage to stow away a container of (home made) dark spiced rum. Most nights I indulge myself with a cocktail of rum, cordial and water (no olive or cocktail umbrella...)
25/03/2023ResponderTraduzir
ViajanteI’m surprised there are so many snags. Don’t many people boat on the Murrumbidgee? I guess there's noone to get rid of the snags
26/03/2023ResponderTraduzir
ViajanteWOW that is a big snag!
26/03/2023ResponderTraduzir
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Dia 19
sexta-feira, 24 de março de 2023 16:01
Altitude: 94 m
Austrália Pocock Park -34.5189, 144.84356434°31’8” S 144°50’37” E
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Days 19-20
24 de março de 2023, Austrália
Distance travelled 638kms
Next town Maude

Hi All,
Spent a nice relaxing day wandering around Hay. I think you get to see and absorb more when you do it on foot rather than by car even if it is more tiring. Hay seems much bigger than its official 3000 population, with the quite prosperous main street stretching for nearly 2kms with many beautifully restored old buildings.
Election day today in NSW. It's going to be close by all accounts.
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Hay looks to be a pretty town. Have you found a pub or hotel to watch the election results come in? [Eileen]
25/03/2023ResponderTraduzir
ViajanteI have been following the election on ABC Sydney radio with Kasey Chambers in the background. If you and Kong are ever in Hay, I can recommend the Hay South Hotel for a good feed! M
25/03/2023ResponderTraduzir
ViajanteYes the South Hay Hotel gets great reviews. I’ll have to remember that for any time in the future that I happen to be passing through Hay. Looks like a nice town too.
26/03/2023ResponderTraduzir
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Murrumbidgee River 2023 Viajante
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Dia 21
domingo, 26 de março de 2023
☁️ 25 °C
Altitude: 80 m
Austrália Hay -34.562685, 144.63766734°33’46” S 144°38’16” E
1
Day 21
26 de março de 2023, Austrália ⋅ ☁️ 25 °C
Distance travelled 674kms
Next town Maude

Had a chat with Matt from Callington in the caravan park last night. He was very interested in my Murrumbidgee trip. Told him I also did Albury to Goolwa on the Murray last year in 65 days. He said he kayaked the Murray from Bringenbrong to Goolwa (200kms more than I did) in 2019 in 30 days including 5 rest days. Said he was doing 100 - 130kms a day, usually finishing well after dark after having started at first light, and he did this in a cheap plastic kayak. Total legend! Mind you he was in his late 20's when he did it.
Went through the Hay weir this afternoon, comparatively easy compared to the previous ones.
All going well.
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Viajante They are amazing aren’t they. Only ever seen a few.
28/03/2023ResponderTraduzir
ViajanteImpressive indeed - as are you!
28/03/2023ResponderTraduzir
Viajante100km a day is hard to fathom, can't imagine how the arms would hold up
02/04/2023ResponderTraduzir
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Murrumbidgee River 2023 Viajante
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Dia 22
segunda-feira, 27 de março de 2023 17:46
☁️ 23 °C
Altitude: 92 m
Austrália Gum Creek -34.53507, 144.42632234°32’6” S 144°25’35” E
2
Day 22
27 de março de 2023, Austrália ⋅ ☁️ 23 °C
Distance travelled 710kms
Next town Maude

A lovely quiet day. Lots of wildlife, no humans. So serene. If you want to camp on the 'Bidgee this is the area to do it in!
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ViajanteSo we have a verdict on the bird. It is an Australasian bittern. Pretty confident about this!
28/03/2023ResponderTraduzir
Viajante Strange!
28/03/2023ResponderTraduzir
ViajanteThis comment refers to the photos of the tumbleweeds - not saying you are strange Mark though if the cap fits...(ha ha not really)
29/03/2023ResponderTraduzir
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Murrumbidgee River 2023 Viajante
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Dia 23
terça-feira, 28 de março de 2023 19:47
☁️ 23 °C
Altitude: 96 m
Austrália Maude -34.477006, 144.29755634°28’37” S 144°17’51” E
1
Day 23
28 de março de 2023, Austrália ⋅ ☁️ 23 °C
Distance travelled 740kms
Next town Balranald

I was racing to get the 30kms done in the morning so I could have lunch at the Post Office Hotel in Maude. I discovered that the Maude weir had to be portaged first, and this took 2.5 hours and a lot of grunting and cursing, lowering the long suffering kayak down a steep muddy bank with a rope. Made it to the pub for dinner, an iconic Outback pub, complete with some blue singleted workers, well used 4WD's out the front, and strangely, a young Estonian bartender!
Heading into a remote section of about 200kms before Balranald.
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I'd opt for beautiful - and what a habitat for wildlife [Eileen]
01/04/2023ResponderTraduzir
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Murrumbidgee River 2023 Viajante
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Dia 25
quinta-feira, 30 de março de 2023 17:10
☁️ 20 °C
Altitude: 82 m
Austrália Balranald -34.350789, 143.86502634°21’3” S 143°51’54” E
1
Days 24-25
30 de março de 2023, Austrália ⋅ ☁️ 20 °C
Distance travelled 787kms
Next town Balranald

A very remote part of the river, I have not seen another person or boat since leaving Maude 2 days ago. There is the odd Homestead and shanty, otherwise no signs of civilisation and no mobile coverage. Not as much wildlife as I would have thought, a herd of goats, the odd cow and what I think was a feral pig grunting and snorting near my tent last night. Still plenty of birds though.
Redbank weir is coming up tomorrow, the last one thankfully.
All going well except I have multiple little bites on my torso. Not mosquito bites, but I wonder if they are some type of flea or mite. Sprayed the bedding with repellent, so hopefully that will sort it out!
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ViajanteHey Mark how long to Balranald? Overnighting there tomorrow. Selwyn
31/03/2023ResponderTraduzir
ViajanteHi Selwyn Yes, Balranald tomorrow night thankfully. Totally done with 2 minute noodles and canned tuna. Big Breakfast here I come!
01/04/2023ResponderTraduzir
ViajanteLooks like nice kayaking conditions
31/03/2023ResponderTraduzir
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Murrumbidgee River 2023 Viajante
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Dia 28
domingo, 2 de abril de 2023 17:22
Altitude: 75 m
Austrália Balranald -34.6467, 143.56407134°38’48” S 143°33’51” E
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2 1 1
Days 26 - 28
2 de abril de 2023, Austrália
Distance travelled 922kms
Next town Boundary Bend

Finally made it into Balranald after a long 5 day paddle from Maude during which the only people I saw was 2 guys in a tinnie, so very isolated. The Nanga National Park borders the river for most of this section, so more wildlife now, kangaroos, emus, native water rats and even a couple of tortoises sitting on a log who plopped into the river when they saw me, and of course, lots of birds.
I passed the point where Captain Sturt put his whaleboat into the Murrumbidgee, there is a blazed tree there apparently but I missed it. They rowed down to the Murray Mouth only to find it was unsuitable for shipping, so then rowed the 1500kms back upstream against the current. Phew!
Negotiated Redbank weir, the final one, with the usual amount of stress and difficulty.
Rest day tomorrow, then 3 days paddle down to the Murray Junction at Boundary Bend to finish.
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ViajanteWow - r u ahead of schedule ?
02/04/2023ResponderTraduzir
ViajanteHi Jude. I got 3 or 4 days ahead of schedule in the first week or two when there was a fast current. Aiming to rendezvous with Claire on Easter Tuesday at Robinvale.
02/04/2023ResponderTraduzir
ViajanteGreat adventure Mark!! Happy to see your journaling through the days and very inspiring!! Fauna pictures must be my favourites haha never alone in the outback! Good luck!
03/04/2023ResponderTraduzir
ViajanteThanks Johanna.Not too late if you and John want to spend a day or two paddling with me...
03/04/2023ResponderTraduzir
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