Doing the Darling

The Darling River flows almost 1,500km through western New South Wales, stretching from between Brewarrina and Bourke in the state’s north, to Wentworth on the Victorian border, where it joins with the Murray River.

Its tributaries flow from southern Queensland and northern New South Wales, were there has been major flooding since late 2021.

Floodwaters moving downstream into the Darling have made this adventure possible for the group from the Suncoast Seniors Recreational Kayaking Club, with an average age of 71.

Their journey began with a 1,000km drive from Queensland’s Sunshine Coast to Bourke, with sea kayaks and camping gear as well as enough food and water for 10 days on the river.

The group, ranging in age from 59 to 82, set off down the river at a ripping pace, covering 96km in the first four days.

Their loyal support crew follows along by road, meeting at set points along the way, bringing cold drinks, watermelon and the first human contact for days. Read More

Source
Tessa Mapstone
ABC News