The Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Association Inc.
River Murray Trip - 1963
National Commodore Ted Madden and Rear Commodore D.L. Weston-Smith left Albury late in August to commemorate the opening of the river to navigation by the Paddle Steamer Albury in 1855. On the 1390 mile voyage they were escorted by Ansett-ANA helicopter which took fuel to isolated places where necessary, the vessels were kept informed of river conditions ahead by two way radio.After entering South Australia near Rufus Creek, the cruisers made overnight stops at Berri, Morgan and Murray Bridge and arrived at Goolwa on September 12th. Two cruisers of the S.A. division, commanded by Group Commodore R.S. Carr and Staff Captain W.F. Johns joined the Victorian boats on September 11th at Bow Hill above Mannum and accompanied them for the rest of the voyage. The trip was not without incident however, as two of the vessels had their propellers damaged by drifting debris and after running repairs they continued on their voyage. Bad weather held them up at Wellington and it was considered that if the weather did not abate, the vessels would be taken by road to Goolwa.
By morning the winds had died somewhat and a quick dash across Lake Alexandrina to Goolwa was achieved. 27 miles in four hours. Commodores Madden and Carr stated that due to the high winds the Lake was a 'very nasty piece of water' and spray was taken over the screen which restricted visibility. During the voyage down the Murray they were joined by dozens of other small craft at different intervals on their epic trip.
The cruisers were taken by road to Adelaide and were paraded through the streets of the City to Torrens Parade Ground where they were displayed with the helicopter.
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