The Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Association Inc.
River Murray Trip - 1963
Chapter Two
As we were advised that the river was very low between Albury and Corowa it
was decided to relaunch at Corowa. However on arrival at Corowa we were again
advised that the river was too low and the boats were taken on to Max Miles
Motel on the Tarrawonga Weir, where they were launched and escorted by Mr.
Miles through the dead timber to Yarrawongs.As the writer was most disappointed at such a long by-pass of the river, approximately 140 miles - together with the fact that the timber in the Yarrawonga Weir was considered a major navigational hazard and required a special guide, the writer made arrangements with Max Miles to return to Corowa the following day and have a look at this difficult Corowa-Yarrawonga stretch, while the Coast Guard boats re-launched below the Weir and proceeded to Tocumwal.
Launching was rather difficult at Corowa, the river being too low for the launching ramp provided. However, the boat was got into the water satisfactorily and the run down to the Tarrawonga Weir is considered the most beautiful and interesting stretch of the whole river. Snags almost blocking the river were encountered on many bends, however there was always enough room to get a boat through. With the motor shut off and running downstream with virtually no steerage way it was found necessary to use an oar and boat hook to maneuver through the narrow passageways. One snag was hit, the type that protrudes out of the water is a viscous manner as we drifted, but we were very pleased that when the boat struck it broke off like a carrot. We hit a turtle at 35 m.p.h. which gave us quite a fright. Suddenly this object was off the bow as we sped down mid-river in a clear straight stretch. There was no time for avoiding action. There was a loud bang, and we both looked round expecting the back to be torn out of the boat, but there was nothing to see and it was then realized that we must have hit a turtle. It looked quire round, like the top of a post.
Severe blocking of the river occurred at 3 - 5 mile intervals and we reached the junction of the Avons River after traveling 45 river miles in 2 hours 5 minutes. From this point on began the Yarrawonga Weir and the dense dead timber which was considered to be a major navigational hazard. Much to the writers surprise, it was quite easy to follow the old river course through the trees, it being a wide clear waterway. There is little doubt that the Albury-Corowa stretch could have been navigated with oars.
The last stage across Lake Alexandrina, a run of 15 miles across often shallow water, was approached with the greatest caution. The Lake is only 7 - 3 feet deep- the paddle steamers hit the bottom in rough water conditions and with such shallow water the waves are steep and close. During the crossing 40 m.p.h. winds were experienced with 4'6'seas. There is no doubt that this Lake could not be included ina reliability trial as it is most dangerous water in high wind conditions
To Summarise:
i. The Tallangatta to Tarrawonga sections are difficult from a snag point of view, but very beautiful with a great abundance of bird life in the Yarrawonga Weir. Chasing swans and ducks at 35 m.p.h. is great fun. The birds seen on the Weir were:
| Spoon Bills | Water Hen | Heron | Gala | Shag |
| Cockatoo | Cormorant | Black Swans | Pelicans | Swallows |
| Ducks | Black, Teal, Wood |
ii. Tarrawonga - Renmark a speedboat racetrack - no blockage of river by snags - smooth water- gentle curves which create interest.
iii. Mildura - Lake Alexandrina - a great broad river, very grand with high cliffs and beautiful. Water can become very rough as river no longer winding, but long straight runs of 6 - 8 miles, possible wave height 3 feet in high winds.
iv. Lake Alexandrina can be very rough and dangerous, should be excluded if high winds probable.
Cruising - The river should have a very great appeal in this regard, speed and covering long distances is fine, but drifting down with the engine off was delightful, the calls of the birds and the feeling of really being in the bush is the great difference between river and road travel. v. Boat Portarage - Boats must be portered at both Hume and Yarrawongs Weirs, however, these are the only two places requiring this exercise. Boats can be taken out of water quite easily in a area adjacent to Hume Boat Club and at Yarrawonga at proper ramps. Re-launching no great problem, suitable locations available.
vi. Locks - No difficulties - can go them without cost any time of day or night.
vii. Launching ramps - an abundance of boat launching facilities, boats could be got in and out at most towns.
viii. A trip down the river during September is no different from a motoring tour through the country. A small or large boat would be suitable, towns are within a distance of 50 - 90 miles (river)I with the exception of the Wentworth-Renmark run a distance of 166 river miles. However, there are several locks on this route so one is not completely outside civilization. There are, of course, farms and stations at intervals along the river bank where one could seek assistance if necessary. All major stop-over towns have caravan parks, motels, etc.
viv. Obstructions - Ferry underwater wires should be crossed carefully and only when ferry is ashore. Wire has to be dropped at Barmah Ferry Crossing.