Great Big Paddle nears end

Dave Cornthwaite's Australian adventure almost over

Great Big Paddler Dave Cornthwaite is nearing the end of his immense expedition along Australia’s longest river - the Murray - which winds 2,500km across the southern states of Australia. The Great Big Paddle has so far taken him 2,050km along the waterway – and with just 436km left to paddle, the end is in sight for Cornthwaite. WideWorld last caught up with Cornthwaite as he was nearing the 1,000km mark over a month ago. 

Cornthwaite’s expedition is raising funds for the AV Foundation’s solar and water project in East Africa, and - true to Cornthwaite’s passion – his goal is also to raise awareness of our environment through sport. 

Along the way he is filming and editing video diaries – not only to show the beauty of the Murray River, but to investigate the environmental issues facing the river. Recent chronic droughts have taken their toll, causing environmental, social and economic problems in a number of areas that depend on this vital water source. In one of Cornthwaite’s recent blog postings he says: “My pre-expedition goal of investigating the problems faced by the Murray has been buoyed somewhat by a realisation that the river, however troubled in places, continues to be a highlight of what is already a vast country offering utterly unique geographical delights… having travelled much of Aussie’s greatest river to date I know that it isn’t dying. It’s sick.”

Cornthwaite repeatedly notes that the future of the Murray River is precarious: “I’d quite like to bring my grandkids down here and be able to show them the Murray with pride. Sure, I need to have some kids first, but this is a river that mustn’t be lost to future generations.”

Cornthwaite is due to finish his incredible journey at the Murray Mouth near Goolwa this weekend and he is calling for other paddlers to join him in the completion of his journey. “Let’s paddle together to recognise this great river,” he says.

To find out more visit www.thegreatbigpaddle.com