River Murray
River Murray is Australia’s longest river at 2,508 km or 1,558 miles. The Murray rises in the Australian Alps, draining the western side of Australia’s highest mountains, and then meanders across Australia’s inland plains, forming the border between the states of New South Wales and Victoria, as it flows to the northwest into South Australia. It turns south at Morgan for its final 315 kilometers (196 miles), reaching the ocean at Lake Alexandrina.
Open Water Swimming
- American open water swimmers Eric Helmick, Hunter Helmick and Tuck Helmick completed a stage swim down the River Murray within 90 days in 2016 as part of their Take Your Dream campaign.
- Australian professional marathon swimmer Tammy van Wisse swam 2,438 km down the River Murray between 5 November 2000 and 18 February 2001 for 106 days.
- Australian Graham Middleton completed a 2,336 km stage swim over 138 consecutive days along the River Murray in 1993.
Videos
Take Your Dream
River Murray was featured in Take Your Dream a film about a 2400 km stage swimming journey down the River Murray, Australia's longest river. The film tells the story of American firefighter Eric Helmick and his two sons, Hunter Helmick and Tuck Helmick who took on the challenge of swimming Australia's longest river, the River Murray, a total distance of over 2400 km to inspire the youth of Australia in 2016.
Their journey began in the Snowy Mountains and ended 120 days later in South Australia and the Southern Ocean. They called themselves Team Help. Their journey was not just a personal challenge. Though the team had experience as certified swift water rescue swimmers, both Eric and Hunter were not endurance swimmers prior to the swim. They simply wanted to do something that would capture people's attention and in so doing, were able to find opportunities to meet with youth along their journey. The goal was simple. Do something epic to inspire people. Inspiration brings hope. Hope brings transformation. As the team met with youth and schools along their journey, they were able to share their hearts and encourage others to believe in themselves. No one will make your dream come true. Life is not a fairy tale. If you want it, you have to take it.
External links
- Australian Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame Honors Suzy Toner
- Australian Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame Honors Gary Toner
- Without Great Solitude, No Serious Work Is Possible
- Helmick Family Live Their Dream To Make 'Take Your Dream'
- Take Your Dream film
- Take Your Dream
- Swimming 2,508 km In River Murray To Change The World
- Take Your Dream
- Take Your Dream
- Take Your Dream ... Viewings Available
- Open Water Swimming
- Marathon Swimming
- Inspiring Ideas, Dreams, Passions Through The Open Water
- A Father And His Two Sons Down The River Murray
- Hunter Hunkers Down In River Murray
- My Two Sons Along The River Murray
- Swimming To Help Others
