For miles on end, there is nothing but the water around you.
Nick Hunter knows this feeling well.
He's seen everything the river has to offer - quite literally - after he became the youngest person to kayak the entire length of the river at just 17.
The St Joseph's College student, who originally hails from Elmore, saw an opportunity to make a bit of history for himself.
“I was sitting in class reading an article about someone who had paddled the river at 18,” Nick said.
“I thought I could beat that. I've grown up on the river, I've spent a lot of time on the water and I thought I could set the record for myself.”
On top of the opportunity to break the record, there was the opportunity for an adventure, taking on something few had attempted or completed before.
That was enough motivation to set him on his challenge, and nothing was stopping him.
“I actually got a job offer around the time I was ready to go,” Nick said.
“But I turned it down. I knew I couldn't put it down (the kayaking) for anything. If I waited a bit I wouldn't get the record, but you also don't know what is going to happen to you next.
“I knew I had to get it in before life got in the way.”
After an extended period of planning, Nick began the journey on December 14, day one of what would be a 49-day trip, travelling 50km to 70km each day of the trip.
“It started off less, and built up gradually as I got more adjusted to it. Once you start to get the rhythm, it becomes a lot easier.
“I'd get in the water at 7am and pull up around 7 or 8 at night. I'd stop for half an hour for lunch, and if it was a hot day I might have a swim as well, but you have to keep pushing.”
Having now seen more of the river than most people, Nick's awareness of his surroundings became more heightened.
“Seeing the wildlife is what stood out to me the most,” Nick said.
“When your passing by, you don't have anything to distract you. You have those extra moments to really take it all in and just appreciate what you're seeing.
“You drive past wildlife all the time and I don't think you really appreciate it, so taking the time to do so, that's something I think will stand out to me for a long time.”
On January 30, Nick hit the final day of the trip, paddling through the mouth of the river.
“It was unreal,” he said.
“You go through the barrages where there is salt water one side and fresh water on the other. It's something pretty incredible to see.
“I think as I got there it started to really hit me how far I'd been, and when you got to the mouth and you see your family and friends and people who have supported you.
“It was a pretty surreal moment for me, knowing I'd achieved what I'd set out to do.”
So, what's next for Nick?
“I'm having a break for a while,” he said.
“But I'm not done. I'm thinking of what's next a lot. Maybe it's sailing, maybe it's another kayak trip, I don't know yet.
“But something bigger and better will be in the works.”
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