submitted by Lachie Carracher
In February 2010 Lachie Carracher and Anthony Yap lead an international rafting and kayaking trip on Australia’s largest river the Fitzroy. The international team of 11 from Africa, North America and Australia drove 4000km from Melbourne to the last road access in the Kimbereley, an outback airstrip from here they charted 4 light aircraft to place them in the most upper reaches of the Fitzroy catchment. The team then paddled from Manning Creek, into the Barnett river, further onto the Hann and after 2 weeks the team reached the mighty Fitzroy. After 23 days on the water the team had all experienced the Kimberley: massive dry lighting storms, eating Lizards, rock art recording the oldest culture on earth, swimming with crocodiles, some ridiculous cliff jumps and some world class white water. During February the volume of the Fitzroy has been recorded at around 1 million CFS at our take out, unfortunately 2010 proved the lowest water levels for February on record. This added vast blue sky’s to the amazing scenery. The expedition worked closely with th Australian Conservation Foundation to raise awareness for the environmental issues facing the Kimberley Region. Later in the year there will be photo exhibition and feature film encompassing 4 years of work in the region to raise funds for ACF in an effort to preserve of the worlds last wild places.
Enjoy some photos from the mission:
