Congratulations Anja & Cy Wever - first mother and son duo to row/kayak the length of the Murray River.

By Anja Wever

18 months ago, I had a dream: to travel the full length of the Murray River, from the summit of Mount Kosciusko to the source of the Murray River to the Murray Mouth, where the Murray River spills into the ocean. What was initially planned to be a solo journey grew into something much bigger when my son, Cy asked to come along with a kayak. On 1st March 2025, we took our first steps from Charlotte Pass on Mount Kosciuszko, New South Wales, lugging 20 kg packs and food rations through 340 km of rugged trails to Hume Dam.

From there, we swapped boots for oars. Facing strong headwinds and some seriously tough currents, we rowed and paddled our way over 2200 km along the winding Murray across three states, all the way to its ocean mouth at Goolwa, South Australia. We were camping out under the stars in all elements, there were cold mornings, fierce winds, thousands of bends, stretches, and countless unforgettable moments along the way—but what truly warmed our hearts was the incredible welcome we received from rowing clubs dotted along the river and complete strangers. 

We were lucky to meet so many generous and passionate people and it was those experiences that made our expedition worthwhile:

• Yarrawonga Rowing Club (closed) Thanks to Emily Mansfield for the encouragement

• Robinvale Rowing Club Stephen Goodwin & the Year 7 & 8 students from Manangatan High School

• Mildura Rowing Club   Michael Wild, Russell Cornwell & Crew

• Renmark Rowing Club Tony Townsend & Crew

• Berri Rowing Club  Paul Otham & Brian Godfrey

• Waikerie Rowing Club  Leslie Lennel & Malcolm Mann

• Mannum Rowing Club Brian Bormann & Crew

• Murray Bridge Rowing Club  Stacy Seidel, Ben Porte, Hayden Teunissen

• Tailem Bend Rowing Club  Brian McLoughlin & Harry Harrison

• Goolwa Rowing Club  Kate Tebneff, Libby Thornton & Crew

On 6th July, after covering more than 2400 km, we finally arrived at Sugars Beach in Goolwa, South Australia, a seal in tow. Hearing the cheers of Goolwa Rowing Club, members of the media, the Inland River National Marathon Registry, and my support crew – my family & and Beverley Malone, (fellow rower at BRC) who has always been a supportive friend—was something I’ll carry with me forever.

It’s still hard to believe, but with Balmain oars in hand, Cy and I became the first registered mother-son team to complete this full river journey. I rowed the traditional way, backwards, the whole way, which sounds slightly mad now —but it was worth every stroke. I am incredibly proud of Cy for completing this challenge with his mother. 

This wasn’t just our story. It belongs to the whole rowing community—those who welcomed us, encouraged us, and kept us going. I’m humbled by the support, and grateful beyond words for our experience. Thank you to everyone who cheered us on, who believed in us, who celebrated with us.