As the famous Gregory River Canoe Race fast approaches, we thought it was a good time to share photos from our archives.
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The marathon lures competitors from around the country to enjoy a weekend of canoeing, swimming, camping and fishing, about 60 km east of Doomadgee.
The 43km downriver race full of winding corners and grade two rapids is hosted by the North West Canoe Club on May 6.
History of the race
The North West Canoe Club was formed by a handful of enthusiasts on January 14 1975.
In early 1976, four club members paddled the Gregory River from the Knobbies to the pub.
The trip was such a success that it was decided to organise it into a canoe race.
The inaugural Gregory River Canoe Race took place on June 6, 1976.
Eighteen paddlers started the race. Dave Ferguson was the first across the line in a time of 4 hours and 9 minutes. He was closely followed by the legendary Ron Snow, two minutes behind.
The race has since gone from strength to strength, and has grown to be one of the largest and most isolated canoe races in Australia, regularly attracting over 150 competitors.
On Labour day weekend of each year thousands of people from all over Australia are attracted to the idyllic tropical setting of the banks of the Gregory River to enjoy a weekend of canoeing, swimming, camping, fishing and partying.
The beauty of the river itself is the main attraction, it is a popular getaway for Mount Isans most of the year thanks to the good fishing, swimming, camping and canoeing.
The Gregory is fed by underground springs which are situated close to the Northern Territory border, and are part of the Georgina basin.
The crystal clear water is fringed with pandanus palms, Livistona Rigida palms, paperbark trees, fig trees and a variety of other flora. The river consists of both shallow and deep waterholes which are linked by small rapids.
Some snags, logs and overhanging pandanus palms are encountered when paddling downstream.
To successfully complete the marathon, paddlers are required to complete 43 kilometres in one day, starting at the Knobbies and finishing at the bridge.
There are many classes which take account of the type of craft eg. Canoe, Long Plastic, Kayak, touring or racing class, plus male, female and mixed categories and teams events.
The Gregory River Marathon is a great spectator race with up to 2000 people lining the river.
Spectators cram for a top vantage point at all the good spill areas, where they are entertained by the good manoeuvres of the experienced paddlers who can get through the tight bends, rapids and overhanging branches.
They cheer with great delight when others come down rapids backwards, get knocked out of their canoe by overhanging branches or just fall out due to the twisting fast flow of the river.
