But this is part of the purpose.

To highlight the plight of our mighty waterways: the degradation of the river flow, its poor health, floodplain harvesting, and the devastating impacts of climate change.

The water might be flowing after all the recent rain but “current flows are not a sign of broader river health and not because of good management” says Tuesday Browell — the other co-founder of this project.

“Because we’ve had a La Niña year, when the rain goes, it’s going to be the same. Two more years and this river could be dry.”

Tuesday hails from Torrumbarry, on the Murray River, where she has lived and breathed river for much of her life.

“It's intrinsic to my nature. I can't imagine my life without it. I don't want to ever leave the river,” she says.

In 2021, her and Carol came up with the idea to elevate the story of the dying river through the creative action of building their own boats.

This is the second year the Darling Baaka Convoy has come to the river. And they invite anyone and everyone to join them at any point along the journey — to “bring your own vessel, be it a tinny, a canoe, kayak, SUP, or dingy.”

The Darling-Baaka and Murray River region are just one of 19 Australian ecosystems facing collapse from climate damage and lack of protection. 

And even though there is more water now than in years, it’s far from a healthy, thriving ecosystem.

Even in this trip, the convoy witnessed hundreds of small silver dead fish from Menindee to Pooncarie.

“Some say they are only silver bream but a fish is a fish, and it’s dead for some reason,” says Tuesday.

“Drought, dry rivers, dead animals, fish kills and a global pandemic-have all layered themselves uncomfortably onto this river.

"Even though there is water flowing, it is still recovering from the negligence and cruelty of no water being allowed in the river — water buy-backs still need to come from the northern basin."

And we urgently need action on climate change, now.

“A healthy river has canopies … plants, trees, herbs right next to the river.

"There are fish and animals and lizards and monitors and all sorts of critters, you know — the kangaroos, the swamp wallabies, the koalas, and so many birds. It’s paradise."