13 Dec 2011
Row Australia’s World Heritage region
Going ‘down under’ to Australia’s Brisbane area in Queensland has already attracted huge amounts of interests, but organisers are saying a cross-section of different nation participation is what they are after.
The World Rowing Tour Down Under is due to commence on the magical date of 10.10.10, but the closing date for registration is coming up on 28 February 2010.
The Tour begins on Queensland’s Brisbane River and then moves to the Noosa River and Lakes and Everglades. The Noosa part of the journey will take rowers through a World Heritage wilderness area.
“Expect to see wonderful birdlife like parrots, cockatoos and lorikeets, also kangaroos, koalas, goanna, snakes and crocodiles have been sighted,” says organiser Warwick Marler.
The Tour will also include non-rowing activities. The highlight is a visit to the World Heritage area of Fraser Island, the largest sand island in the world at 1840 km².
Rowing Touring is still in its infancy in Australia so the European style of touring boats are not available. For this down under tour – the second time the World Rowing Tour has made it to Australia – coxed quad racing shells will be used for the first part of the Tour then along the Noosa coxed quad coastal rowing boats will take over. The Noosa River is near the coast and can get rough so coastal boats are the best option.
Marler says that they have restricted the number of participants to 60 and already 74 applications have been received. The organisers would like a mixture of countries and also a mix between experienced tourers and new tour rowers. Thus a quota is to be put on each country. Rowing ability is also important as the first part of the tour uses racing shells. This means that, despite the demand, there is still a chance to earn a position.
Interest has been received from 14 nations and, to ensure participation from different countries, no Australians will be allowed. Instead, Marler says, a separate smaller tour is being organised for Australians after the World Rowing Tour is finished.