For as long as I can remember the Murray River has been my sanctuary.
It has provided me with food to eat, hobbies to enjoy and even brought my family closer together.
When I was seven, my Dad took me out for a fish.
I caught my first fish. Ever since then, I have been hooked on the sport.
Since turning 13 and becoming a teenager, I have felt even more connected to the river.
My parents now let me enjoy my own company down at my fishing holes.
It’s a bit of a kayak but well worth it when you’re reeling in the king of the river, a Murry cod.
However, I’ll settle for a beautiful yellow belly perch, also known as a golden perch.
And you can’t forget about the yabbies. Mmm, they’re the bomb!
When on the river you’ve just got to keep an eye out for boats, they’re always causing annoying waves.
The best river shenanigans involve celebrating my birthday on the water. As well as family events like Easter and Christmas.
I love cooking up a feed and sharing a meal with everyone.
My cousin Zac and I always have competitions over who can catch the most fish and obviously whose fish is the biggest.
Dad loves taking his boat out and having a play with the rods. But I’ve never understood why he doesn’t like eating fish.
My Mum and my sister, on the other hand, don’t really like fishing — probably because they never seem to come back with any fish!
But they love staying back at camp, sitting by the fire and admiring the river.
Besides fishing, my favourite thing to do while camping is taking care of the fire.
I love cutting the wood and building the tepee.
I also love swimming, stand-up paddle boarding, driving the boat with Dad and taking the bikes out for a spin.
The river is my sanctuary. I wouldn’t have it any other way.