In 2005 twenty-eight paddlers hit the water in what was called “Play Day 2005”.  Central TAFE students had to guide clients down the Lower Murray River as part of their course.  The river hit 3.2m and we made the move to the middle Murray.  Afterwards we partied up at Kooringal Outdoor Education Centre.  The event was marked by a huge fireworks display.  No race was held.  Just like minded people getting together on the river. 

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In 2006 twenty paddlers took to the Lower Murray in what was known as the “Murray Madness Festival”.  This event was Not sanctioned by Australian Canoeing.  We held the first Head to Head Race and Freestyle event.  Mike Collister claimed the first ever King of the Murray whilst in second place was Ryan Cotterell. A few hardy fellows then kicked on to celebrate the crowning at Icy Creek Camp.  Good times, good people…

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In 2007 a formal sanctioned event was arranged – PCPC hosted the event with the support of CWA and AC. Over thirty-five paddlers took to the water.  Mike Collister made it back to back crowns and Hamish Clark won the freestyle event.  Belinda Stagol was crowned queen of the river. Ben Jeffrey was crowned Murray River Swim Team Captain.  Approx sixty-odd competitors and supporters headed back to Nanga Bush Camp to celebrate in full festival style. The Sunday included WA’s first ever kicker ramp. Only those with big balls stepped up to the plate.

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The Murray Whitewater Festival has since gone from strength to strength, and continues to be annual event. 10th Birthday celebrations were celebrated with a bang in 2014, with solid water levels and blue skies overhead adding a taste of sweetness to a great day on the river, and the fantastic Camp Kelly providing the perfect location for the post-paddle celebrations.