A 5-day regenerative journey with Dhungala / Murray River and artist in residence Clare James. Clare is a multidisciplinary artist living and working on Wurundjeri country, in the Yarra Valley. Clare’s paintings and sculptures reference the observations made in her garden and in wild places. She attempts to capture the intricacies, complex cycles and beauty of the world around her whilst trying to cope with the seriousness of a changing climate and the despair she feels. Her artwork can be found in public and private collections around the world. Read more about Clare below.

This journey is one of reconnection —a deliberate return to our intrinsic place within nature's living systems. As paddles cut through water, rhythmically tracing the river's ancient path, participants begin to shed the illusion of separation, recognizing humanity not as an observer, but as an integral thread in the ecosystem's complex weave.

The journey unfolds like a conversation with the landscape, each bend of the river revealing layers of interconnection - the water itself as storyteller. Paddlers learn to listen—not just with ears, but with their entire being—to the subtle languages of water, wind, and wildlife.

Nights under open skies become an opportunity for a profound communion with the environment. The boundary between self and landscape blurs, as the sounds of rustling leaves, distant bird calls, and the river's gentle movement weave a complex tapestry of belonging. Each moment becomes an invitation to step beyond human-centric perspectives and recognize the intricate web of life that sustains and surrounds us.

This is not simply a journey across kilometers, but a passage through understanding—a slow, deliberate pilgrimage that allows participants to rediscover their fundamental connection to the natural world, each other and themselves.

Supported Place

We understand that life is tough for some at the moment and want to ensure that the trip is accessible for a wide range of participants. There is a fund to support those affected by cost of living pressures that would otherwise miss out. We have a small amount of fully and partially funded places.

Application for Supported Place

If you are financially going well, contributions to the fund can be made.

Coupons

About

What's included

Getting There

Artist in Residence

Clare James is a multidisciplinary artist living and working on Wurundjeri country, in the Yarra Valley. Clare’s paintings and sculptures reference the observations made in her garden and in wild places. She attempts to capture the intricacies, complex cycles and beauty of the world around her whilst trying to cope with the seriousness of a changing climate and the despair she feels.

Her artwork can be found in public and private collections around the world.

Why Up the Creek Artist in Residence?

Even working full time as an artist, I rarely get the opportunity to really immerse myself in an idea, a project or a place without life’s admin interrupting. Dropping off kids, buying more food, getting to the meeting and the appointment on time all contribute to a full, but hectic, life.

It will be an honour to be in a wild place, with like-minded people, and experiencing the ‘flow’ of life in, on and beside the Murray River.

What version of you will you bring to life on the river?

My sense of wonder runs closely under my skin. I am curious by nature, often drawing, painting or writing about my observations. Having a sense of wonder is the way I experience the world.

I feel at home outside. I know that I am made of water and carbon and billions of organisms, just like a river and its ecosystem. I want us to feel that sameness, feel a connection. I want us to be present and open and full of wonder, throughout and beyond.