The ABC journalist wrote The Hunter, which delves into the significance of the region to the Australian colony and its lifeblood, after he paddled the 470 kilometre length from the Barrington springs to Newcastle Port.

“In the greater Maitland area the history, the glimpses of these mansions, was extraordinary,” he said.

Bevan, who will promote his book in Morpeth tomorrow, said the glimpses of 19th century estates were among the highlights of the trip.

“Aberglasslyn House just stares at you down the river,” he said. “Even the banks of the river tell the story of the ’55 flood and, looking at that piece of flood mitigation, it’s hard not to think about Maitland’s modern history. I’m really looking forward to talking to people who are passionate about the river while I’m in Maitland.”

The idea for the book came to Bevan some time ago and in its execution he camped with landholders on his way down the river.

“The idea somehow germinated 46 years ago as a boy,” he said.  But it really came about when flying back to Sydney one night and I saw the river threading through the valley and I thought ‘I’m going to write a book about it’. 

“I was staring into the Moscow River and I thought ‘I’m going to paddle my home river again’.”

The first time was with wife, Jo, navigating almost countless bends between Lake Glenbawn and the port.