Kars Station near Menindee in outback New South Wales is 12 hours west of Sydney, 500 kilometres from the nearest beach and one of the unlikeliest places to train for a swim across the English Channel.
But that didn't bother far west grazier Brendan Cullen, who completed the swim over the weekend.
Mr Cullen battled the cold water, fatigue and tough conditions to cross the channel in 17 hours.
"I think the toughest bit was when the sun went down," he said.
"I would have got it done in 14 hours, but the tide was that strong it, it was 4.5 knots."
For Mr Cullen and his family, the journey began years ago with the pandemic and border closures pushing back the swim, which was originally planned for 2021.
"I'm now an English Channel swimmer and I just can't believe it," he said.
He said the last two kilometres were the toughest.
"My shoulder was busted, my groin was screaming out, my hands were swollen … and I just thought I've got to keep moving forward."
But the feeling when his hands hit the sand of France's shores was a mixture of relief and adulation he shared with his coach.
"I stood up and walked out onto the beach and Mike [Gregory] came behind me and they blew the horn," Mr Cullen said.
"Which means the swim was complete and we probably hugged for a good two minutes.
"I must say I was bawling my eyes out then dropped to my knees and tried to reflect on what just happened."
Having battled his own demons in the past, the grazier has made it his mission to create awareness about mental health issues.
Mr Cullen raised more than $26,000 for crisis helpline and suicide prevention service Lifeline.
Broken Hill Lifeline chief executive Scott Hammond was pleased with the awareness Mr Cullen was able to generate around mental health issues.
"We were very appreciative and quite surprised," Mr Hammond said.
"He's our ambassador so he does a lot for us anyway.
"But for him to use this opportunity to create awareness just speaks volumes of the guy that we know Brendan Cullen to be."
'I've met many wonderful people'
Mr Cullen thanked his supporters, including his family, friends, support staff, employers and anyone who donated to Lifeline.
He said the whole journey has ignited a passion for being in the water.
"One thing I will keep doing is keep swimming," he said.
"Because I've met so many wonderful people both in Broken Hill … and also friends down in Victoria and the open water swimming fraternity.
"I would feel that I'd be ripping myself off if I stopped."
