Choose Accommodation In Echuca To Learn More About Our Paddlesteamer History

Even though the paddlesteamer is such an integral part of Australia’s history – it was the primary method of goods transport from the rural inland farms down to the coast (particularly in Victoria and New South Wales) – not many of us, these days, know much about them. If you are interested in learning more about these vessels and what they meant for our country, we suggest that you book accommodation in Echuca where you can find the largest operating fleet.

There are currently 9 paddlesteamers still puttering their way along the river. As many of them offer tours, we definitely recommend checking them out when staying at accommodation in Echuca.

• PS Alexander Arbuthnot

This steamer was built in Koondrook in 1923 and was actually one of the last to call the river home. She was built to tow barges carrying logs from the forest to the Arbuthnot Sawmill. She sat idle during World War II and actually sunk in 1947, but was raised and restored by volunteers in 1972.

• PS Adelaide

This is the oldest wooden hulled steamer still operating in the world! She was built in 1866 to carry passengers on the run from Echuca to Albury. She was actually removed from the water in 1964 and placed in a garden, but was returned to the river in 1985.

• PS Pevensey

Originally built as a barge in 1910, she was converted into a fully-fledged steamer in 1911. She was almost destroyed by a fire in 1932 at Koraleigh Landing and was rebuilt from 1933 to 1935. In 1973, she was purchased by the Echuca City Council and brought down from Mildura.

• PS Canberra

This steamer was built in South Australia in 1912 as a single deck fishing vessel and was also used as a light cargo boat. In the 1940s, she was fitted out as an excursion boat. She has operated out of Echuca since 1967 and was fully restored in 2003.

• Pride of the Murray

This steamer was built in 1924 by Murray River Sawmills as a barge and was actually involved in the construction of a bridge at Barmah. She underwent restoration in 1973 and was returned to the township in 1977 with her brand new name.

• PS Emmylou

This steamer was built from 1980 to 1982 in the style of the 19th century paddleboat. She is the only wood-fired steamer in the world to offer regular one, two and three night cruises. If you would prefer to stay at accommodation in Echuca, morning or afternoon tea is available.

• PS Hero

This vessel was built in 1874 and has served as a cargo steamer, merchandise steamer and has towed logging barges. She caught fire at Boundary Bend in 1957 and actually sank, but was raised in 1998 and has been restored to first class luxury.

• PS Success

This steamer was built in 1877 and holds the title of the last working boat to carry wool along the Darling and Murray Rivers during the 1956 floods. She is the newest addition to the fleet at Echuca and is currently undergoing restorations before being put into service.

• PS Etona

This steamer was built in 1898 as a missionary church boat, but was sold in 1912 when she was no longer needed. She was brought out of retirement to do a trip during the 1956 floods, but wasn’t restored until 1962. She is now moored along the historic wharf.

History

We are sure that those booking Cheap Accommodation in Echuca want to know more about the history. Whilst the Murray River was first discovered in 1830, paddlesteamers didn’t venture upstream until 1854. The Mary Ann and the Lady Augusta ran an impromptu race up the river, each trying to be the first to open it up for traffic. By 1860, there were 17 steamers operating on the river. Their popularity waned, however, with the addition of railway lines.

I am Oliver from Australia and I love to write blogs about travel, architecture, interior designs, etc.