Paddlesteamers

Connect with the Murray River's pioneering heritage on a journey aboard an historic paddlesteamer. From the 1850s until the turn of the 20th century, paddlesteamers played an important role on the Murray River, transporting passengers, traders, livestock and wool along the busy river system.

These days you can drift through the calm waters, watch out for local wildlife and get a glimpse of how life used to be.

Head downstream

Soak up the serenity of the Murray region and spend a few nights drifting downriver on a paddlesteamer cruise. Watch the boiler being stoked and listen out for the steam whistle as you take in the rugged Murray landscape.

Day trips and bookings

Don't miss out on a quintessential Murray River experience. Book in for a lunchtime cruise onboard, enjoy a relaxing afternoon tea, or dine on the water with the Murray sunset as your background. Paddlesteamers are also available for weddings, conferences and private functions and leave from Echuca-Moama, Mildura, Swan Hill and Yarrawonga-Mulwala.

Echuca and surrounds

P.S. Emmylou
Reconnect with nature on board the revamped P.S. Emmylou. Enjoy a lunch or dinner cruise, opt for a weekend escape or settle in for an adventure through world heritage wetlands and the world’s largest red gum forest, sampling the flavours of the region as you go. Reserve your luxe cabin for a two-, three- or four-night journey to the Upper Murray.
Murray River Paddlesteamers, Murray Esplanade, Echuca

P.S. Adelaide
P.S. Adelaide is the oldest wooden hulled paddlesteamer still operating – anywhere in the world. Built in 1866, she is fully Australian-made and began life as a red gum logging steamer. Check ahead to see if the Adelaide is running for cruises.
Echuca Paddlesteamers, Murray Esplanade, Echuca

P.S. Alexander Arbuthnot
Hop aboard the P.S. Alexander Arbuthnot, the last steamer built on the Murray during the riverboat trade. During WWII, she lay idle and sank at her moorings but was raised in 1972. Check ahead to see if the Alexander Arbuthnot is running for cruises.
Echuca Paddlesteamers, Murray Esplanade, Echuca

P.S. Pevensey
Take off on a river adventure on a former cargo boat that once served station properties along the Murray. After catching fire in 1932 the Pevensey was rebuilt, but later became a floating museum. Restored in 1973, she was re-floated in 1976. Available for one-hour cruises. Alternatively, book a two-hour cruise evening cruise, to see the sunset over the Murray.
Echuca Paddlesteamers, Murray Esplanade, Echuca

P.S. Canberra
Experience the Murray River aboard the historic P.S. Canberra, built in 1912. Enjoy the captain's commentary as you drift down the river, and inspect the steam engine. Kids can try their steering skills at the wheel. Available for one-hour cruises and Wharf to Winery cruise and lunch packages.
Murray River Paddlesteamers, Murray Esplanade, Echuca

P.S. Hero
Experience first-class luxury aboard the P.S. Hero, a paddlesteamer built in 1874 and available now exclusively for private charter, overnight accommodation, weddings and other special occasions. Inside, the beautiful reclaimed interior harks back to a time of old-world elegance.
Onion Patch (behind the Visitor Information Centre)

Mildura and surrounds

P.V. Rothbury
Embark on a journey upstream on one of the fastest paddle boats on the Murray River. Jump aboard for a two-hour lock cruise, or watch evening fall on dinner cruises as you relax to the reflections of the majestic river red gums and flood-lit riverbank.
Mildura Wharf

P.B. Mundoo
See Mildura's most recently built paddle boat. Built in 1987, this vessel was modelled on the original Mundoo built in 1875. With dining facilities for up to 180 passengers, the vessel is perfect for charter groups, special occasions and larger dining cruises. Mundoo sometimes runs evening cruises if Rothbury books out – check ahead to confirm.
Mildura Wharf

P.S. Melbourne
Built in 1912, the P.S. Melbourne retains her original steam engine and boiler. Check if the Melbourne is back up and running for the two-hour commentated lock cruises – she's taken a step back in favour of Rothbury for now.

Swan Hill and surrounds

P.S. Pyap
Relax on the Murray River with an hour-long cruise aboard the P.S. Pyap. The cruise departs daily from the Pioneer Settlement wharf and travels upriver past the historic Murray Downs Homestead.
Horseshoe Bend Wharf, Pioneer Settlement, Swan Hill

Yarrawonga-Mulwala and surrounds:

M.V. Paradise Queen
Enjoy a Devonshire tea, sunrise breakfast or sunset and dinner cruise on the Paradise Queen, which was purpose built in 1986 as a cruise boat. The P.S. Paradise Queen has earned the moniker as an icon of Lake Mulwala – pushing off from the banks of the lake around five hundred times a year on her various voyages.
Yarrawonga foreshore, Lake Mulwala

M.V. Lady Murray
Take the time to sit back and relax on board the M.V. Lady Murray, which cruises around the peaceful Lake Mulwala. Dinner cruises are available during the warmer months, while lunch cruises operate most days.
Lake Mulwala

P.S. Cumberoona
Cruise across Lake Mulwala and on down the Murray River aboard the P.S. Cumberoona, named after the Indigenous word for crooked river. Enjoy Captain's Lunch and sunset dinner  cruises while taking in views of the iconic river red gums.
Yarrawonga Foreshore, Yarrawonga

Source: Visit Victoria