Boating

There's no better way to understand the importance of the Murray River than to hop aboard a boat. While floating away, learn about the region's history as an arm of the Murray Darling River system, once a commercial highway for paddle steamers.

Paddle steamers
Echuca-Moama has the world's largest fleet of authentic cruising paddle steamers built in the late 1800s. Many are still working and run short cruises down the Murray, while a few offer longer journeys. Board the M.V. Mary Ann or the P.S. Emmylou for a lunch, dinner or afternoon tea cruise or spend a night or two drifting down the river on the P.S Emmylou.

Head to Mildura to ride on the P.S. Melbourne, one of the few remaining steam vessels still carrying passengers on the Murray or board the P.S. Rothbury to cruise to Trentham Estate Winery.

Houseboats
Hire a houseboat and explore the river at your own pace. Navigating the river, and dropping in on the restaurants, wineries and golf courses that line its banks. For the inexperienced, full instruction is given on boat operation and mooring – all you need to qualify is a current driver's licence. And you will not be challenged by changing tides – water levels in the river remain constant.