Mildura Paddlesteamers

Mildura Paddlesteamers is a heritage river cruise operation based at Mildura Wharf on the Murray River in Mildura, Victoria. It operates historic vessels including the 1912-built PS Melbourne, one of the last original wood-fired paddlesteamers in operation. The attraction offers scheduled sightseeing cruises showcasing the Murray River, its locks, river red gums and local history, and is a key heritage tourism experience in the Sunraysia region.

Visitors can expect to board authentic heritage paddlesteamers at the Mildura Wharf for guided cruises on the Murray River. The setting is the riverfront wharf area with views of the Murray River, Lock 11 and river red gum lined banks. On board, visitors can view the original steam engine and boiler, hear live commentary on river history and ecology, and enjoy open and covered seating decks. Cruises range from short sightseeing trips to longer lunch and sunset cruises.

Mildura Paddlesteamers preserves the Murray River paddlesteamer heritage. PS Melbourne was built in 1912 at Koondrook and worked as a cargo and towing steamer on the Murray-Darling system. The operation reflects the era when paddlesteamers were vital for transport, trade and settlement along the Murray River before road and rail replaced river transport.

The paddlesteamers represent the living cultural heritage of the Murray River and the Sunraysia region, maintaining traditional wood-fired steam navigation skills and connecting visitors to the river's role in local community life, tourism and identity.