Historic Murray River paddlesteamer fleet on the market

An Echuca owner is selling a fleet of three paddlesteamers after 18 years of ownership.

Vendor Max Vulling initially purchased the paddlesteamers as a business venture, entering the Echuca-Moama tourism industry.

He says the paddlesteamers are one of the main attractions in the town.

The PS Canberra was built in 1912 at Goolwa in South Australia. The vessel launched in 1913 as S.S. Canberra, and was used continually until 2002, when it took a nine month break for a restoration.

PS Emmylou was commissioned by an expatriate englishman, Anthony Bromwell, and designed by Sydney based naval architect Warwick Hood. It was used as a private charter for the first couple of years of its life after its completion in 1982, before being used as a tourism vessell.

The third paddlesteamer, the Pride of Murray, was built in 1924 by Charlie Felshow at the Murray River Sawmills. The former outrigger barge is 82 feet, 6 inches long and 16 feet wide.

The sale of the fleet includes leases for all three vessels.

Handel Aubrey of Ray White Echuca is marketing the three paddlesteamers, with the sale including their leases.

"One's got overnight accommodation and all are fully licensed," says Aubrey.

"We anticipate that interest will come from business-minded buyers, people involved or interested in buying into the  hospitality and tourism industries as well as historical enthusiasts," Aubrey says.