History and heritage – The Murray

The Murray region has a rich riverboat heritage. The Murray and Goulburn rivers were once the only trading routes for inland farmers and merchants to transport their wares to Melbourne and beyond. Paddle steamers would ply the rivers packed with produce and cargo from as far away as the Queensland border, bringing it to Echuca-Moama – the hub of this trade.

Living history
Once Australia’s largest inland port, the Port of Echuca remains a working port. Its wharf and riverfront buildings have been faithfully restored to service the fleet of paddle steamers that still navigate the river. Spend a day exploring the wharf or take a trip aboard one of the magnificent restored paddle steamers.

Paddle steam to the past
Paddle steamers also operate out of Mildura, Swan Hill and Albury. At Swan Hill visit the Swan Hill Pioneer Settlement, a re-created riverside town of the paddle steamer era, to gain an insight into the life of the early settlers. Wentworth, home to the first Australian-designed gaol, is another historic port worth visiting as is Albury Wodonga with its remarkable heritage buildings.

Chaffeys' irrigated colony
Another fascinating story is that of the Canadian Chaffey brothers who founded the Mildura irrigation colony in 1887. The modern-day miracle of Mildura, this oasis in the desert, owes much to the ingenuity of these famous irrigation engineers. Follow the Chaffey Trail and trace the development of irrigation, viticulture, agriculture and industry by the pioneering brothers.

Australia's most significant history
The Aboriginal history in the area dwarfs that of European settlement, with evidence of indigenous camp fires, middens and burials dating back nearly 40,000 years. Join a tour with a local Aboriginal guide and visit some of Australia’s most significant Aboriginal sites.