PS Melbourne, VIC
We thought first off we would take a cruise on one of the many paddle steamers that ply this great river. We chose the PS Melbourne because of the history behind this great queen of the river. Her engine was built in England, and has a Loco type boiler and a maximum steam pressure of 150lbs and is still fired by wood.
A twin cylinder compound engine turns at around 60 turns per minute at normal cruising speed.
And being a leisurely old girl, her maximum speed is 11 miles per hour, nice and sedate, giving you the chance to take in a little of the history of the area via the running commentary and to enjoy the ride down the Murray.
She was originally launched at Koondrook in 1912 and was built for the Victorian Government as a work boat.
And indeed she did spend time working hard, clearing the river of debris to keep the channel clear for the other paddle steamers.
She also used to carry wool which was brought up to the river from central Australia.
The PS Melbourne is one of the few original Paddle steamers still cruising the Murray on a daily basis.
DESERT CITY HOLIDAY PARK
832 Fifteenth Street
Mildura Victoria 3500
Freecall: 1800 221 533
Fax: (03) 5021 3100
www.desertcity.com.au
ALL SEASONS HOLIDAY PARK
818 Calder Highway
Mildura Victoria 3500
Freecall: 1800 223 375
www.allseasonsholidaypark.com.au
CALDER TOURIST PARK
Calder Highway
Mildura 3500
Freecall: 1800 231 310
Fax: (03) 5023 1310