PS Melbourne based in Mildura, Victoria on the Murray River

Paddle Steamer Melbourne

ORIGINAL STEAM DRIVEN PADDLESTEAMER
OVER 30 YEARS CONTINUOUS CRUISE SERVICE AT MILDURA

The P.S. Melbourne is licensed to carry 300 passengers, and is 98 feet long, 21 feet wide at the waterline and 40 feet across the top of the paddles. Like all other Paddlesteamers, she has almost a flat bottom and therefore a very shallow draught. The bow only draws 2 feet, 6 inches whilst the stern 3 feet. So the Melbourne could safely float and operate fully laden in less than 4 feet of water. The Melbourne has a composite hull, which means she has a redgum hull with iron topsides.

The old steam engine was originally built by the Marshall Engineering Company in England. The boiler is referred to as a Loco type with a maximum steam pressure of 150lbs and still fired by wood. This in turn drives a twin cylinder compound engine, which at normal cruising speed turns at about 60 turns per minute. At her maximum speed of 11 miles per hour, 130 rpm.

Cruises

As Australia's most famous Paddlesteamer, the Melbourne has attracted passengers from all over the world. Cruises depart twice daily from Mildura Wharf. The morning cruise leaves at 10.50am and returns at 1.00pm and the afternoon cruise leaves at 1.50pm and returns at 4.00pm. A unique feature of most cruises is travelling downstream through Lock 11, which was built to bypass the weir across the river. Passengers can experience the workings of a lock as the Melbourne is lowered to the downstream level and raised again on the return journey.

An informative and comprehensive live commentary of the river and it's history, fauna and flora is conducted throughout the cruise involving the public in the current beauty and history of the river and it's vessels. Passengers can see the fireman fire the boiler and enjoy the magic of the old engine as it drives the massive gears of the paddlewheels, resounding the times of the "Old Paddlesteamer Days".

Facilities

There is a kiosk on board where passengers can purchase sandwiches, cakes, soft drinks, freshly brewed tea or coffee, snack items, souvenirs and is fully licensed - beer, wine and spirits available. The P.S. Melbourne is an all weather boat with heating and glassed in areas, as well as ample sun decks and open air seating. Toilet facilities on board and wheelchair assistance is provided.

The Paddle Steamer Melbourne has operated continuously in Mildura for over 30 years, and in 1990 was the Victorian Tourism Award Winner for Excellence. Still owned and operated by the Pointon family, the P.S. Melbourne, along with the P.V. Rothbury operate together to provide visitors with professional and personalised cruises along the expansive and scenic Murray River at Mildura.

Most cruises through Lock 11

• Expert River Commentary
• Kiosk - Light Lunches/Snacks
• Licensed Bar - Tea & Coffee
• All Weather Boat - Conveniences

Daily from Mildura Wharf