The largest fleet of paddlesteamers in Australia has hit the market with price expectations of $3.8m.
The sale includes three vessels; PS Emmylou, Pride of the Murray and PS Canberra.
Owner of the paddlesteamers, Max Vulling, said it’s been an exciting ride since he purchased the boats 18 years ago.
“My decision to buy the business was a combination of a lifestyle change and the opportunity to get involved in the tourism industry. We started with one Paddlesteamer and grew to three within five years,” Mr Vulling explains.
The largest collection of paddlesteamers in the country at the largest inland port, the Murray River Paddlesteamers are an iconic part of the Echuca Moama community.
“They’re one of the main attractions in the town - for both locals and visitors and it’s been a privilege to watch the business grow as the market has evolved over the years,” Mr Vulling said.
Marketed through Handel Aubrey of Ray White Echuca, the unique sale includes the leases for all three vessels.
“The vessels will be marketed together. One’s got overnight accommodation and all are fully licensed. We’re selling the lease together with the paddlesteamers.
“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,” Mr Aubrey explains.
The PS Canberra was originally built for the Conner family at Goolwa South Australia in 1912 by Milne & Son as a fishing vessel. It launched on 2 August 1913 as S.S. Canberra and travelled extensively up the Murrumbidgee, Darling and the Murray before being sold to the Collins family in 1944. For full history of PS Canberra, please click here.
Mr Anthony Browell an expatriate Englishman commissioned the building of the PS Emmylou, a purpose built steam powered paddle steamer. It was designed by Sydney based naval architect Mr Warwick Hood, based on the best features of many of the original paddle steamers.
The Emmylou took two years to build with a steel hull and Merbau decking. Completed in 1982 it was used for private charter for the first couple of years. In 1984 the Emmylou was based in Echuca and sold to commercial interests for the overnight and extended tours market. For a full history of the Emmylou, please click here.
Built in 1924 by Mr Charlie Felshow, at the Murray River Sawmills, Echuca, The Pride of the Murray commenced life as an outrigger barge and is 82 feet 6 inches long and 16 feet wide, with a depth of about 5 feet. It took a team of 12 men, three to four months to construct the vessel. For a full history of The Pride, please click here.
