Echuca was the largest inland port in Australia by the end of the 1890s. The first wharf at Echuca was constructed by Melbourne based stock agency Clough &Co. in 1859. The Victorian government built its wharf in 1865, the final section completed in 1876. The Echuca wharf was 1 kilometre in length and was 9 metres above the summer river level. The riverboat trade flourished until the depression of the 1890s and the advancing railways put the paddlesteamers out of business. In 1944, due to a shortage of firewood the railways demolished three-quarters of the wharf. In 1973 a grant from the Victorian government enabled restoration of the wharf to begin. It then became the major attraction for the Port of Echuca tourist industry. The wharf area at the Port of Echuca is one of the major parts of this tourist attraction. The wharf consists of the docking platforms for the paddle steamers and the rail tracks where goods were transported from one means of transport to another at the height of the wool and logging trade. Goods were transported to Melbourne by rail. The Port underwent repairs to the wharf area in 1984 and has since become the major attraction for The Port of Echuca. A black and white photograph of Echuca Wharf with two paddlesteamers moored in port. P. S. Pevensey is in the background with an un-named boat, possibly The Canberra, in the foreground. There are people (looks like school children) on the Wharf in front of the cargo shed.On reverse: stamped in purple ink "Port of Echcua". Stamped in grey ink" This photograph is with the compliments of the Ministry of Tourism Government of Victoria. Please acknowledge. Photo: Michael Cheshire."echuca wharf, port of echuca, michael cheshire, echuca paddlesteamers

The P.S Australien was built in 1897 by Richard Wilson, of Moama, at Echuca. In 1937 it was used to tow boilers, winches, derricks etc. for construction of Locks 6,7,9 and Yarrawonga Weir. Presently awaiting restoration at Echuca.( Ref. Parsons. R. Ships of the Inland Rivers.)The P.S Australien is significant because it is one of the oldest Paddle steamers built at Echuca. It was a working vessel during the construction of the Yarrawonga weir in the 1930's which was the beginning of the irrigation system which enabled the Agriculture Industry to become such a prominent industry in the Murray-Darling River Basin.This is a photograph of a photograph of the P.S Australien, moored to the river bank. The position is unknown.On the back of the photograph are the words "Australien c. 1915 / Dusting Collin.p.s australien, yarrawonga weir, echuca paddlesteamers, murray river paddle steamers, dusting, colin

This print shows the wharf at work with paddle steamers tied up at the wharf, barges being unloaded by cranes on the wharf and the cargo shed on the wharf. These prints are of a 1910 photograph with P000259.1 being slightly lighter and there is a pole on the right hand side of the print with a gas lamp visible to the right hand edge and pencil shading on the outline of some parts. P000259.2 is a darker print and the top edges of the photo are cut off on an angle. There is a pink ink smudge on the right hand edge.The Port of Echuca was a very busy inland port in the 1880- early 1900s. Paddle steamers and barges carried goods from large holdings to the port to then be transported to markets in Melbourne or overseas. This print shows the wharf at work with barges being unloaded by cranes, the cargo shed on the wharf and a water tower at the end of the wharf.Black and white print of Echuca Port. Paddlesteamers and barges are moored at the port with P. S. Pride of the Murray in the foreground at left of picture and P. S. Colonel behind it. There are barges tied to the wharf being unloaded by crane. 2 copies of this print On front left of picture : 1st paddlesteamer "Pride of the Murray. Melbourne", behind "Colonel. Sydney"p. s. pride of the murray (paddlesteamer), echuca, port of (riverboats), p. s. colonel (paddlesteamer)

The P.S Australien was built in 1897 by Richard Wilson, of Moama, at Echuca. In 1937 it was used to tow boilers, winches, derricks etc. for construction of Locks 6,7,9 and Yarrawonga Weir. Presently awaiting restoration at Echuca. ( Ref Parsons, Ronald. "Ships of the Inland Rivers." ) p.51The P.S Australien is significant because it is one of the oldest Paddle steamers built at Echuca. It was a working vessel during the construction of the Yarrawonga weir in the 1930's which was the beginning of the irrigation system which enabled the Agriculture Industry to become such a prominent industry in the Murray-Darling River Basin. The barge is viewed from the rear, and the rudder can be seen. This photograph also shows the extent of the load of wool which barges could carry. The two vessels appear to be moored at a small pier. They are also tied together , presumably to prevent the current moving the load of wool. A small group of people can be seen on the lower deck of the paddle steamer.This is a photograph of the P.S Australien, and a barge loaded with wool.On the paddle steamer are the words Australien.p.s australien, yarrawonga weir, echuca paddlesteamers, murray river paddle steamers, wilson, richard, wool industry

Echuca was the largest inland port during the height of the river trade.Paddle-steamers were used to tow barges to bring produce into the Port,before road & rail transport were usedOver 300 Paddle-steamers and barges operated from the Echuca wharf during the height of the river trade, as can be seen here by the number of vessels in the photographBlack & white photograph taken up river of Echuca wharf with paddlesteamer(looks like Pevensey) in foreground with barge tied up alongside. On the left hand side there are 3 more barges tied up. Wharf & water tower in back ground, river gums on bank on left side.This is half of an original photograph Negs 21.22.murray river, port of echuca, wharf, echuca, echuca wharf, barge, paddle steamer

The P.S Australien was built in 1897 by Richard Wilson, of Moama, at Echuca. In 1937 it was used to tow boilers, winches, derricks etc. for construction of Locks 6,7,9 and Yarrawonga Weir. Presently awaiting restoration at Echuca. The barge Vega was built in 1911, by Franz Wallin at Moama . It sank in 1958 at Merbein, but was salvaged c. 1973 and is now housed at Swan Hill museum. ( Ref Parsons, Ronald. "Ships of the Inland Rivers." ) p.139.The P.S Australien is significant because it is one of the oldest Paddle steamers built at Echuca. It was a working vessel during the construction of the Yarrawonga weir in the 1930's which was the beginning of the irrigation system which enabled the Agriculture Industry to become such a prominent industry in the Murray-Darling River Basin. The barge Vega was also built in Moama. It was a working barge for 47 years , before sinking at Merbein, in South Australia. In this photograph the steering apparatus can be seen attached over the top of the load on the barge. People can be seen standing on the lower deck of the paddle steamer. They could possibly be passengers. The wheelhouse of the paddle steamer is draped with a piece of tarpaulin, there is a man standing beside the wheelhouse dressed in a suit and hat.This is a photograph of the P.S Australien, and the barge Vega tied together and moored to the river bank. The position is unknown. The barge has a load of building materials and a boiler on board. On the paddle steamer are the words Australien and on the barge are the words Vega.p.s australien, yarrawonga weir, echuca paddlesteamers, murray river paddle steamers, vega, wallin, franz, swan hill museum, wilson, richard

Echuca was the largest inland port during the height of the river trade.Paddle-steamers were used to tow barges to bring produce into the Port,before road & rail transport were used.Over 300 Paddle-steamers and barges operated from the Echuca wharf during the height of the river trade, as can be seen here by the number of vessels in the photograph.black & white photograph taken up river of Echuca wharf with paddlesteamers on left hand side, barges tied up at dry dock in centre of photograph, wharf, water tower in back gorund right hand side, paddlesteamer & barge in fore ground right hand side. River gums on bank behind paddlesteamers left side.From Godston Collection Whole photograph Early Air & Westergaards slip opp wharf Neg 23/24 P888.2murray river, port of echuca, wharf, echuca, echuca wharf, barge, paddle steamer

this appears to be a photograph, taken in Echuca of a paddlesteamer or barge being built in the work yard. There are many men posing on the structure, some in suits and hats while others look like they're in work gear. In the fore ground are planks of wood, a ladder to the top of the structure and rocks of various size and the boat under a canopy of gum trees. The reproduction of this photo is very dark.Boat building was a significant industry in Echuca, along the Murray river. Many barges and paddle steamers were built to supply the wool, timber and general transport of goods and people along the river. Black & white photographof a mounted photograph possibly showing a paddle steamer being built on a slip with work yard in foreground and men posing on the structure.On original photo's mount board on front:"W. Grimwood. Photo, Echuca"port of echuca, boat building - echuca

Wool baling hooks were used by the wharf workers to assist unloading wool bales from the barges onto waiting transport to deliver to markets to be sold.This tool was used by many wharf workers daily to unload wool bales from the early 19th Century up to the end of the 19th Century.Metal two pronged hand tool.wool, agriculture, wool bales, echuca, echuca wharf, paddlesteamers, barges, railway transport, moama, murray river, mc culloch co., permewan wright co., darling river, wool merchants

Black & white photograph of 2 men, 1 girl and 1 boy on upper deck of P. S. Kelvin. In the background is a 3rd man, Hugh Price, at the wheel. Documented as being on mail run and at the Murray BridgeDemonstrates passenger transport and travel along the river as well as the delivery of mail services between rural communities.Black & white photograph of 2 men, 1 girl and 1 boy on upper deck of P. S. Kelvin. In background is a 3rd man, (Hugh Price) at wheel. Documented as being on mail run and at the Murray Bridge Echuca.In pencil on back : Kelvinp.s. kelvin, murray bridge, mail run, paddlesteamers, murray river

Colour photograph of P. S. Adelaide being encouraged down the soil ramp at Paddlewheel Park, onto the Murray river at Echuca. An outboard float is on the left with some spectators on it. Spectators line both sides of the ramp. Some kind of winching float is on the right. Part of photo sequence no. P000041; P000045; P000046; P000047; P000048.The re-floating of the P. S. Adelaide was a significant community social event evident by the number of spectators in the photograph. The community had invested a great deal of time and money into re-floating the paddlesteamer. The newspaper covered the event in detail with a number of action shots as the boat made its rear entry onto the Murray river.Colour photograph of P. S. Adelaide being encouraged down a soil ramp onto the river. An outboard float is on its left. Spectators line both sides of the ramp. Some kind of winching float is on the right.p. s. adelaide, echuca, re-floating p. s. adelaide

Colour photograph of the P. S. Adelaide in the river, with the port side of the boat clearly visible. The bank behind and the roof of the boat shed at Paddlewheel park are lined with spectators. Final part of the photo sequence of the event no.:P000041; P000045; P000046; P000047; P000048 of the P. S. Adelaide re-floating.The re-floating of the P. S. Adelaide was a Significant community social event evident by the number of spectators in the photograph. The community had invested a great deal of time and money into re-floating the paddlesteamer. The newspaper covered the event in detail with a number of action shots as the boat made its rear entry from the temporary slipway onto the river. Part of a photo sequence no.P000041; P000045; P000046; P000047; P000048 of P. S. Adelaide re-floating.Colour photograph of P. S. Adelaide on the Murray river at Echuca after her re-floating. The port side of the Adelaide is clearly visible. The banks of the river are lined with spectators. The pontoon boat shed at Paddlewheel Park is visible on the right, also has spectators on the roof platform.p. s. adelaide, re-floating p. s. adelaide, echuca

A copy of a black and white photograph of paddle steamer travel along the Murray river. It shows passengers (2 men, 1 girl, 1 boy) on the upper deck of the P. S. Kelvin, around the late 1890-1900. In the background is a third man, Hugh Price, at the wheel of the paddlesteamer. On the back of the photograph is documented as being on the mail run and at the Murray Bridge.Demonstrates passenger transport and travel along the river as well as the delivery of mail services between rural communities around the Echuca,Victoria, Moama New South Wales around 1890-1900.Copy of a Black and white photograph of 2 men, 1 girl and 1 boy on upper deck of P. S. Kelvin. In background is a 3rd man, Hugh Price, at the wheel. Documented as being on mail run and at the Murray Bridge (at Echuca)Kelvin on mail run, Murray Bridge. Hugh Price at wheel in rear.p.s.kelvin, murray bridge, mail run, paddle steamers, murray river, echuca

P.S. Captain Sturt, with a pile driver in the background. Possibly at Blanchetown. There are 5 men on the upper port deck. The paddle-steamer has 2 funnels and the pile driver has 4 funnels. The wheelhouse is above the upper deck.Demonstrates the use of floating pile drivers to assist in the construction of bridge or wharf building along the river Murray river in approximately the 1920's. The Captain Sturt is in close up so the structure of the paddlesteamer is clear. Rectangular, black and white copy of original photograph of P.S. Captain Sturt, with a pile driver in the background. Possibly at Blanchetown. There are 5 men on the upper port deck. The paddle-steamer has 2 funnels and the pile driver has 4 funnels. The wheelhouse is above the upper deck.In pencil on back: CaptainSturt, Blancheltown Orr similar. Pile driver in background. On photograph "Captain Sturt" is visible on front and side of the paddlesteamer.p.s. captain sturt, blanchetown, paddlesteamers, murray river, river pile drivers

Colour photograph of the P. S. Adelaide in the river, with half of the aft side and the back of the boat clearly visible. The bank behind is lined with spectators. Five men are on the back of the boat and to the right another person is visible on a platform that has a rope which appears to be attached to the front of the P. S. Adelaide. Part of the photo sequence of the event no.:P000041; P000045; P000046; P000047; P000048 of the P. S. Adelaide re-floating.The re-floating of the P. S. Adelaide was a Significant community social event evident by the number of spectators in the photograph. The community had invested a great deal of time and money into re-floating the paddlesteamer. The newspaper covered the event in detail with a number of action shots as the boat made its rear entry from the temporary slipway onto the river. Part of a photo sequence no.P000041; P000045; P000046; P000047; P000048 of P. S. Adelaide re-floating.Colour photograph of the back half of starboard and the rear of the P. S. Adelaide, possibly being towed, after its re-floating., with a line of spectators along the higher banks of the Murray river.p. s. adelaide, echuca,victoria, re-floating of the p. s. adelaide. riverine herald newspapers,

Photograph related to no.P000041, P000045 - P000048 of P. S. Adelaide re-floating. Copyright held by Riverine Herald newspaper. Original and negatives held by Riverine Herald.. Photograph taken from the river looking west towards the Echuca bank. Spectators line the higher banks and to the water line in the foreground. The back of the Adelaide and funnel is in clear view with the wheelhouse being partially obscured. The re-floating of the P. S. Adelaide was a Significant community social event evident by the number of spectators in the photograph. The community had invested a great deal of time and money into re-floating the paddlesteamer. The newspaper covered the event in detail with a number of action shots as the boat made its rear entry from the soil ramp to the water.Black and white photograph of the P. S. Adelaide on a ramp being prepared for re-floating. Spectators line the higher banks. Photograph possibly taken from the river looking west towards the Echuca bank.p. s. adelaide, echuca,victoria, re-floating of the p. s. adelaide. riverine herald newspapers,