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Paddlesteamer Emmylou

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captain oddsocks
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5 out of 5
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1
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Paddlesteamer Emmylou

Paddlesteamer Emmylou

There’s something special about the Paddlesteamer Emmylou. It’s not as old as the Adelaide or as famous as the Pevensey(Philadelphia), and it doesn’t have the working pedigree of some of the old steamers, but for a lot of visitors to Echuca (and locals), it’s the most beautiful boat on the water.

It’s a handsomely proportioned paddlesteamer and is the only one on the river at Echuca with three decks. The lower deck is similar to the other steamers; there’s an opening through which you can watch the 1906 Marshall steam engine hard at work, cabins front and rear and open decks with passenger seating. The deck immediately above has more open seating for passengers and the cosy cabins that are used as accommodation on the overnight trips. Where the captain’s wheelhouse would be on the other boats is a lovely open-fronted cabin for passengers, which is the pick of the places from which to watch the river go by. The chairs are comfortable, there are photos and information from the history of the boat and you’re out of the sun, which can be quite intense even without the reflection from the surface of the river. Of course it’s nice to roam around the boat and explore it from different angles, but for anybody who doesn’t fancy tackling the steep staircases while the boat is in motion, or is a little limited in their mobility (I was hobbling around on crutches last time I was on the Emmy), the front cabin is the place to be. You’re also right below the captain’s wheelhouse on the third and highest deck, so if you play your cards right, you might be invited for a turn at the steering-wheel!

The Emmylou cruises every day of the week, beginning with 60 and 90 minute trips and finishing with three-hour dinner cruises in the evening. The short trips are around $20 for adults and about half that for children aged 15 or younger. Refreshments and light lunches are also available on the daytime cruises. The short cruises leave from Riverboat Dock and head upstream past the redgum wharf. Before the iron bridge the captain cajoles the 30metre length of the Emmylou around to travel, with the current, back past the dock, the houseboat moorings and Victoria Park (native forest) almost to the junction of the Murray and Campaspe rivers. The cruises are accompanied by an interesting and entertaining commentary from the captain. You’ll hear the legends and history of the port and paddleboat trade as the Emmylou passes the wharf and restoration dock, and then on the downstream leg, you’ll be left free to form your own impressions and appreciate the rhythm of the paddlewheels pushing you in and out of the shadows cast by the huge old eucalyptus that line each side of the river.

If you have time for only one thing in Echuca, you shouldn’t miss a ride on the Emmylou.

From journal Echuca; Australia's Paddlesteamer town

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