Four day tow along the Murray led to repositioning paddle boat as a top class restaurant

Well known along South Australia’s main waterway for four decades, the former paddle boat is now permanently moored in Renmark and reinvented itself as a culinary and hospitality delight, the River Murray Queen

Stay overnight at the refurbished Murray River Queen, Renmark

WELL known along SA’s main waterway for four decades, the River Murray Queen is now moored in Renmark and reinvented itself as a culinary and hospitality delight, says owner Matthew Major.

What has been the one major highlight for the business in the past 12 months?

The last 12 months has been monumental. We relocated from Waikerie to Renmark, towed by the Oscar W paddle steamer, an epic four-day journey aided by a volunteer crew of 22 people.

Can you identify one major challenge for the business?

We target different market sectors and will continue to do so. Retirees for example tend to come in early in the week and just have a $4.50 coffee.

Any exciting projects you are working on?

We reopened our Modern Thai restaurant, The Queens Kitchen and wine tasting cellar door deck and in June, we launched a second restaurant, The Kings Table, a charcoal bar and grill.

Do you have any expansion plans?

Last month we completed five new overnight cabins, giving us a total of nine. Next year we intend to complete the remaining nine cabins.

What is your opinion of the SA tourism industry?

Buoyant. It’s growing and not just in terms of Adelaide. People are exploring the regions more.