Plans to move the Murray River Queen from Renmark to Loxton

South Australia’s popular floating hotel in Renmark could permanently set sail under a plan to boost the economy of another town.

The Murray River Queen will move from Renmark to Loxton permanently under a plan to bring more tourism to the town.

Owner Donna Neale has lodged a development application with PlanSA to relocate the boat 43km southwest from Main Town Wharf in Renmark to Grant Schubert Dr in Loxton.

Ms Neale, who has owned the boat since 2021, said her lease in Renmark was almost up, and the move to her hometown would boost tourism and the local economy.

A planning document said it would bring about $500,000 into the economy annually, as well as create 10 local jobs

“The Loxton community is very, very keen for us to come in … and we are definitely lacking accommodation,” Ms Neale said.

The Murray River Queen will move to Loxton, pending development approval.

“The riverfront is absolutely stunning at Loxton so I am really hoping to make it a destination place.”

Ms Neale, who said the boat would bring a historical element to the town, also applied for outdoor dining to give Loxton hospitality a new element.

“Loxton is probably the only town that doesn’t really have a waterfront for eating and drinking,” Ms Neale said.

“There is a restaurant on board and there will be a cafe plus the outdoor dining.”

Rooms inside the Murray River Queen now overlook Renmark’s waterfront, but visitors may soon see Loxton outside their windows. Picture: Cara Jenkin

The Queen currently has 12 rooms on-board, but there are plans to boost the number to 18.

Since Ms Neale took over the boat, she has spent time revamping the boat.

“At the moment she is a floating hotel as such, she hasn’t travelled for a number of years, but money permitting I want to get her back into survey so she can still travel,” she said.

“Whether that be day trips, wedding functions or even three or four-day cruises.”

Murray River cruise from Mannum, SA, on the Murray River Queen, 02 Oct 1979. Setting off from Mannum.

Ms Neale, who could not say how much the move will cost, hoped to make the move to Loxton in six months, if she gets council approval.

The Murray River Queen was launched in 1974 and has formerly been a backpackers’ hostel in Waikerie, before moving permanently to Renmark in 2017.

Previous owners of the Queen racked up debts of $431,450 in unpaid taxes and superannuation.

They spent $850,000 repairing and revamping the boat, which contributed to the business winding up.