100-year-old piece of pioneer history arrives in Longreach

A 100-year-old paddlewheeler has completed the “stressful” 1750km journey from Victoria to Longreach, where it will begin its working life on a new stretch of river.

Tourists will get to ride an exciting piece of Australian heritage – the Pride of the Murray paddlewheeler – after it was transported to Queensland.

The 100-year old piece of pioneering history has arrived in Longreach, bringing new jobs and $82 million to the town over the next five years.

After a “stressful” 1750 km road trip from Victoria, the 100-tonne vessel will begin the next stage of its working life on the Thomson River, providing sunset cruises.

Richard Kinnon hopes the Pride of the Murray will bring tourists to Longreach as it begins its new life on the Thomson River. Picture:

The skipper of Australia’s largest mega marine move is, Richard Kinnon of the Longreach-based Outback Pioneers.

“When I found out the Pride of the Murray was looking for a new home, I knew I’d found a genuine outback pioneering artefact we just had to preserve,” Mr Kinnon said.

“Tourism is the only opportunity left to maintain these boats in a viable industry and we are more than willing to take on the responsibility of maintaining and preserving this important part of our heritage.”

Locals line the streets of Longreach to watch the Pride of the Murray arrive. Picture: Supplied

Longreach Mayor, Councillor Tony Rayner said the vessel will give travellers an opportunity to really experience the region’s beauty.

“I take my hat off to blokes like Richard who go to such an effort for their passion and we’ll all support him in his efforts to keep travellers coming to Longreach,” he said.

Transporting the paddlewheeler to Longreach was a huge logistic exercise, due to the age and construction of the vessel which meant it could only be out of the water for a maximum of seven days, before the timber began to shrink.

The Pride of the Murray was transported 1750km from Victoria. Picture: Supplied

The toughest part of the entire trip was expected to be the roundabout on the way into Longreach.

The vessel will be restored in Longreach and it is hoped to be operational in June.

Tickets for the sunset river cruise will be $125 for adults, $120 concession and $95 for children.