Iconic Paddle Steamer Melbourne changes hands after over five decades in Mildura

After more than 55 years of gracing the Murray River in Mildura, the historic Paddle Steamer Melbourne has officially been sold.

The legendary Paddle Steamer Melbourne has changed ownership for only the third time in 112 years ahead of a farewell tour of Mildura slated for September of this year. Picture: Supplied

A Mildura icon steeped in the history of the Murray River has been sold for only the third time in over 100 years.

After 55 years of operating in Mildura with the Pointon family, Paddle Steamer Melbourne has been sold to Echuca-based shipwright Adam Auditori.

Mr Auditori, 47, told the Herald Sun he was thrilled to have acquired the iconic vessel.

“Historically it is fairly significant to be the owner of it,” Mr Auditori said.

“Once it hit home that I was now the owner of the paddle steamer, I felt really good. It feels pretty exciting.”

Paddle Steamer Melbourne Leaving Echuca 59 years ago bound for Mildura. Picture: Supplied

Originally constructed in 1912 for the Victorian Government as a snagging vessel, the Melbourne played a vital role in clearing the river for navigation.

After the decline of the river trade, she remained inactive in Echuca for more than two decades.

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Captain Alby Pointon and his wife Freda eventually purchased and relocated her to Mildura to serve the tourism sector.

For the former owners, the family of the late Captain Alby Pointon, it is a bittersweet sale.

Captain Chris Pointon gets ready to throw his boat the PS Melbourne a mooring rope at the Centenary celebrations on the Mildura riverfront.

“It is a bittersweet moment for our family. The Melbourne is the second vessel restored by my grandpa, Captain Alby Pointon,” said Ashton McKenzie.

“(But) we would rather see her plying the Murray once again under new ownership than lying idle tied against the bank.”

Mr Auditori is already at work getting the Melbourne ready for passengers and a farewell tour of sorts in Mildura, with some sections of the vessel being replaced for the first time since 1912.

“It is just normal routine work. The fact that some parts of the boat have lasted this long before needing to be replaced is a testament to how well it has been maintained,” Mr Auditori said.

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The Melbourne last traversed the river in March 2020.

Mr Auditori is hopeful to get it operational again, with passengers, by September.

“We’ve got it on the slip from Monday. All the boiler, the hull, and the safety gear will be inspected at the end of the month, and then we are hoping to be up and operational by September,” he said.

Mr Auditori’s children, Lucia and James cleaning the Original Marshall steam engine of Paddle Steamer Melbourne during their school holidays. Picture: Supplied.

When pressed on his plans for the Melbourne come September, Mr Auditori was very forthcoming.

“Initially, we will do a few runs out of Mildura to say farewell and then we will head to South Australia for 12 months as a bit of a novelty in each of the towns as we pass through. Then we will come back through with an aim of being back in Echuca for the 60th anniversary of when it left in 2025, weather permitting,” he said.

The sale has been a family effort, with Mr Auditori and his family sacrificing their school holidays to get the Melbourne ready.

“My kids and I have been working on it, getting it sorted out. That’s been our school holidays in Mildura,” he said.