Southern Riverina residents lined the local highways Tueasday last week for a glimpse of the 100 year-old paddlewheeler Pride of the Murray, which has now arrived at its new home of Longreach after leaving Echuca that day.
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The 1750km journey required a team of 40 people to make everything go smoothly.
It included expert truck drivers, a police escort, and power workers to lift low-hanging lines.
Amazingly, the journey went off without a hitch, even as it made its way through tight squeezes on roundabouts and narrow bridges.
Locals came out to see history in the making as it made its way through Tocumwal, Finley, Jerilderie, Coleambally and Darlington Point.
After restoration works it will sail again, this time on the Thomson River under the care of Longreach tourist attraction Outback Pioneers.
Outback Pioneer’s Richard Kinnon said the Pride of the Murray would still be enjoyed by tourists and history lovers.
“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 that we just had to preserve,’’ Mr Kinnon said.
“We’re passionate about educating people about Australia’s proud pioneering history and once the paddlewheeler is recommissioned, 100 people a day will get to relive an authentic river experience.
“The incentive for me and the Kinnon family is millions of tourists will get to enjoy riding the Pride of the Murray on the Thomson River for another 100 years.”
The journey was believed to be the largest haulage of a marine vessel this age to be undertaken in the Southern Hemisphere.
“It’s an extremely delicate operation. The maximum speed of travel is 80km per hour and the route (was) specifically chosen because it’s straight and has less obstructions.”
Murray River Paddlesteamers owner Craig Burgess said the Pride of the Murray would be missed by staff and the community.
“It is always sad to see boats leaving the river, however, this is all a part of our long-term strategic plan,” he said.