More than just Australia’s longest river, the Murray was once home to a bustling system of commercial transport thanks to its distinctive paddle steamer boats, carrying everything from gold to sheep. Port cities such as Mildura were regular fixtures on the route before being eclipsed by newly developed rail and road options, but a select few of those iconic paddle steamers have been preserved for recreational cruises. Operating three unique vessels – the oldest dating back to 1881– Mildura Paddle Steamers runs two-hour cruises in the late morning and arvo every day, exploring Mildura Weir and its water-level-controlling Lock 11.