European Heritage

Exploring the European Heritage of The Murray

Step back in time in the mid-1800s, where vast areas of land on either side of the Murray River were opened up to farming, creating thriving inland river towns prospering from the wool trade. European settlement of less than 200 years is a mere drop in the river, so to speak, but The Murray conjures up fascinating tales of explorers, pioneers, pastoralists and paddle steamers.

If you’re interested in travelling in the footsteps of early explorers or roaming bushrangers, the Murray is a rich source. See the tree marked by Hume and Hovell on their 1824 expedition in Albury’s Hovell Tree Park, or visit the site where Burke and Wills camped at Swan Hill on the 15th day of their ill-fated south-north expedition across Australia in 1860, and where they planted a Moreton Bay fig tree that still stands strong at 30m high.

The first paddle steamer voyage on the Murray River was in 1853 and within ten years there were more than 200 riverboats chugging up and down the river and its tributaries, making it the busiest water highway in Australia. Today you can explore this rich past at Echuca’s historic port precinct, recognised as one of Australia’s finest heritage icons and home to the largest fleet of well-preserved paddle steamers. A guided tour through the Discovery Centre and a cruise on one of the authentic paddle steamers are a highlight, bringing to life The Murray’s 19th-century heyday. You can also ride an authentic heritage riverboat at Swan Hill and Mildura.

Further downstream, a popular heritage attraction is the Pioneer Settlement at Swan Hill. This recreation of a 19th-century port town is a fun mix of period-costumed characters, old-time shops, a dramatic nightly sound and light show, and daily cruises on the PS Pyap. It’s a great introduction to the region’s history for kids and families.

Discover how the pioneering Chaffey Brothers created a lush agricultural oasis by following the Chaffey Trail in Mildura or go exploring the beautiful heritage buildings in nearby Wentworth. At the Federation Museum in historic Corowa, you can learn about the birth of Australia’s democracy.

Early Exploration & Settlement

• Indigenous Heritage: Before European arrival, the Murray River was home to thriving Aboriginal communities for tens of thousands of years. Their deep connection to the land and waterways continues to influence the region's cultural landscape.
• European Explorers: In the early 1800s, European explorers like Hume and Hovell ventured into the region, mapping the land and encountering Aboriginal communities. Their expeditions paved the way for European settlement.
• Pastoral Expansion: Vast areas of land were opened up for grazing and agriculture, leading to the establishment of towns and the growth of industries like wool production. The river became a vital transport route, connecting these settlements and facilitating trade.

The Paddle Steamer Era

The arrival of paddle steamers in the mid-1800s revolutionised transport and trade along the Murray River, shaping the region's development and leaving a lasting legacy.

• Rise of River Trade: The first paddle steamer journey in 1853 marked the beginning of a bustling era. These vessels transported goods, passengers, and mail, fuelling the growth and prosperity of river towns. Echuca, strategically located as the closest point on the Murray to Melbourne, became a major hub for river trade and paddle steamer construction.

• Echuca's Golden Age: The Port of Echuca, established in 1865, thrived as a centre for paddle steamer manufacturing and trade. The abundance of red gum, a durable and buoyant timber, fuelled the construction of a vast fleet, with over 300 paddle steamers operating at the port's peak. Echuca's population boomed, and the town became a symbol of the Murray's economic prosperity.

• Decline and Transformation: The expansion of the railway system in the early 1900s led to the decline of paddle steamer trade. The Port of Echuca was significantly reduced in size during World War II, and the era of bustling river trade faded.

• Preserving the Past: Today, the Echuca Heritage Port Precinct offers a glimpse into this bygone era, with preserved paddle steamers and historical buildings. Visitors can experience the magic of river travel with cruises on authentic paddle steamers like the PS Emmylou and PS Pyap and PS Pevensey. The Pioneer Settlement in Swan Hill provides another opportunity to step back in time and experience a recreated 19th-century port town.

• Koondrook's Shipbuilding Heritage: The town of Koondrook also played a significant role in the paddle steamer era, with a thriving shipbuilding industry. The first paddle steamer built in Koondrook was the PS Emily Jane in 1881, and many more followed, each with its own unique story.

Migration & Development

The Murray region's development was significantly influenced by migration, both in the post-war era and during World War II. These periods saw an influx of people from diverse backgrounds, contributing to the region's growth, cultural diversity, and wartime efforts.

• Post-War Migration & Bonegilla: After World War II, Australia welcomed a wave of migrants from Europe, seeking new opportunities and contributing to the nation's growth. Bonegilla Migrant Reception and Training Centre, near Albury Wodonga, became a symbol of this era, processing and accommodating over 300,000 migrants between 1947 and 1971. Today, the Bonegilla Migrant Experience offers a glimpse into this transformative period in Australian history.

• World War II & Lake Boga: During World War II, Lake Boga played a crucial role in Allied defence efforts. The establishment of the No. 1 Flying Boat Repair Depot at Lake Boga provided a safe haven for the repair and maintenance of flying boats, vital for reconnaissance and transport during the war. This facility employed a significant workforce, including RAAF personnel, WAAAFs, and civilians, contributing to the local economy and the war effort. The Lake Boga Flying Boat Museum now commemorates this important chapter in the region's history.