Australia’s riverboat history is a rich tapestry woven through the veins of its vast waterways, particularly the Murray-Darling Basin. During the 19th and early 20th centuries, paddle steamers were the lifeblood of inland trade and communication, transporting goods and people across the continent. These majestic vessels, such as the PS Adelaide, PS Emmylou, and PS Murray Princess, played a crucial role in opening up remote regions to settlement and commerce. They carried wool, wheat, timber, and passengers, fostering growth and connectivity. Today, they serve as floating museums and luxury cruises, offering a glimpse into the bygone era of Australia’s pioneering spirit and river-based culture. Their distinctive silhouettes and churning paddle wheels are emblematic of a time when waterways were the highways of the outback.