The Tales of Perricoota and Torrumbarry Weir - Day 3 Murray River Paddlesteamers
By Cruising With Honey - 20:49
Day 3 aboard Emmylou Murray River Paddlesteamers
The Tale of Perricoota Station
So much of Australia’s colonial history is steeped in lore and the stories of early settlers working the inhospitable land with hard yakka and a determined entrepreneurial spirit.
Perricoota Station, on the Moama side of the Murray, has a tale as deep as the river. A story of James Maiden who in 1843 settled the land and had the ingenious idea to set up a punt to travel between Moama and Echuca – charging people for the privilege. There's a dark side as well, but I'll leave that for you, the reader, to explore.
These days, the property has evolved, but the main homestead still stands. The impressive mansion has 10 bedrooms and four bathrooms, and now the private residence of the new owners.
Perricoota Station also features the original packing shed (renovated into a restaurant/reception room) and stables that are now used as a wedding chapel.
Skipper Richard took us on a tour of the property and shared the fascinating history as we walked past the grand residence, school house and took a peek inside the renovated stables. The property is very well taken care and the variety of flora – including pepper trees – was charming. It’s no wonder Perricoota is a popular wedding location.
A 3-hour Cruise to Torrumbarry Weir
As we left Perricoota it really felt like we were on the home stretch, and I yearned for the time to slow down. Was there really only one night left?Skipper had promised that I’d have the chance to drive Emmylou, and true to his word, as we made our way towards the final destination, I had
the opportunity to get behind the big wheel and manoeuvre the beautiful old paddlesteamer. How many people can say that?! What a fun experience. And, as you can guess, I most definitely pulled the whistle.
the opportunity to get behind the big wheel and manoeuvre the beautiful old paddlesteamer. How many people can say that?! What a fun experience. And, as you can guess, I most definitely pulled the whistle.
A Final Emmylou Feast
For our final dinner, Host Julie pulled out the fancy linen and set up one long table for the guests to dine all together in the saloon. It was a fitting setting for our last night aboard Emmylou.
As the sun set and the shooting stars cut a path across the night sky, I counted my many blessings.
This experience aboard Emmylou opened my eyes to life on the Murray River and the deep history of the area. It was a privilege to travel on a paddle steamer, something I’d never thought about before, but now feel fortunate to have been a passenger on this type of vessel.
Over the three days, I gained so many treasured memories and for many years to come, I'll reminisce and smile wistfully about my time aboard PS Emmylou.
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