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Published: September 29th 2014
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The Murray River played an enormous role in the European settlement of the huge plains of New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia. Water is a basic requirement for life and agriculture. In the early days, transport of supplies and export of produce was probably the co-driver of development in this region.
We have stayed for a couple of nights at the NSW town of Moana, and walked across the Murray (via bridge) to Victoria, and to be sure , the town on that side of the bridge had to be different, Echuca.
This area is very popular with Melbournians for weekends and school holidays with plenty to do for the kids, and much wine to be sampled by the parents, not to mention the very good quality citrus fruit grown in this area.. We watched several families sailing/driving the hire house boats along the Murray. Seems that the hire companies take the prospective customers for quick lessons including how to secure the vessel on a river banks, and hopefully, some navigation rules.
As we head west from here, we enter much more intensely farmed land. The Murray River is just as important today in this area known
as The Riverina, with huge areas irrigated from the river which meanders through three states of Australia. It was obvious to us as we drove here from Griffith that there was really productive land, and when away from the irrigation, pretty average quality pasture and scrub. Travellers here need to be aware that there are strict quarantine rules here to prevent the spread of fruit fly and other fruit related diseases.
What was impressive in a couple of areas were the huge plantations of grape vines, most just coming into early spring leaf. In some places, different varieties of vines were in adjacent vineyards and still without those fresh enticing first leaves, just the stately brown vines.
I forgot to mention that in our back roads journey towards Griffith, we were stopped by one of those roadside ramdom inspections. (See Dash Cam photo) Once the colour of our tyres was approved, we were allowed to pass without further ado.
Any one who watched the fantastic min series
All the Rivers Run in the 1980s will remember a paddle steamer, the Providence if I recall correctly. She was a modern replica of the early paddle steamers, but built
in 1980 - 82. For authenticity, she was powered by a 1908 restored steam engine, and included a wood fired boiler as per the early days. The vessel, now named the PS Emmylou, is a favourite tourist attraction at Echuca with many folk enjoying cruising on the Murray River, fine dining and even special functions are catered for. We had in mind joining them, but found that there is a chance later in the week to do a cruise on a fully original paddle steamer built in 1888. We will keep you posted.
We have caught up here with Mary and David, and Adrian and Rilla, and will continue together this week winding along the Riverina. The others had started at the head waters of the Murray River in the Snowy Mountains, but for us, that will have to be for another journey in the future.
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Mum & Dad
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Another great effort
The little dash camera is functioning well as is the big one. Some interesting comment and photos keep up the effort. Weather treating you well so far.