ABOUT MILDURA PADDLE STEAMERS

Mildura Paddle Steamers was established in 1955 by Captain Alby Pointon and his wife Freda, when he purchased a small launch in Mildura, called the “Donald Duck”. In 1957 Alby purchased an old Paddle Steamer wreck the “Mayflower” and rebuilt her to carry passengers. The Mayflower became too small and after searching along the river, he purchased the Paddle Steamer Melbourne also as a wreck, in 1965. He then restored her to the magnificent Paddle Steamer she is today. The Rothbury was then purchased in 1968 and underwent a lengthy restoration by Captain Pointon, a total of 8 years.

During the 1970’s the Coonawarra was acquired along with other partners, and was operated at Murray Bridge in S.A. after extensive refurbishing. Eventually Alby brought the Coonawarra also, back to Mildura in 1981, but she was later sold due to health reasons. In 1999, Captain Alby Pointon and Freda bought their final boat to Mildura, the Paddle Boat Mundoo. She is the designated function vessel that caters for Weddings, Functions and Conferences.

With his unique foresight Captain Alby Pointon has rebuilt three Paddle Steamers and brought others to Mildura. The Pointon family have operated river cruises in Mildura for over 64 years, with the Management being handed on to their children and grandchildren. It is our pleasure to show you this section of the Murray River at Mildura, on board the Paddle Steamer Melbourne, Paddle Vessel Rothbury or the Paddle Boat Mundoo.