The Goulburn river at Shepparton once had wood-fired paddle steamers operating between Shepparton and Echuca.
Hidden in History is a new weekly column that unearths the quirky, curious and sometimes eyebrow-raising tales from Shepparton’s past. Provided by the Shepparton Heritage Centre, these articles are rooted in fact — but told with a wink and a sense of humour.
When the Goulburn was running high enough – and the river at this time was a more robust waterway, wider and more youthful – wood-fired paddle steamers operated between Shepparton and Echuca to the north.
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The Emily Jane was built to traverse the Goulburn as far south from the Murray as Seymour, though riverboats more frequently dodged snags on the route to Murchison.
Shepparton’s period as an inland river port was, however, relatively short-lived, as the railway system slowly but surely began harnessing the farming regions of the state to deliver produce to the expanding Port Phillip.
The remnants of the wharf still stand high and dry.
Someone took the river away.
The Shepparton Heritage Centre is always looking for volunteers. If you are interested you can contact the centre on 4831 8659.
