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A steam powered adventure awaits

By Sponsored Content

Jun 17, 2026

The Cumberoona, a familiar sight in Yarrawonga, was originally launched by Queen Elizabeth II in Albury in 1980.

Steamboat captain, Robbie Knowles says it’s been 80 years since a paddle steamer last charted the Ovens River.

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Now Robbie plans to change that when, for one weekend only, he fires up the 1904 model buffalo put steam engines on Yarrawonga’s famous Cumberoona and heads upriver from Bundalong.

Passengers will find themselves immersed in the glorious surrounds of the Ovens and Murray Rivers.

A chef will prepare the spit roast, salads and desserts, coupled with plenty of refreshments, a licensed bar and live music on board.

“With her big open deck up top, and a ton of wood on the boiler keeping downstairs warm, it will be beautiful,” Robbie said.

“The night cruise will set off in the daylight and then experience the river under lights.”

It’s been almost 50 years since the Cumberoona was first commissioned in 1980, and launched by Queen Elizabeth II on the Murray River in Albury.

The paddle steamer worked out of Noreuil Park for 20 years but due to poor water levels she was left derelict.

Then Robbie brought her to Yarrawonga in 2014 and spent the next 12 months bringing her back to life.

Cruise the Murray and Ovens rivers this July with lunch or dinner and live music.

“The paddle steamer is the traditional river boat,” he said.

“It's the closest you can get back to the river trade days, to the smells, the sounds, and the thunder of the old wood-fired paddle boats working up and down the rivers.

“They’re a real boat; the way they feel, the way they handle.

“All paddle steamers drive slightly different, but they're a real skipper's boat, beautiful to drive - a challenge to get used to, but once you get used to them, you can make them do whatever you want.”

Now everyone has the chance to experience that feeling out on the Ovens and Murray Rivers, sharing in good food and company and a special piece of Australian history.