We just loved this, to sit back and relax and let everything just drift away along with the water.
She was originally built for the Victorian Government as a work boat in 1912. The Boat is so beautiful and was restored to a take passenger's in 1965.
There are daily Cruise's on the P.S. Melbourne that go for two hour's downstream through Lock 11

There is a kiosk with light lunches available.

The PS Melbourne is a very old paddle steamer, I would even say it is historic with the old style boilers and steam wheels. There is nothing more relaxing than sitting out on the deck and slowly and steadily cruising along the Murray, taking in the scenery - gum trees, house boats, water birds, etc. Passing through Lock 11 is quite a novelty - it is fascinating to watch the water rising and again lowering.

There are morning or afternoon cruises that both last a couple of hours. You can purchase refreshments from the little cafe on-board.

Approximate cost: $30

We recently took an afternoon cruise on this paddlesteamer at Mildura with my young adult children and a couple of their friends. We all enjoyed the cruise very much. You go downstream, passing through the lock, then down a distance, before turning back to the base of the lock, then back through and upstream a short distance, returning to the wharf, while the Captain provides an informative commentary about the boat and olden river days as you cruise along.
I did a cruise with my parents in the late 60's (well over 40 years ago) on the same paddlesteamer, so it brought back some fantastic childhood memories, and prompted me to find the certificate I received back then, signed by the Captain at that time, making me an 'honorary Captain' for having steered the boat. (I don't think they do it any more, things have changed a bit, oc., health & safety and all that!!).
This original old wood-fired steam-powered paddlesteamer was built in 1912 for the Victorian Government as a work-boat to keep the river clear of fallen trees and snags, and to help with other river work, such as bridge, lock and weir building. Later used for logging transport, she spent many years tied to the riverbank, before being purchased and restored in 1965 as a tourist boat. This is what she has been doing ever since.
If you have ever seen the TV series "All The Rivers Run', or seen the movies featuring the old American Mississippi paddleboats, then you will be able to imagine the romance and beauty of steaming along the Murray River on this grand old lady from a bye-gone era.
A great couple of hours, enjoyable for all ages. We booked at the Mildura visitor centre. I think you can book down at the wharf as well, or by phone.

Approximate cost: $2 hr. cruise; $27 adult; $12 child.