The paddle steamer has been moored at the Waikerie riverfront since it was brought into the town a decade ago by a group of investors keen to revitalise the citrus and grape growing district.

The cruise and restaurant business venture failed, leaving backers out of pocket and uncertainty surrounding the fate of the luxury passenger cruise ship which was built in Goolwa in 1974.

New operator Major Ventures opened the vessel as a 48-room hostel complete with communal kitchen, dining, recreational areas, licensed bar and cafe late last month.

Already heavily booked, the permanently-moored floating hostel has proven a novel experience for international visitors on working visas picking or packing fruit across the Riverland.

Waikerie citrus and grape grower Chris Christiansen invested money in the original business plan for the riverboat in the district and has welcomed the new direction.

“It was a bit unfortunate, we went through tough times and it had to be sold because it wasn’t paying its way,” he said, adding that while it left him out of pocket he was not alone.

“Yes it did, but I’ve got plenty of mates, don’t worry about that.

“I’m no orphan in that, there were plenty of people that didn’t do so well out of it but it’s great that it’s now staying in Waikerie.”

He said the district had traditionally struggled to attract workers because of a shortage of accommodation.

“There’s backpacker accommodation in the upriver towns, but Waikerie’s tended to miss out so now that we have that pool of labour here it can only be good,” Mr Christiansen.

“As a grower it’s good to see it’s being used for backpackers because that only helps our industry,” he said.

“In the past it was quite difficult but the Federal Government introduced a scheme which allowed people to stay on their working visas longer if they stayed in primary production so that scheme has worked well because it’s brought a lot of backpackers to the horticultural and agricultural areas.”

New owner

Major Ventures managing director Matthew Major said the company had purchased the Murray River Queen to provide accommodation for participants in its seasonal worker service, Harvest Hoppers.

He said the unique accommodation provided rare views and privacy, with most rooms sleeping just two people and overlooking the river.

“As an operator we pick up our customers from the bus stop in town,” he said.

“Last night like many nights when we pick them up the shock that is all over our customers eyes when they notice this grand vessel lit up on a beautiful wharf is for them the beginning a remarkable part of their travels.

“This sort of privacy with the views that they get out of their windows is not common in working hostels across Australia, so it’s an experience they will treasure.”

Irish experience

Irish worker Esther Garland has been in Australia on a working visa because of a severe shortage of work in her home country.

She said she loved her new accommodation.

“It’s gorgeous, we’re really enjoying it,” she said.

“We’re working in a packing shed in Renmark and we were planning to be here for three or four months due to the regional work and to enjoy Waikerie, it’s a beautiful little town.”

Fellow Irish backpacker Stacey Geoghegan said she felt very welcome in the region.

“There’s plenty of work to do, plenty to see while you’re working.

“This is probably the best place to stay if you’re a backpacker or a tourist, everyone here seems to get along with each other.

“It’s a nice quiet little town… people are friendly and everyone seems to be happy to have us here as well.”

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