SOURCE TO SEA – THE STORY OF THE MURRAY RIVERBOATS 

24 September 2002

SOURCE TO SEA - THE STORY OF THE MURRAY RIVERBOATS brings to life the colourful history of old riverboats and shows the dedication and passion of wooden boat restorers.

The one-hour World Around Us special will screen on Channel 7 on Sunday October 13 at 5.00pm.

Inspired by the Centenary of Federation's Source to Sea event, the documentary includes the story of steam, the hard work, the humour and the romance of the river trade of colonial Australia.

In the late 1800's several hundred paddleboats and barges opened up much of inland Australia along the Murray, Darling and Murrumbidgee Rivers. Today Australia has more original paddlesteamers than anywhere else in the world.

"It’s a story about passion and love - passion for old paddlesteamers and love of a river,” said executive producer and South Australian documentary maker Ian Doyle.

“Compared to the stories of drovers, shearers and squatters, very little is known about the important role these boats played in the history of Australia.

“Things would have been much different had Lawson and Patterson written about the Murray and her riverboats. This documentary tells their story."

The Centenary of Federation's Source to Sea took more than three years to plan and three months to complete. It was one of the most memorable journeys ever undertaken down Australia's greatest river - the Murray - from its source in the Kosciusko high country to the sea at the Murray mouth town of Goolwa.

At times the fleet included more than 200 heritage and leisure craft, paddlesteamers and riverboats, some more than 100 years old.  Never before had such a flotilla been assembled on the Murray River.

Directed by Paul Williams, the documentary features memorable vision of many of the paddlesteamers that took part in Centenary of Federation’s event, including the PS Oscar W, the PS William Randell and the PV Akuna Amphibious.

Also included is never before seen private family archival footage and historic photographs and celebrates the unique story of the Murray riverboats.

SOURCE TO SEA - THE STORY OF THE MURRAY RIVERBOATS was made with the assistance of Peter and Jan Teakle from Akuna Station and the South Australian Tourism Commission.

Proceeds from the sale of the 68-minute director's cut video of 'Source to Sea - the Story of the Murray Riverboats' are in support of the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

Further information: Libby Mickan, Channel Seven Publicity, (08) 8342 7297
Ian Doyle, Executive Producer 0417 819 189