Page "Murray River" Paragraph 39

The volume and value of river trade made Echuca Victoria's second port and in the decade from 1874 it underwent considerable expansion.

By this time up to thirty steamers and a similar number of barges were working the river in season.

River transport began to decline once the railways touched the Murray at numerous points.

The unreliable levels made it impossible for boats to compete with the rail and later road transport.

However, the river still carries pleasure boats along its entire length.