Heritage buffs gather as SA’s oldest paddle steamer turns 130
Moored quietly on the water on the weekend, Daisy carried the familiar scents of steam and timber – a reminder of the paddle steamer’s unique place in trade, transport and every day life on the River Murray.
Built in 1896, PS Daisy entered South Australian waters in March 2024 after a journey down the River Murray from Wentworth, New South Wales, and has since made Mannum her new home.
On the weekend, around 80 people from across South Australia celebrated the 130th birthday of PS Daisy, South Australia’s oldest paddle steamer, at Mary Ann Reserve at Mannum.
Several historic vessels and river boats were moored alongside her for the celebration, including PV Matilda and PV Kulkyne, both of which were present when Daisy first arrived at Mannum.
Other vessels, such as PS Jumbuck, PV Avalon, MV Falcon and MV Miss Orlando, joined the festivities, creating a picturesque scene along the riverbank.
Despite strong winds sweeping along the river, community members and heritage enthusiasts travelled from Adelaide, Renmark, Loxton, Echuca and surrounding towns to gather beside the historic vessel.
Moored quietly on the river, Daisy sat in the open air, carrying the familiar scents of steam, timber and river water – a reminder that this was not a museum display, but a living piece of river history.
Launched during the golden era of paddle steamers, Daisy was central to transport, trade and everyday life along the Murray.
Over more than a century, she has witnessed dramatic changes in technology, communities and the river itself.
Yet unlike many vessels of her era, Daisy remains physically present, maintained and cared for by those determined to keep her story alive.
In 2024, Daisy entered a new chapter when ownership passed to South Australian local Luke Carpenter, still in his 20s.
Mr Carpenter is the third owner since the vessel’s major restoration and has taken on the responsibility of maintaining one of the state’s most significant maritime heritage assets.
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Speaking at the celebration, he reflected on how his relationship with the vessel had evolved over the past 10 months.
“I’ve got a much deeper appreciation for what she is now,” he said.
“Once you take over the maintenance, it really becomes your responsibility – everything that needs doing, it’s all on you.”
Since purchasing the vessel, Mr Carpenter has already carried out substantial work, including replacing flooring and enclosing the rear cabin.
Further interior fit-outs, including a galley, are planned as part of ongoing improvements.
Looking ahead, he hopes Daisy will continue to operate as a working vessel on the river rather than being confined to static display.
One of his longer-term ambitions is for Daisy to travel the full stretch from Mannum to Echuca, the town where she was originally launched more than a century ago.
“She belongs on the river,” he said.
“That’s where she makes sense.”
Andrew Cook, who originally restored PS Daisy, attends her birthday party on Sunday. Photo: Zhen Pu.
Also attending the birthday celebration was Andrew Cook, who led the extensive restoration of PS Daisy after the vessel was salvaged in 2001.
For him, the day carried deep personal meaning.
He recalled first encountering Mr Carpenter at the Junction Rally in Wentworth in 2024, when the young enthusiast was drawn to the vessel.
“He came for a ride, and I could see straight away he had a genuine interest in steam,” Mr Cook said.
Reflecting on his own journey with Daisy, he said the restoration project had been something he had dreamed of since childhood.
One of his most treasured memories came during Daisy’s maiden voyage following restoration in 2014, when the vessel travelled from Lock Nine to Chowilla Station as part of the station’s 150th celebrations.
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“My father came along on that trip when he was 80,” Mr Cook said.
“At the time, I didn’t realise just how much it meant to him.
“It was only after he passed away in 2020 that my sister told me how excited he had been to be there with Daisy.”
PS Daisy‘s history stretches back to the 19th century; she is pictured here in about 1920. Photo: State Library of South Australia (PRG 1258/1/727).
For Mr Cook, Daisy has done more than preserve timber and machinery – she has drawn people together and surfaced long-held memories and connections.
“She brings history to the surface,” he said.
“Not just the boat’s history, but people’s personal stories as well.”
Visitors attending the celebration echoed those sentiments.
Mannum residents Dave King and his wife Christine said the sound of Daisy had become a familiar and much-loved presence since the vessel moved to Mannum last year.
“We live by the Murray River, and whenever Daisy passes by our property, we can hear her – she makes a wonderfully distinctive sound on the water,” Mr King said.
“We love it – that’s why we’re here today.”
Jackson Wickham, owner of the self-built paddle wheeler Avalon, travelled from Renmark to celebrate Daisy‘s birthday. Photo: Zhen Pu.
Jackson Wickham, who travelled two and a half hours from Renmark with his own paddle wheeler, Avalon, launched his boat alongside Daisy for the celebration.
“I met Luke about five years ago at Goolwa, coincidentally on the water,” he said.
“I’ve witnessed the whole journey of Luke and Daisy, and I’m here today to celebrate her 130th birthday and the story she carries for the river community.”
Mr Carpenter’s parents, Dave and Maria Carpenter, decorated Daisy with a very special birthday cake, shaped like the vessel herself.
We are very proud of our son Luke, and we love Daisy,” Mrs Carpenter said.
“She’s become part of our family as well.”
One hundred and thirty years after her launch, PS Daisy continues to endure through the dedication of individuals and communities who believe heritage is something to be lived, not locked away.
The birthday celebration was more than a milestone for a boat; it was a reflection of a shared commitment to the Murray River’s past, present and future.
– This article appeared in the Murray Bridge News
