Murray River Paddlesteamers

Echuca Moama

In August 1850 the South Australian Government offered an award of 2000 Pounds to each of the first two steamers to navigate the Murray River from Goolwa in South Australia to the Darling Junction in New South Wales. The steamers were to be at least 40 horsepower and with a draught of over two feet.

William R. Randell of Gumeracha, South Australia, had no knowledge of the South Australian Governments reward when he set about building the P.S. Mary Ann, much to his father's opposition who though he should follow his profession as a miller. Along with his brother Thomas George and Elliot Charles Randell and two hired carpenters they cut and carted redgum to Noa-No (near Mannum) and began construction of the Mary Ann. By February 1853 the Mary Ann was complete, measuring 55ft long, 9ft wide and a draught of 2 feet, 3 inches with a wooden hull.

On her maiden outing low waters cut short the Mary Ann's trip and Randell was forced to wait for a rise in the waters which finally happended in August of 1853. At the same time the highly experienced sea Captain, Francis Cadell had commissioned the construction of the P.S. Lady Augusta which was built in Sydney. The Lady Augusta was launched in March 1853 after he agreed with the South Australian Government a total fee of 2,500 pounds to navigate the Murray River into South Australia and operate the vessel for a 12 month period. The Lady August was 105 feet long with a draught of 3 feet built on a wooden hull.

Cadell's boat was sailed by Captain Davidson to Goolwa on May 31, 1853 where she was christened the Lady Augusta after the wife of South Australian Govenor, Sir Henry Fox Young. 

 On the 25th August 1853 the Lady August departed Goolwa for the Darling  Junction. Randell and the Mary Ann were unaware of the Lady Augusta and it wasn't until late one night that he heard the distant sound of a paddlesteamer, and soon after the Lady Augusta swept past. A two day race then followed as both boats raced to reach Swan Hill first. Eventually the Lady Augusta found a short cut and gained several hours on the Mary Ann.

After several days both paddlesteamers continued upstream but soon the Lady Augusta turned back and the Mary Ann continued on alone, arriving in Echuca Moama on September 24th where he tied up in Moama and was welcomed by James Maiden.

William Randell is acknowledged as the first to navigate the Murray River, but the glory and financial acolades were given to Cadell and his company The Murray Steam Navigation Co.