MILDURA Paddle Steamers staff breathed a sigh of relief when they learnt cruises would still be able to operate under the Victoria-New South Wales border closure.
The family-owned business faced uncertainty when the border closure was announced, with the boats moored at Buronga and cruises leaving from Mildura Wharf.
But owner-operator Lyn McKenzie said on Wednesday she was now assured it was full steam ahead for the river cruises.
“As long as (passengers) are able to get on at the Mildura Wharf, we are allowed to take them on a cruise,” she said.
“It’s great news and it’s so good to tell people.”
“I’m really pleased for the visitors. They’ve come all the way to visit Mildura and it’s good that they can do something here.”
Mildura Paddle Steamers has been back on the water for almost a month, after stopping the engines during the height of the pandemic.
The border closure announcement came in the midst of school holidays in both states, a time when tourism operators normally see increased visitors.
According to Ms McKenzie, while capacity was down due to social distancing restrictions, spirits were higher than ever among passengers.
“These school holidays have been really great for us,” she said.
“We’ve put all our plans into place and we’re taking less people. Because we’re taking less people, we’re actually filling up.”
