The paddle steamers of Echuca

These photos were taken in the Australian town of Echuca which claims to be home to the largest number of paddle steamers. One of them is PS Adelaide, the oldest operating paddle steamer in the world, having been built in 1866.

And jolly nice they were too, puffing away properly, the air reeking of their smoke, and when on-board one there was a gentle rhythm under foot.

A very civilized way to travel up and down the rivers of Australia - which are one of the longest navigable water ways in the world.