PS Curlip (1 hour drive from Metung)

Paddle Steamer Curlip II is a replica of an historic paddle steamer of the Snowy River, in Far East Gippsland, Victoria. In the community project, her construction utilized the traditional skills of wooden boat builders, and thousands of hours of volunteer labour. The Curlip operates as a cruise vessel on the Snowy River Estuary exploring the natural and cultural heritage of this hidden gem of south east Australia. 

The original Paddle Steamer Curlip was built by Sam Richardson and his sons Mark, Albert and Frank, at their sawmill at Tabbara, a pioneering settlement on the Brodribb River, a tributary of the Snowy River. The keel was laid on 14th October 1889 and PS Curlip was launched in 1890. The diary entry for 6th February 1890 “at 12 noon she was launched without a hitch and very little leakage. Length was 48’ x 19’ displacement 10 tons – 2 paddle wheels rated at 2 horsepower.”

The name “ Curlip” is derived from the indigenous name for the area where Tabbara is located and includes land  to the east of the Snowy and Brodribb Rivers towards Cape Conran. 

Glide past rushes, graceful herons and contemplative cows as the paddle wheels churn rhythmically on. Vistas of distant mountains frame waterways full of birds: black swans, cormorants, pelicans and ducks. As you pass by a sea eagle's nest high atop a tree in the rainforest, the aroma of fresh coffee from the galley drifts across the clean air.