Paddle Steamer Pevensey

This painting depicts the paddle steamer Pevensey making its way along the Murray River, having departed from the wharf at Echuca. It is bound for a distant sheep station to take on a cargo of wool bales. At this period in Australia's history, before the system of Locks was constructed along the Murray, the water level was unreliable. The paddlesteamers had to get the job done quickly, or else they could be stranded for months waiting for the water to rise again.