Positive Signs Along the Murray

BIAV CEO Steve Walker recently undertook a regional industry tour, gaining valuable insights into activity and momentum across Northern Victoria’s boating sector.

In Mildura, the houseboat, fishing, and cruising communities are thriving, supported by continued growth in houseboat hire and on-water tourism. It was a pleasure to meet industry leaders Maddie from Baldwin Boats and Lucy from All Seasons Houseboats/Marina, both of whom are contributing strongly to the region’s success. Further along the Murray at Lake Boga Marine, Pat leads an impressive young team with an average age of just 21, delivering excellent outcomes for boaters and the local community. In Echuca, Paul and the Xtreme Marine team continue to set a high benchmark in sales, service, and customer support and in Shepparton, Mark and Simon from Boats and More shared positive signs of strong consumer interest and steady demand across their dealership.

The tour also included valuable updates from other operators across the region, including Jase from Mildura Houseboats, Mark from MN Marine in Merbein, Trav from Yarrawonga Marine, and Marc from SH Wallace in Shepparton, each offering insights into activity levels, customer trends, and regional demand. Overall, Northern Victoria’s boating industry is busy, highly engaged, and showing strong signs of continued growth as the sector heads into 2026.