Part-owners of the riverside Waikerie Caravan Park, they are about to slap in a tender for the River Murray Queen, which is up for sale after the paddleboat business went into administration.

"We are spending $6.3 million on the park over the next three years and we are hoping we can incorporate the River Murray Queen at the same time to benefit Waikerie and the Riverland," Tracey told Caravanning News.

"There is a lot of work to be done on the boat and it will initially be used for accommodation only until it is up to standard to again run on the beautiful River Murray. It will probably take about 12 months."

Tracey knew that a few caravan parks owned houseboats. "We'll be doing the same kind of thing ... but on a much larger scale," she said.

The paddleboat, built at Narnu Bay on Hindmarsh Island in 1973, can accommodate up to 96 holidaymakers.

It was used mainly as a river cruise boat, but fell into disrepair and became a backpackers' lodge in Goolwa. The vessel was then bought by investors five years ago but the venture failed and even attempts operate it as a restaurant and cafe at Waikerie proved difficult.

"It has a beautiful function area and a lot of potential to become a wide range of things," Tracey said. "It has facilities for a fantastic restaurant on board. We think it's a great business opportunity. If we have anything to do with it, The Murray River Queen will come back and will be enjoyed by all its guests."

Tracey and David bought a share in the three-and-a-half star, 92-site caravan park – a member of the Family Park chain – seven months ago after running the Canberra YHA hostel.

They have managed parks for nearly 10 years, collecting many tourism awards along the way and proudly boasting of taking their first caravan park from a two-star establishment to four stars in just two years.

"In the next three years it is hoped our caravan park will move to being on the Murray River and the current location turned into a lifestyle village," Tracey explained.

"Plans include a new swimming pool, new amenities, new cabins, jumping pillow, new office and tourist information and booking centre.

"If we are successful with tendering for the Murray River Queen we will be cross training staff in the tourism and hospitality industries. Tourism in the Riverland is continuing to try to let the people of Australia know that although we are in drought the Riverland has a great product in the tourism sector."

Tracey said the Murray waters were down but still had ample for recreation.

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