How did steamboats on the Murray River improve trade for South Australia?

The development of steamboats on the Murray River after 1853 significantly improved trade for South Australia by opening new possibilities for intercolonial commerce.12

By providing a reliable means of river transport, steamboats allowed the colony to better leverage its primary production, which was a cornerstone of its economic growth during the mid-19th century. The town of Goolwa, located near the mouth of the Murray, became a vital river port and hub for this trade, featuring large shipbuilding and brewing facilities that earned it the nickname "New Orleans of Australia". This river-based shipping network facilitated the movement of goods across the region until the eventual expansion of railways led to a decline in river transport.1234