The Yarrawonga vessel is due to make its upstream journey to Albury early next week to commence its third season of operating from the former Cumberoona paddle steamer wharf at Noreuil Park.

Boat owner Fraser Knowles said last summer the low river water levels resulted in the Sienna Daisy only being able to operate for around 20 days.

“With the drought and the demand for water all the way down the river we expect the flows to be more consistent,” he said.

“Unless we have some serious rain that river is going to stay very high.”

Albury Council last week temporarily removed the wharf from the river for repairs.

Mr Knowles said the submerged area of the mooring had suffered rust and abrasion damage which had left holes in the metal structure which were now being fixed through sandblasting.

The council believes that the dock will be back in place in early November and Mr Knowles anticipates cruises will begin shortly afterwards with a schedule similar to last season’s.

The Sienna Daisy’s website states cruises will begin on November 3 and run until February .

Albury Council has strived to help ensure water managers maintain Murray River levels during holiday peaks.

It has had a motion supported by the Murray Darling Association and Local Government NSW to have the Murray Darling Basin Authority take into account tourism needs in determining the river’s height.

There has been a particular concern about it dropping sharply around Easter when the irrigation season ends.