The Department of Foreign Affairs says it is providing consular assistance to the family of an Irishman who's died in Australia.

It is understood he had been on a houseboat with a group of friends when he slipped and fell into the Murray River, near Echuca-Moama on the New South Wales border with Victoria.

Police in New South Wales says they were alerted at around 1.40am local time that a man, who was staying on the boat with friends, had fallen from the top deck into the water.

ItÂ’s believed the man, who is said to be from the North, may have hit his head as he fell in.

Police assisted by divers, local marine rescue and a number of local boats assisted in a search.

His body was located around two hours later by Victoria Police divers.

A report will be prepared for the local Coroner.

It is understood the man's family is making arrangements to travel to Australia.