4 Night Murray River Explorer

4 night Explorer Cruise

  • 4 Nights onboard the Historic Paddlesteamer ‘Emmylou’
  • Weekly departures from Echuca Monday 4pm
  • Enjoy a complimentary V/Line Train fare from Melbourne to Echuca
  • All Meals included onboard including Morning and Afternoon Tea
  • Take in the sights and sounds of the famous Murray River with included onshore tours and why not try your luck fishing for some Murray River Cod!
  • Discover More Sale – Save a further $500 per couple on our Winter Departures by using Promo Code WSAVE500
  • Solo Travellers Special – No Surcharge  

From $1910 pp or $2,400 Solo

Deposit $400 Per Person

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Embark on a 4-night Murray River voyage aboard the PS Emmylou, the world’s sole wood-fired paddlesteamer offering overnight cruises. Setting sail from Torrumbarry, guests are whisked back to the golden age of paddle steamers. The vessel’s authentic wood-fired engines evoke nostalgia, complemented by its impeccable brass fittings and polished woodwork, offering a unique glimpse into history.

Throughout this journey, delve into the Murray River’s rich tapestry of history and wildlife. Guided tours to historic Perricoota Station and Echuca, once a bustling hub for paddlesteamers, offer insights into the region’s past. Additionally, visits to Restdown Winery for an Aboriginal culture exploration and riverside dining under the Southern constellations promise unforgettable experiences.

Onboard, indulge in delectable cuisine crafted by skilled chefs using locally sourced ingredients. Relax on the sun deck, sipping wine and admiring the river’s scenic beauty. Retire each night to well-appointed cabins, lulled to sleep by the gentle river sounds, ready to awaken to new adventures each morning. Discover the magic of the Murray River aboard the PS Emmylou—a blend of modern luxury and historic charm. Book your passage today for an unparalleled journey on the world’s only wood-fired paddlesteamer.

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Day 1 - Norris bend

After arriving by coach from Echuca you depart Torrumbarry upstream, enjoy an afternoon Devonshire tea, take in the sights and sounds of the river and get to know your fellow cruisers. There’s ample time to chat with the skipper in the wheelhouse to learn about PS Emmylou, her river history or simply relax in your private cabin. 

When the sun begins to set, this marks the start of ‘Happy Hour’. Enjoy a drink in the saloon before a chefprepared welcome dinner. Listen to the river birds’ evening chorus and watch for kangaroos, wombats, and many species of birds as the stars begin to appear. Tonight, we moor at Norris Bend where your crew will have a riverside campfire (weather dependant) ready for you to enjoy after diner.
Simply an outstanding piece of Australian History. My sister and I had the most amazing three nights on the Emmylou. The staff were exceptional, each person made sure you were cared for, from Julie’s big smile as she welcomed you into the saloon each meal, Greg our chef and his amazing meals, will need to loose a few kilo’s from the trip now. Geoff’s love of steam engineers, we discovered he has his own steam engine at home, he really did know every detail, and was always happy to have a chat.
JJW653
April 2023

Day 2 - Onshore Tour & perricoota Station

After a hearty breakfast, Emmylou cruises to the famous Perricoota Station, the property first settled by James Maiden in 1843, and famous for starring in the TV mini series “All the River Run” where PS Emmylou was renamed PS Providence. Here you will depart to Restdown Winery, producers of fine organic wines and Hereford beef. Join the property’s owners for a guided tour along a 1.4km wetlands walking trail, highlighting items of great Aboriginal significance before a gourmet lunch of local produce and wine tastings.

Arriving back at Perricoota Station the skipper will invite you to walk along the historical buildings and immaculate gardens of Perricoota Station before happy hour. Tonight enjoy a fabulous dinner on the deck on Emmylou overlooking the famous Perricoota Station mansion. Tonight, after dinner it’s Movie Night with a special presentation of “Riverboats Remembered”, a fabulous historical presentation featuring archival footage of the paddle steamers and communities of the Murray River from the early 1900s through to the mid1970s.
We recently travelled with Murray River Paddlesteamers on the PS Emylou for a three night cruise from Echuca to Torrumbarry Weir. The three night cruise which included all meals and alcohol (with meals) provided an excellent way to enjoy both the scenery along the river and the experience of travelling on an old paddlesteamer with its associated history. This, complemented by the friendly, knowledgable and efficient staff made for an excellent long weekend away. Scott, our Captain for the cruise, managed the rising river and the strong currents with ease, whilst simultaneously providing expert commentary along the way. The on shore excursions, at the 'beer can' museum (which proved to be so much more!) the winery, the old sheep station and the weir, led by Scott were excellent. The food provided by Andrew and Julie and the steam engine history lesson from Anthony topped off a great weekend away. Highly recommended.
Michael F
July 2023

Day 3 - All Day Cruising & Layfield Lane

For early risers and keen photographers, the morning mist and wildlife around Perricoota is a sight to behold. After breakfast, Emmylou gracefully steams  onwards upstream for a full day of cruising towards our riverside mooring, Layfield Lane mooring. 

Today enjoy lunch on the deck or in the saloon with plenty of time to relax with a good book or just take in the river views. Tonight, enjoy a grand dinner on the riverbank – our signature Australian BBQ (weather dependent), lit up by candles on the tables and stars in the sky. After dinner enjoy casual conversation around the campfire (weather dependent) with live  entertainment before retiring for the evening.

Day 4 - Town Tour & Echuca

Start your day with a satisfying breakfast to fuel up for an exciting half-day adventure on both land and water. Your guided Henry Hopwood Town Tour tour will take you through the charming town of Echuca, uncovering hidden historical gems like Hopwood’s Punt and the pontoon bridge. This bridge, the brainchild of Echuca’s founder Henry Hopwood, marks the initial river crossing in the area. 

Next, prepare to be enchanted by our 110 year old PS Canberra featuring a red gum timber hull built in 1912 at Goolwa South Australia. Enjoy morning tea aboard.
Before returning to Emmylou for lunch when your river cruise adventure continues upstream cruising past the imposing Port of Echuca Wharf once home to over 100 paddlesteamers in its heyday. This evening you will enjoy a farewell dinner cruising upriver of Echuca .

Day 5 - Echuca

Before breakfast, early risers can enjoy a wander along the riverbank before we say farewell. Coach transfer to Echuca Car Parking, Train Station, and Echuca CBD Hotels