2 Night Murray River Highlights Cruise
Our 2 night Murray River Cruise is an enchanting introduction highlighting the winding upper Murray river. Cruising aboard a traditional wood fired paddlesteamer on this Murray River Cruise engages your senses from the moment you board. Feel the warmth of the 1906 steam engine as the engineer stokes the boiler with Redgum logs, climb up to the wheelhouse to chat to the Skipper, or just sit and gaze at the changing reflections in the water as PS Emmylou takes you back to a bygone era of romantic travel.
During the cruise step off the vessel to experience an onshore tour highlighting places of geographical, historical and cultural significance. Tour St Anne’s Winery with an owner led cellar & barrel tastings tour, visit Pacdon Park, makers of fine UK small goods and embark on a small boat eco cruise through the UNESCO World Heritage listed Barmah Forest in search of local flora and birdlife in the world’s longest strand of Red River Gum.
With evenings spent on the river bank around a campfire and under a beautiful night sky, this journey is sure to be a highlight of your holiday.
Day 1
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Thursday
Departing Echuca downriver, enjoy a welcome afternoon tea with freshly made Australian scones, jam & cream with tea and coffee as you begin to relax and enjoy the sights and sounds of the river. Time to relax or take the opportunity to chat with the Engineer and Skipper in the wheelhouse about the rich history of the river and PS Emmylou. As the sun starts to set over the river, time for an evening cocktail before your chef prepared welcome dinner. Listen to the river birds evening chorus, watch for kangaroos, wombats, egrets and many other species of birds as the stars begin to appear. Tonight, we moor at Layfield Lane where your welcome to join your fellow passenger around the roaring campfire to watch the stars appear in the stunning night sky before retiring for the evening.
Day 2
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Friday
Wake to an early morning walk along the riverbank, home to native birds, plants and wildlife before enjoying breakfast. This morning we depart on a half day excursion travelling 30 minutes to the small town of Barmah. Here you depart on your guided Eco Cruise, where you can get up close to Australian nature and wildlife. Nowhere else in the world can you experience such timeless, natural beauty and peace as when you are gliding through the World-Heritage listed Barmah Wetlands aboard the MV Kingfisher. You will understand why they have been named “ Wetlands of International Importance” as you slip quietly across the water in the dappled shade of towering gums of the world’s largest single stand of River Red Gum.
We then enjoy a traditional Australian picnic lunch riverside before we continue to Pacdon Park, makers of fine UK small goods where you can sample their fine assortment of produce. We then visit the region’s largest winery, St Anne’s where you will enjoy a short winery tour provided by the owners and then taste their fabulous table and fortified wines. You will also have the opportunity to sample their delicious Echuca Cheeses and Chocolates all made from local produce. It is then time to re-join PS Emmylou. Time to relax in the afternoon sun as Emmylou continues cruising up river past the imposing Echuca Wharf before turning bound for our overnight mooring at Horseshoe Lagoon. Tonight, after you have enjoyed your dinner, it’s Movie Night, with a special presentation of “Riverboats Remembered” a fabulous historical presentation about the riverboats of the mid 1850’s along the Murray River.
Day 3
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Saturday
This morning before breakfast early rises can enjoy a riverside stroll before PS Emmylou then departs for the Port of Echuca where we reluctantly say farewel
