New Departure Just Added - 2nd November 2020
Our premier 4 Night Murray River Cruise explore over 190km’s of leisurely cruising on Australian’s longest river. Cruising aboard a traditional wood-fired paddlesteamer on this 4 night 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 and listen to the lilting rhythm and swish of the paddlewheels as PS Emmylou takes you back to a bygone era of romantic travel cruising the Murray River.
During this cruise step off the vessel to experience tours highlighting places of geographical, historical and Aboriginal cultural significance as well as some quaint riverside wineries. Visit the Toorumbarry Weir to learn about the basin and lock system and tour the historic Perricoota Station, first built in 1843 and Arbuthnot Red Gum Sawmill for an insight into the history of the area. Tour Restdown Winery, an organic wine producer and enjoy a local lunch with the owners.
Stretch your legs on a wetlands walk to learn of the Aboriginal heritage of this land 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. Enjoy our signature Grand Dining experience with evenings spent around a campfire and under a beautiful night sky, this journey is sure to be a highlight of your holiday
Chloe Cann from the UK Telegraph recently cruised aboard PS Emmylou as our guest. You can read her review story HERE
Highlights
- New Deluxe air-conditioned Cabins with private ensuites
- The Emmylou Suite for an added touch of luxury and space
- Two onshore guided tours to local wineries, historical sites, local producers
- Guided Eco Cruise, World Heritage-listed area
- Overnight mooring, a guided walking tour of at Perricoota Station Estate
- Signature Riverside Grand Dining under the stars & campfire
- Enjoy fresh seasonal local produce prepared by your onboard Chef
- Native wildlife in their natural environment
- Local Skipper Commentary
Inclusions
- Complimentary transfer to/from local Hotels & Echuca Train Station, transfers from Melbourne and Bendigo can be arranged
- Onboard Accommodation
- Chef prepared meals
- Espresso Coffee, Tea & Bottled Water
- Complimentary Wifi throughout the boat
- All Gratuities
Day 1
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Monday
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 the famous Perricoota Station. Rich in history, the property was first settled by James Maiden in 1843, and famous for starring in the TV movie “All the River Run” where PS Emmylou was renamed PS Philadelphia.
Courtesy Greg Grainger – Travel OZ
Day 2
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Tuesday
Wake to a morning self-guided walk around the building and vast gardens scattered with old date palms before enjoying breakfast. We then depart for our onshore tour visiting Restdown Winery, producers of fine organic wines and Hereford beef. Here you will enjoy a guided 1.4km wetlands walking trail of early Aboriginal significance with the owners followed by a gourmet lunch of local produce with complementary wine tastings.
We then visit Arbuthnot Redgum Sawmill dating back to 1889 for a short tour of the redgum mill before arriving at Torrumbarry Weir and PS Emmylou. Here you can take a walk across the weir and visit the Interpretive Centre learning about the Murray Darling Basin, the Weir and lock system which dates back to 1923.
This afternoon we cruise towards our overnight bush mooring at Norris Bend. After dinner it is movie night, with a special presentation of “Riverboats Remembered” a fabulous historical presentation about the riverboats of mid 1850’s along the Murray River.
Day 3
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Wednesday
This morning early risers and keen photographers can take bush walk and capture the special morning light and wildlife around Norris Bend before we steam towards Perricoota Station. Upon arrival join the Skipper for a guided walking tour of the gardens and buildings before you depart on a half day excursion travelling 30 minutes to the small town of Barmah.
Enjoy a traditional Australian picnic lunch riverside before departing 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.
It is then time to re-join PS Emmylou and relax as we continue our cruise upriver towards our overnight mooring at Deep Creek Marina. Tonight, enjoy dinner service as Emmylou cruises at dusk with her powerful lamps lighting up the banks of the river as the local wildlife begin their evening chorus. Watch for kangaroos, egrets and many other species of birds as the stars begin to appear over the river.
Day 4
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Thursday
This morning PS Emmylou departs on a full day of cruising towards our Layfield Lane Mooring. Enjoy breakfast on the deck then relax with a good book or just take in the river views and wildlife as Emmylou steams her way upriver. Today your welcome to try your hand at steering the boat with the Skipper or learning how the 1906 steam engine works with the Engineer.
Tonight, you will enjoy our signature Grand Dining gourmet Australian BBQ. Enjoy sampling the delicious range of Pacdon Park UK small goods for entrée before joining your fellow passengers at the riverside grand dining table, star lit by the Southern Cross and candles. After dinner enjoy some yarns sitting around the campfire before retiring for the evening
Day 5
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Friday
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
