4 Night Murray River Explorer Cruise
Our premier 4 Night Murray River Cruise explore over 190km’s of leisurely cruising on Australia’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 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
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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
Deposit & Car Parking
- Deposit $400pp with full payment due 90 days from cruise date
- Undercover Secure Car Parking $25 per night
If you are arriving by car with reserved car parking, please meet our crew 1 hour prior to departure at our Car Parking Station located at 19-29 Cornelia Creek Road Echuca. Check-in will be completed by our crew with luggage and passengers transferred to PS Emmylou for departure.
Inclusions
- Complimentary wine and beer at dinner service
- Complimentary transfer to/from local Hotels & Echuca Train Station, transfers from Melbourne and Bendigo can be arranged
- Onboard Accommodation
- Regionally inspired Chef prepared meals
- Two onshore guided tours
- Espresso Coffee, Tea, Soft Drink & Bottled Water
- Complimentary Wifi throughout the boat
Day 1
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Departing Echuca and steaming downriver, enjoy afternoon tea with freshly made scones served with jam & cream and your choice of tea or coffee. Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the river or take the opportunity to chat with the Engineer or the Skipper in the wheelhouse about the rich history of the river and PS Emmylou.
As the sun starts to set it’s time for ‘Happy Hour’ in the Saloon before sitting down to a 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 is famous for starring in the TV mini-series “All the River Run” where PS Emmylou was renamed PS Providence.
Courtesy Greg Grainger – Travel OZ
Day 2
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Wake to your first morning on the river and take in the tranquility of the Murray as you enjoy breakfast. Afterward, it’s off 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.
This is followed by a gourmet lunch of local produce with complimentary wine tastings. Returning to the Emmylou we continue downstream for Torrumbarry Weir. 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.
Day 3
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This morning early risers and keen photographers can take a bushwalk and capture the special morning light and wildlife around Torrumbarry before we steam back towards Perricoota Station. From there you’ll embark on a half-day excursion traveling 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 the world’s largest single stand of towering River Red Gum.
Upon your return to the Emmylou join the Skipper for a walk past the gardens and buildings of Perricoota Station to the impressive homestead. It’s then time to relax as we continue our cruise upriver towards our overnight mooring at Deep Creek. Enjoy dinner as Emmylou steams into the night with her powerful lamps lighting up the banks of the river as the local wildlife begin their evening chorus.
After dinner, it is 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 mid 1970s.
Day 4
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This morning PS Emmylou embarks on a full day on the river, as we steam toward Layfield Lane. 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 you can learn how the 1906 steam engine works with an informative chat from our Engineer. Upon our arrival, you can enjoy sampling the delicious range of Pacdon Park UK small goods over happy hour.
Dinner follows and tonight it is a classic Australian BBQ served riverside, under the stars of the Southern Cross. After dinner enjoy some yarns sitting around the campfire before retiring for the evening.
Day 5
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This morning before breakfast early risers can enjoy a riverside stroll before PS Emmylou then departs for the Port of Echuca where we reluctantly say farewell.
