Members save more on over 100,000 hotels worldwide
Unlock member discounts
Unlock exclusive discounts and inclusions
Members only pricing
Bonus hand-picked inclusions
4 Night Explorer Cruise
Operated by Murray River Paddlesteamers
Tripcode: 0427-4NE
Overview
Destination:
Australia,
Start:Echuca, Australia
Finish:Echuca, Australia
Finish:Echuca, Australia
Duration:5 days
Type:Group tour (max 16)
Travel Period
June 2025 - July 2025
Experience the beauty and history of the Murray River like never before with a 4-night Murray River cruise aboard the PS Emmylou, the world’s only wood-fired paddlesteamer doing overnight cruises. Built in 1980 and recently upgrading to include luxury cabins with ensuites, the PS Emmylou offers a truly unique way to explore the stunning Australian outback.
As you set sail from Torrumbarry you’ll be transported back in time to the era of the original paddle steamers that once plied the Murray River. The PS Emmylou’s wood-fired engines provide an authentic experience that you won’t find anywhere else in the world. You’ll marvel at the craftsmanship of this historic vessel, with its gleaming brass and polished woodwork.
During your 4-night journey, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the region’s rich history and diverse wildlife. Onshore tours will have you disembarking at places of historical, geographical and cultural significance including the historic Perricoota Station and Echuca, once home to the largest fleet of paddlesteamers in the world. You will also visit Restdown Winery learning about the local Aboriginal culture on wetlands guided walk with the owners before enjoying a delicious lunch. You’ll also dine under the lights of the Southern constellations with our signature riverside dining, complete with a river campfire and roasting marshmallows.
Back onboard the PS Emmylou, you’ll enjoy delicious meals prepared by our talented chefs using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Relax on the sun deck with a glass of wine as you take in the stunning river views. Each night, you’ll retire to your beautifully appointed cabin, complete with all the modern amenities you need for a comfortable stay. Fall asleep to the gentle sound of river and wake up each morning to a new day of adventure on the Murray River.
A 4-night Murray River cruise aboard the PS Emmylou is a truly unforgettable experience, combining the luxury of modern amenities with the charm and authenticity of a bygone era. Book your journey today and discover the magic of the Murray River and the world’s only wood-fired paddlesteamer.
Inclusions
- Complimentary coach transfers to Toorumbarry to commence your cruise
- Luxury air-conditioned cabin with private ensuite
- All onboard meals including morning & afternoon tea
- Onshore tours
- Chef prepared Regionally-inspired meals
- Selected wine & beer with dinner service
- Espresso coffee, tea, soft drink & bottled water
WIFI throughout the boat
Standard inclusions
- Complimentary coach transfers to Toorumbarry to commence your cruise
- Luxury air-conditioned cabin with private ensuite
- All onboard meals including morning & afternoon tea
- Onshore tours
- Chef prepared Regionally-inspired meals
- Selected wine & beer with dinner service
- Espresso coffee, tea, soft drink & bottled water
WIFI throughout the boat
Itinerary
Expand all 
Collapse all
Collapse allDay 1
After arriving by coach from Echuca settle in as Emmylou departs Torrumbarry upstream, take the opportunity to savour an afternoon Devonshire tea while enjoying the picturesque views and acquainting yourself with fellow cruisers.
You may chat with the skipper in the wheelhouse to learn about PS Emmylou’s river history, relax in your private cabin or relish a drink in the saloon during “Happy Hour” as the sun sets.
In the evening, the crew will have a riverside campfire ready for you to enjoy after a chef-prepared welcome dinner at Norris Bend. Keep an eye out for kangaroos, wombats, and birds as you bask in the river birds’ evening chorus and the emerging stars.
Day 2
After a hearty breakfast, PS Emmylou will cruise to the famous Perricoota Station. You’ll have the opportunity to board our coach to visit Restdown Winery, joining the property’s owners for a guided tour along a 1.4km wetlands walking trail, highlighting items of Aboriginal significance before enjoying a gourmet lunch of local produce and wine tastings.
Afterward, you’ll walk along the historic buildings and immaculate gardens of Perricoota Station before enjoying a fabulous dinner on Emmylou’s deck overlooking the famous property and river.
The night will conclude with a fascinating documentary featuring archival footage of the paddlesteamers and communities of the Murray River.
Day 3
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
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
This morning before breakfast early risers can enjoy a riverside stroll before we reluctantly say farewell.
Coach transfer to Echuca Car Parking, Train Station, and CBD Hotels
Departure dates
Select your preferred date or enquire
Operator
Murray River Paddlesteamers
In 1996, Murray River Paddlesteamers began their first cruises along the Murray River and has since expanded to include the PS PS Emmylou, updated with 8 luxury cabins with ensuites in 2018, and the hundred year old PS Canberra. After twelve months of restoration during 2002-2003, Paddle Steamer Canberra is to date, the only known vessel along the Murray River to have been converted back to steam. In March 2015 the business was purchased by brother’s Craig & Rohan Burgess together with local identity & Skipper Neil Hutchinson. The business continues to grow and expand on strong foundations which was acknowledged in July 2016 with the business winning Gold at the Regional Tourism Awards and Silver in the prestigious VTIC, Victorian Tourism Awards again in 2018.. We are dedicated to making your cruise along the Murray river memorable offering a wide range of cruising options across three traditional Paddlesteamers. Each vessel is unique and shows the dedication we have in providing an experience for our guests with all cruises short or long offering live historical commentary from the skipper. From a 1 hour cruise, lunch or dinner experience or a luxurious overnight boutique inland river cruise aboard PS Emmylou, we have something for everyone to enjoy. We are proud to continue the tradition of river cruising along Australia’s greatest waterway with our trademark level of country hospitality aboard pour authentic paddlesteamers. We hope you can join us to connect you with Australia’s inland history, geography, culture and cuisine. The Murray offers a unique destination to discover one of Australia’s beautiful regions; the riverside towns, the wildlife, and of course, a cruise on an old paddle steamer.
Important Information
*Terms and conditions
Please note: We are proud to be an independent agent to travel providers of hotels, flights and other related services. We are not a tour operator. Details and information on the offer are provided by 3rd party businesses and although we do our best to verify the information, we cannot guarantee its accuracy on all occasions. These offers are not available in conjunction with any other offer unless otherwise stated. Pricing and availability are subject to change without notice.
For more information, please see Terms of Use
Book now
Need help?
Price from
$2,400
$2,280
*
Member price from
$2,280*
per person
4 nights
Check departuresCan't find the answer you're looking for? Get in touch with our friendly Travel Consultants.
Call 1800 850 888Speak to one of our friendly consultants, available during business hours.
Mon to Fri · 9am - 5pm AEST
Speak to an expert in-store
Prefer to plan in person? Make an appointment at our Travel Store to speak with one of our experts
© 2025 Royal Automobile Club of Victoria (RACV) All rights reserved.