Set sail on an extraordinary journey along the scenic Murray River, blending relaxation, exploration, and indulgence. The 7-Night one time only Koondrook Expedition Cruise offers a rare chance to explore over 200 kilometres of rarely seen waterways, onboard the majestic PS Emmylou, an authentic paddle steamer.
Starting from the historic Port of Echuca, the journey winds through lush, secluded sections of the Murray, offering unmatched vistas and tranquility. Whether you’re steering the boat with the skipper, learning about the vintage 1906 steam engine, or simply soaking in the sunset, every moment onboard is a memory in the making.
Embark on the PS Emmylou for a one-of-a-kind river cruise where history, nature, and luxury meet. This unforgettable journey is waiting for you!
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.
Late afternoon we arrive at 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. 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.
This morning we navigate through the Lock at Torrumbarry Weir. Watch the Skipper manoeuvre Emmylou into the lock with the wide gates locking behind the boat. The lock will be lowered, and Emmylou will be on her way. Today you will see parts of the river not seen by our guests for over 20 years as Emmylou
steams her way downstream towards Koondrook. This section of the river is teaming with nature and birdlife so time to get your binoculars out and spot some
of the local wildlife. Tonight we moor at a bush mooring where you can disembark and explore the surrounding area. After dinner relax with a beverage around a
campfire with your fellow guests enjoying the starlight sky and stillness of the bush.
Departing our bush mooring Emmylou continues to explore the river downstream with a full day of cruising. This winding section of the river is one of the most beautiful area of with Willow Trees and native vegetation lining the river banks. Take the time to enjoy nature at its finest as PS Emmylou slowly winds her way down river. Tonight enjoy a second bush mooring and campfire.
This morning we depart our bush mooring for the short cruise into the lovely township of Koondrook where Emmylou will dock overnight at the fabulous new Koondrook wharf. Today you will visit the 1889 Koondrook Sawmill for a guided tour and have plenty of time to explore the riverside towns of Koondrook & Barham. Enjoy exploring the many wonderful shops and local pubs or enjoy a red gums forest walk. Dinner tonight is served overlooking the river from Koondrook wharf.
This morning after breakfast Emmylou departs Koondrook to explore the river upstream with a full day of cruising. This winding section of the river is one of the
most beautiful area of with Willow Trees and native vegetation lining the riverbanks. Take the time to enjoy nature at its finest as PS Emmylou slowly winds her way towards our bush mooring. 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 arrive at our bush mooring where you can stretch your legs with a walk of the surrounding area and enjoy an evening campfire with your fellow passengers.
This morning early rises can enjoy a bushwalk before we depart upstream towards Torrumbarry Weir arriving in the afternoon. Watch the Skipper manoeuvre
Emmylou into the lock with the wide gates locking behind the boat. Once through the Lock 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. Tonight, enjoy dinner overlooking the Weir and evening wildlife.
After dinner its slide night, with a special presentation of historical riverboats that plyed the might Murray river during the mid 1850's.
This morning PS Emmylou departs on a full day of cruising towards our Layfield Lane Mooring arriving late afternoon. This section of the river is teaming with
nature and birdlife so time to get your binoculars out and spot some of the local wildlife. You are also welcome to try your hand at steering the boat with the
Skipper or learning how the 1906 steam engine works with the Engineer. This evening enjoy dinner aboard PS Emmylou moored at Layfield Lane.
This morning before breakfast early rises can enjoy a morning bush walk before PS Emmylou departs for the Port of Echuca where we reluctantly say farewell.
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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.