Retreat to the Murray

Be met in Melbourne and transferred by coach to Torrumbarry on the banks of the mighty Murray River, where you’ll board your marvellous home for the next seven nights, the five-star PS Australian Star. The brand-new paddlesteamer is the largest in the southern hemisphere and boasts modern and spacious rooms, hosting a maximum of just 38 guests. Settle in and meet your fellow travellers as your paddlesteamer sets off upstream. You can soak in the scenery from your room’s own private verandah, or you might like to relax in the Hopwood Lounge or share a drink in the outdoor seating area as you sail in unrivalled luxury en route to Norris Bend. A riverside campfire and chef-prepared welcome dinner awaits in the bush surrounds, before you retire to your stylish room for your first night aboard.   

 Signature Experience – The Mill Echuca  Immerse yourself in the local charm and flavours of Echuca as you relish a delectable meal at The Mill, a charming local restaurant. Located in a historic five-storey building established in 1881 and once home to Echuca’s flour mill, the setting blends industrial charm with modern design. 

Following breakfast on board, cruise to the iconic Perricoota Station then board a coach for a visit to Restdown Wines. Here you’ll join the property’s owners for a guided tour along a beautiful walking trail, learning about significant Indigenous heritage sites, before savouring a gourmet lunch and wine tasting featuring the region’s local produce. After lunch, return to Perricoota Station to tour its historic buildings and pristine gardens before returning to your paddlesteamer for dinner on the deck. A documentary on the famous paddlesteamers and communities of the Murray River provides the perfect way to close out another sensational day on the river.

Enjoy full day of cruising today after the morning mist settles around wildlife-rich Perricoota. The pleasant and relaxing journey to Layfield Lane reveals the beauty of the special environment, which can be admired in its full glory from the many panoramic viewing points of the PS Australian Star. Enjoy lunch in the onboard space of your choice, whether you’d like to soak in the rays on the outdoor deck or relax in Randell’s Dining Room. Tonight, delight in a delectable Australian BBQ on the riverbank followed by live entertainment and time to relax around the campfire (weather dependent). 

Signature Experience – Onboard Wine-Tasting  As your ship cruises along the Murray, revel in a unique wine-tasting experience on board with a partnering winery. Savour the nuanced notes of exceptional wines against the scenic backdrop of the Murray, creating a perfect harmony of relaxation and indulgence. 

Following another delicious onboard breakfast, depart your floating home for a half-day exploration of the fascinating town of Echuca. Embark on the Henry Hopwood Town Tour, discovering Echuca’s icons including Hopwood’s Punt and the pontoon bridge, which was the region’s original Murray River crossing. Next is a brilliant morning tea aboard the PS Canberra, which was constructed in 1912, before free time to further explore Echuca. Return to the PS Australian Star for lunch before setting sail upstream again, passing the historic port of Echuca Wharf. 

Signature Experience – Guided Lantern Tour  Journey back in time and discover Echuca’s dark secrets of the past on a one-hour guided lantern tour. Echuca Wharf and its surrounding area have long been associated with ghost stories and unexplained happenings. 

Spectacular silo art awaits on a half-day discovery today. Journey to Rochester and Colbinabbin to admire the vast, vibrant murals which adorn still-working grain silos and depict the region’s enthralling heritage and magnificent wildlife. Delve further into the region’s culture with an authentic pub lunch with the welcoming owners and locals of the Colbinabbin Hotel. Soak in the serenity back on board this afternoon as the PS Australian Star swings back downstream. Marvel at the riverside scenery with a cup of tea or enjoy free flowing drinks in the saloon as you glide along the Murray. Tonight, return to the riverbanks of Layfield Lane for another mouth-watering BBQ dinner and evening of entertainment and conversation by the campfire.

Following breakfast on board, return to land for a delightful visit to the Great Aussie Beer Shed & Heritage Farm Museum on the outskirts of Echuca, where you’ll immerse yourself in the history of the region.  After a brief return to your paddle steamer, stop off for a wonderful wine tasting at St Anne’s Vineyards’ Echuca Cellar Door before reboarding for an afternoon tea service as you cruise in luxury towards Deep Creek Marina. 

Signature Experience – St. Anne’s Winery Lunch and Tour  Explore the intricate art of winemaking at St Anne’s Winery in Echuca. Witness the meticulous process from vine to bottle, gaining insights into the cultivation of grapes, fermentation, and barrel aging. After the enlightening tour, indulge in a delectable lunch featuring exquisite grazing boards, perfectly paired with the winery's finest selections. 

Continue downstream early this morning en route to the Torrumbarry Weir. Upon arrival, take a guided walk across the historic weir before visiting the Interpretive Centre to learn more about the incredible Murray-Darling Basin and the weir and lock system, which is over a century old. Tonight, savour pre-dinner canapes and drinks as the sun sets over the weir before indulging in your last dinner on board, hosted by your friendly Captain. Admire the dazzling star-studded skies and native wildlife as you bask in the beauty of the region for the final night of your adventure.

Enjoy a riverside stroll before breakfast if an early rise appeals to you, then farewell the PS Australian Star for the last time and board a coach for your return journey via Echuca to Melbourne, where your unforgettable holiday comes to an end.