Murray River Escape

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. 

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 to Melbourne, where your unforgettable holiday comes to an end.