Melbourne and the Murray River Discovery

Melbourne, the cultural capital of Australia, bids you 'Wominjeka' (meaning ‘welcome' in the language of the Wurundjeri people, the Traditional Owners of the Melbourne area). From its founding in 1835, Melbourne has grown into one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world, celebrated for its rich history, vibrant arts scene, and buzzing nightlife.

You'll be greeted on arrival at the airport before enjoying a comfortable transfer to your accommodation, The Voco Melbourne Central. The remainder of the day is yours to unwind or discover Melbourne's vibrant laneways, cafes and riverfront.

After breakfast, join a local guide for a city walking tour - the perfect way to experience Melbourne. As your guide shares insights into the city's history and culture, visit iconic spots like Flinders Street Station, Chinatown, and Hosier Lane.

Afterwards, embark on a guided tour of Queen Victoria Market, a Melbourne landmark with over 145 years of history. Once the city's wholesale hub, the "Queen Vic" has evolved into a vibrant food lover's paradise, brimming with fresh produce, gourmet treats, artisanal products, and street food from around the world. Your guide will lead the way through the bustling food halls, uncovering local highlights and international bites, offering a feast of ingredients that celebrate Melbourne's multicultural spirit.

From Melbourne's cosmopolitan CBD, you may choose to join an optional excursion to the natural wonders of Phillip Island.

Enhance Your Journey - Visit Philip Island In Philip Island, visit the Koala Conservation Reserve where elevated boardwalks offer the chance to observe koalas in their natural habitat, alongside native birdlife and bushland species. As evening falls, experience the world-famous Penguin Parade. From purpose-built viewing platforms, watch as hundreds of little penguins emerge from the ocean and waddle ashore to their burrows - a truly iconic Australian wildlife spectacle.

This morning, be transferred to the rural town of Echuca in northern Victoria. This is where you'll board the PS Emmylou, your floating home for the next four nights. The moment you step aboard, be transported to the golden age of paddle steamer travel, where life moved at a slower pace and travel wasn't simply about the destination, but the journey itself. Tonight, you'll enjoy a special Insider Experience.

A perfect replica of a vintage paddle steamer, Emmylou is powered by its original 1906 Marshall, Sons and Co steam engine. Its gleaming timber cladding and authentic wheelhouse evoke a bygone era, and guests are welcome to step inside and chat with the skipper. The eight elegant onboard cabins feature fine linens, private en suites, and direct deck access - perfect for pausing to watch serene river scenes drift by.

Set off at 4pm this afternoon for Layfield Lane, where you'll spend your time on board unwinding with a good book or simply soaking in the ever-changing scenery of the Upper Murray River. Upon arrival, enjoy a gourmet Australian barbecue under the stars, followed by a live music performance.

Insider Experience - Riverside Barbecue Experience Dine under the Southern constellations with a riverside barbecue at Layfield Lane. This gourmet feast sets the mood for an evening of casual conversation and live entertainment by a crackling campfire (weather dependent).

Start your morning with a delicious breakfast on the deck of PS Emmylou, then hop aboard our coach for the Henry Hopwood Town Tour. This engaging guided experience leads you through the historic centre of Echuca, where you'll uncover the fascinating stories behind local landmarks, explore the differences between the steam era and modern times, and gain a deeper appreciation for the unique character that defines this river town today.

We then rejoin PS Emmylou for a day of cruising to your next stop, the historic Perricoota Station. Enjoy lunch on board as the Murray's ever-changing scenery unfolds before you - majestic river red gums, sunlight dancing across the water, and perhaps even a kangaroo hopping beyond the tree line. Listen out for the laugh of a kookaburra over the rhythmic splashing of the paddle steamer.

Dock at Perricoota Station, where you'll enjoy happy hour aboard PS Emmylou before savouring a gourmet dinner with your fellow travellers, prepared by your onboard chef.

Start your day with a hearty breakfast aboard PS Emmylou before stepping ashore for a truly memorable half-day land and river tour. Your first stop is the uniquely Australian Great Aussie Beer Shed & Heritage Farm Museum - a quirky and fascinating collection showcasing over 20,000 pieces of memorabilia, from vintage beer cans and iconic advertising to historic farming equipment. It's a lively, nostalgic look at Australian culture and ingenuity.

We then head to the award-winning St Anne's Winery for a tasting of their exceptional table and fortified wines. Afterwards, enjoy a glass of your favourite wine with a delightful charcuterie board

Upon returning to Perricoota Station, your Captain will guide you on a leisurely walk through the manicured riverside gardens, taking in the beautifully restored historic building. As evening approaches, enjoy happy hour aboard before dinner is served, as PS Emmylou cruises in the twilight towards Deep Creek Marina.

Insider Experience - St Anne's Winery Experience the best of St Anne's Winery with a guided tasting of their handpicked collection of signature wines. Once you've discovered your favourites, unwind with a delicious grazing spread thoughtfully curated to complement the winery's acclaimed offerings.

By this stage of your journey, you'll have fully embraced the unhurried rhythm of life on the Murray River.

As your paddle steamer makes its gentle way upriver towards Echuca, savour your final full day on board exactly as you please. Settle into a quiet nook with a good book, sip a barista-made coffee on deck, swap stories with fellow travellers, or take the opportunity to chat with the engineer and discover the fascinating workings of the magnificent 1907 steam engine that powers your journey.

As evening falls, celebrate your final night on board with a beautifully prepared dinner showcasing the finest local flavours and regional produce, before PS Emmylou gracefully returns to her berth in Echuca.

After breakfast, disembark the PS Emmylou and board a coach for your journey to Swan Hill. Along the way, pause at Mount Hope and Gunbower National Park for a chance to stretch your legs. Gunbower is celebrated for its birdwatching opportunities, so keep on the lookout for kookaburras, blue-feathered superb fairywrens, dusky woodswallows and more during a leisurely walk through the forest and wetlands. If you're feeling active, join a moderate hike up Mount Hope where you'll be rewarded with picturesque views of the Murray Riverlands.

Continue to Swan Hill, stopping en route in Cohuna, where you may like to explore the town and savour lunch at your leisure. This evening, arrive in Swan Hill. This rural town is located nearby the Murray River, and is renowned for its stone fruits, wineries and its annual Swan Hill Food and Wine Festival.

Insider Experience - Dinner and Laser Light Show Savour a delicious two-course dinner before attending the Heartbeat of the Murray laser light show, a visually dynamic storytelling experience showcasing the history of the river.

Following breakfast, set off for the natural wonders of World Heritage-listed Mungo National Park. Spend time exploring this lunar-like landscape, from the unique formations of the Walls of China trail to the Mungo Woman and Mungo Man, some of the most important human remains ever found in Australia. The national park's namesakes are the Mungo Woman and Mungo Man. Their 42,000-year-old ritual burial sites contained the oldest human remains outside of Africa and are a tribute to the resilience of the Paakantyi, Ngiyampaa and Muthi Muthi people, descendants of the Mungo people.

This afternoon, enjoy lunch at the national park before time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or learn more about the park at the Mungo Visitor Centre. Check in to your accommodation for the night, Mungo Lodge. This evening, take part in an Insider Experience before dinner back at your lodge.

Insider Experience - Sunset Tour Partake in a Mungo Lodge Sunset Tour and follow your guide to the Walls of China during golden hour to capture the perfect sunset photo. While you're chasing sunsets, look out for local kangaroos, emus and other birdlife.

Arrive in South Australia today, stopping in the rural town of Renmark for lunch at leisure. This charming town is another Murray River gem, located along a sweeping section of the river and surrounded by ochre-coloured cliffs, wetlands abundant with birdlife and a fantastic brewery and distillery scene. After time to peruse the town, continue to the world-renowned Barossa Valley where your Insider Experience awaits, stopping en route at Waikerie for chance to stretch your legs and admire the Murray River cliffs and Silo Art.

At Barossa Valley, check in to your deluxe, eco-friendly safari tent before setting off for an afternoon of culinary delights. What better way to immerse yourself in the Barossa Valley than by taking a vineyard tour of the renowned Jacob's Creek winery. Explore the 14 different grapes varieties and learn more about how wine is made, followed by a tasting at the cellar door. The gourmet delights continue this evening at a Farewell Dinner at the family-owned 1918 Bistro & Grill, serving local seasonal produce.

Insider Experience - Jacob's Creek Winery Immerse yourself in the heart of the Barossa Valley with a visit to Jacob's Creek winery, where you'll enjoy a guided tasting of their renowned wines surrounded by picturesque vineyard views.

After breakfast, set off on a sorbet, gelati and chocolate tasting at Barossa Valley Chocolate Company for your Insider Experience. Afterwards, farewell the Barossa Valley's stunning network of patchwork vineyards as you are transferred to Adelaide. On arrival, check in to Vibe Hotel Adelaide and enjoy a farewell dinner with your fellow travellers, reflecting on the memorable experiences of your journey.

Insider Experience - Barossa Valley Chocolate Company Enjoy a tasting experience at Barossa Valley Chocolate Company, where chocolatiers have matched their white, ruby and milk chocolates with three house-made sorbet and gelati, resulting in a decadent dessert combination.

Today, your tour comes to an end as you are transferred to the airport for your onward flight.