Murray River Explorer

Arrive in Melbourne, board your train at Southern Cross station and travel 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. Stay Four Nights: PS Emmylou (D)

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 the 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 re-join Emmylou to make a leisurely cruise downstream to your next stop, the historic Perricoota Station. Watch as scenes along the Murray unfold as you cruise, the majestic river red gums, the sunlight bouncing off the river's surface, and the hopeful glimpse of a kangaroo hopping beyond the tree line. Listen out for the laugh of a kookaburra over the rhythmic splashing of the paddle steamer.

At Perricoota Station, join your skipper for a guided tour of the historic farm and homestead and its pristine gardens. Later, return to PS Emmylou to enjoy a gourmet dinner with your fellow travellers, prepared by your onboard chef. Cap off your day with a documentary screening of the Murray River's local communities and its famous paddle steamers throughout history. Before retiring to your cabin for the night, admire the starry night sky and the calming quiet of the Australian bush. (B/L/D)

This morning, wake to the sound of native bird song as your paddle steamer gently rumbles to life. Enjoy breakfast on board before a half-day exploration of Echuca, a charming rural town. After, enjoy a cruise aboard the iconic PS Canberra, a vessel with over a century of history, followed by a visit to St Anne's Winery for lunch and tastings.

Back aboard the PS Emmylou, this afternoon it's time to relax as PS Emmylou cruises upstream, listen to the river birds' evening chorus and watch for kangaroos along the riverbanks as the stars begin to appear. Dinner is a celebration of local flavours and produce, served on board this evening at Deep Creek Marina, where your vessel will moor overnight. (B/L/D)

By this point in your journey, you will have well and truly adjusted to the unhurried, relaxed pace of life along the Murray River. Your paddle steamer spends the day travelling back upriver towards Echuca. Sit out on deck enjoying the views while swapping tales with your fellow cruisers, reading a book, or sipping a barista-made coffee and settling into one of the many cosy nooks hidden throughout the vessel. (B/L/D)

If an early rise appeals to you, enjoy a riverside stroll before breakfast. After one last delicious meal on board, farewell the PS Emmylou for the final time and board a train for your return journey to Melbourne Airport, where your unforgettable holiday comes to an end. (B)