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Retreat to the Murray

Seven-night luxury cruise aboard the PS Australian Star - Save up to $2,000 per couple*

Melbourne return

8 days / 7 nights

River Cruise Holiday

Guided Tour

PS Australian Star

Multiple departures

Overview

Multiple departures: January - December 2027

Embark on an eight-day luxury cruise aboard the PS Australian Star. Enjoy stunning Murray River views, gourmet dining, and exclusive experiences like wine tastings, historic site visits, and local art tours. Relax during evening campfires and enjoy live entertainment as you explore Echuca and beyond with just 38 guests.

Pricing based on 18 January 2027 departure correct as at 6 October 2026

PS Australian Star

Experience the magical Murray River region aboard the PS Australian Star, a brand-new luxury paddle steamer. The ship features 19 luxury staterooms and exceptional facilities. The Hopwood Lounge and outdoor seating area are the perfect places to relax and watch the river go by, while the Randell dining restaurant offers delicious and locally sourced fare with a fresh menu every day.

Ship Overview

  • The only wood-fired, five-star, accommodated paddle steamer in the world, launched in 2026 and locally built in Mildura. With three decks, the ship is the largest paddle steamer in the southern hemisphere.
  • Your APT Tour Director will provide seamless service and attention to detail. Enjoy an enriching journey, savouring each and every moment along the Murray.
  • The Hopwood Lounge and outdoor seating area are perfect places to relax and enjoy panoramic views. Enjoy a wide range of all-day onboard beverages.
  • 19 passenger staterooms all with private en suite: 1 King Owner's Suite with private balcony, 1 Queen Owner's Suite with private balcony and 17 Queen Cabins.
  • The Randell dining restaurant offers guests a new menu every day showcasing fresh and delicious local produce and cuisine.
  • Onboard passenger lift providing easy access to all staterooms and onboard facilities.

Inclusions

  • Seven nights aboard the PS Australian Star
  • Experiences in six destinations
  • Locally inspired dining with all meals and a wide range of onboard beverages included
  • Services of an APT Cruise Director
  • Exclusive round-trip coach transportation to Melbourne
  • Owner-led guided tour of Murray Gums Estate, followed by lunch and a wine tasting
  • Riverside BBQ dining under the stars, complete with live entertainment and a crackling campfire
  • Journey back in time and discover Echuca’s dark secrets of the past on a one-hour guided lantern tour

Itinerary

Day 1 | Melbourne – Torrumbarry – Embark PS Australian Star

Be met in Melbourne and transferred by coach to Torrumbarry, where you'll board the luxurious PS Australian Star, your home for the next seven nights. Settle into your spacious stateroom and enjoy the scenery from your private deck as the paddlesteamer begins its journey upstream.

This evening, gather with your fellow travellers for a chef-prepared welcome dinner beside a riverside campfire in the bush surrounds.

Signature Experience

Junction Moama Dining Experience

Founded in 1847, Junction Moama celebrates the rich heritage of Echuca and surrounds. Enjoy a curated dining experience showcasing seasonal dishes crafted from locally sourced produce in a stunning riverside setting at the junction of the Murray and Campaspe rivers.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Seven Nights aboard PS Australian Star


Day 2 | River Cruising – Perricoota Station

Cruise to the historic Perricoota Station before travelling by coach to Murray Gums Estate. Join the owners for a guided walk through the property, learn about local wine and olive oil production, and enjoy a gourmet charcuterie board featuring regional produce.

After lunch, return to Perricoota Station to explore its historic homestead and beautiful gardens before rejoining your paddlesteamer.

This evening, enjoy dinner on board followed by a fascinating documentary on the history of the Murray River paddlesteamers and communities.

Highlights

  • Perricoota Station
  • Murray Gums Estate
  • Wine and olive oil tasting
  • Historic homestead and gardens

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: PS Australian Star


Day 3 | River Cruising – Layfield Lane

Enjoy a full day of leisurely cruising as you travel through the wildlife-rich landscapes of the Murray River. Take in the ever-changing scenery from the vessel's panoramic viewing areas or unwind in one of the elegant onboard lounges.

Signature Experience

Onboard Wine Tasting

Enjoy a unique wine tasting hosted by a partnering regional winery while cruising along the Murray River. Sample exceptional local wines while admiring the passing scenery.

Signature Experience

Riverside Barbecue Experience

As evening falls, dine under the stars and enjoy a gourmet riverside barbecue showcasing fresh regional produce. Relax beside a crackling campfire with live entertainment in the tranquil Murray River setting.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: PS Australian Star


Day 4 | Echuca

Today, explore the historic river port of Echuca.

Join the Henry Hopwood Town Tour and discover local landmarks including Hopwood’s Punt and the original Murray River crossing. Enjoy a cruise aboard the heritage PS Canberra, built in 1912, before free time to further explore Echuca.

Return to the PS Australian Star for lunch before continuing your journey upstream.

Signature Experience

Guided Lantern Tour

Step back in time on a guided lantern tour through Echuca. Hear captivating stories of the town's colourful riverboat history, ghostly legends and unexplained happenings around the historic wharf precinct.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: PS Australian Star


Day 5 | Rochester – Colbinabbin – River Cruising – Layfield Lane

Discover the region's spectacular silo art on a half-day excursion to Rochester and Colbinabbin. Admire vibrant murals depicting local history, culture and wildlife, painted across towering grain silos.

Enjoy a traditional country pub lunch at the Colbinabbin Hotel before returning to the paddlesteamer for a leisurely afternoon cruise downstream.

Signature Experience

Riverside Barbecue Experience

Return to the banks of Layfield Lane for another unforgettable riverside barbecue dinner featuring regional produce, campfire entertainment and relaxed conversation under the stars.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: PS Australian Star


Day 6 | Echuca – Deep Creek Marina

Disembark this morning for a visit to the Great Aussie Beer Shed & Heritage Farm Museum, where you'll gain insight into the history and culture of the region.

Continue to St Anne's Vineyards for a delightful tasting experience before returning to the PS Australian Star for afternoon tea as you cruise towards Deep Creek Marina.

Signature Experience

St Anne's Winery

Enjoy a guided wine tasting featuring a range of award-winning wines. Afterwards, indulge in an exquisite grazing board carefully paired with the winery's finest selections.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: PS Australian Star


Day 7 | Torrumbarry Weir

Cruise to the historic Torrumbarry Weir and enjoy a guided walk across this important piece of Murray River infrastructure.

Visit the Interpretive Centre to learn about the Murray-Darling Basin and the century-old weir and lock system that transformed river navigation throughout the region.

This evening, enjoy pre-dinner canapés and drinks while watching the sunset over the weir before your final dinner aboard, hosted by your Captain.

Highlights

  • Torrumbarry Weir
  • Interpretive Centre
  • Murray-Darling Basin insights
  • Captain's Farewell Dinner

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: PS Australian Star


Day 8 | Torrumbarry – Echuca – Melbourne

Enjoy a final riverside walk before breakfast if you wish, then farewell the PS Australian Star.

Travel by coach via Echuca back to Melbourne, where your memorable Murray River cruise comes to an end.

Meals: Breakfast

 

Booking terms and conditions apply.

* Term and conditions apply: All pricing subject to change and availability. Advertised prices are per person twin share unless stated otherwise. Offers may be withdrawn at any time. Itineraries are subject to change. Booking Conditions and Phil Hoffmann Travel Schedule of Professionalism* applies. Please speak to your Phil Hoffmann Travel Consultant for more information.

Destinations featured in this deal

Australia Victoria

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