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