Australian Star, Explorer Cruise ex Echuca Return

4 Night Cruise sailing from Torrumbarry Weir to Echuca aboard Australian Star.

Day 1 - Norris bend
As you depart Torrumbarry upstream, enjoy an afternoon Devonshire tea, take in the sights and sounds of the river, and get to know your fellow cruisers. There’s ample time to chat with the skipper in the wheelhouse to learn about PS Australian Star, and her river history or simply relax in your private cabin.

When the sun begins to set, this marks the start of ‘Happy Hour’. Enjoy a drink in the saloon before a chef-prepared welcome dinner. Listen to the river birds’ evening chorus and watch for kangaroos, wombats, and many species of birds as the stars begin to appear.

Tonight, we moor at Norris Bend where your crew will have a riverside campfire (weather-dependent) ready for you to enjoy after dinner.

Day 2 - Onshore Tour & perricoota Station
After a hearty breakfast, Australian Star cruises to the famous Perricoota Station, the property first settled by James Maiden in 1843, and famous for starring in the TV mini series “All the River Run” where our famous PS Emmylou was renamed PS Providence.

Here you will depart to Restdown Winery, producers of fine organic wines and Hereford beef. Join the property’s owners for a guided tour along a 1.4km wetlands walking trail, highlighting items of great Aboriginal significance before a gourmet lunch of local produce and wine tastings. Arriving back at Perricoota Station the skipper will invite you to walk along the historical buildings and immaculate gardens of Perricoota Station before happy hour.

Tonight enjoy a fabulous dinner aboard overlooking the famous Perricoota Station mansion. Tonight, after dinner it’s Movie Night with a special presentation of “Riverboats Remembered”, a fabulous historical presentation featuring archival footage of the paddle steamers and communities of the Murray River from the early 1900s through to the mid1970s.

Day 3 - All Day Cruising & Layfield Lane
For early risers and keen photographers, the morning mist and wildlife around Perricoota is a sight to behold. After breakfast, Australian Star gracefully steams onwards upstream for a full day of cruising towards our riverside mooring, Layfield Lane mooring.

Today enjoy lunch on the deck or in the saloon with plenty of time to relax with a good book or just take in the river views. Tonight, enjoy a grand dinner on the riverbank – our signature Australian BBQ (weather dependent), lit up by candles on the tables and stars in the sky.

After dinner enjoy casual conversation around the campfire (weather dependent) with live entertainment before retiring for the evening.

Day 4 - Town Tour & Echuca
Start your day with a satisfying breakfast to fuel up for an exciting half-day adventure on both land and water. Your guided Henry Hopwood Town Tour tour will take you through the charming town of Echuca, uncovering hidden historical gems like Hopwood’s Punt and the pontoon bridge. This bridge, the brainchild of Echuca’s founder Henry Hopwood, marks the initial river crossing in the area.

Next, prepare to be enchanted by our 110-year-old PS Canberra featuring a red gum timber hull built in 1912 at Goolwa South Australia. Enjoy morning tea aboard. Before returning to Australian Star for lunch when your river cruise adventure continues upstream cruising past the imposing Port of Echuca Wharf once home to over 100 paddlesteamers in its heyday.

This evening you will enjoy a farewell dinner cruising upriver of Echuca .

Day 5 - Echuca
Before breakfast, early risers can enjoy a wander along the riverbank before we say farewell. Coach transfer to Echuca Car Parking, Train Station, and Echuca CBD Hotels

Embark on a journey into a new era of river cruising with the PS Australian Star—a vessel that not only bears a name steeped in heritage and pride but also represents the pinnacle of luxury on the iconic Murray River.

Scheduled for a grand launch in June 2025, the PS Australian Star will redefine river cruising, offering year-round, all-inclusive, overnight experiences with 3, 4, and 7-night itineraries along the majestic Murray River, commencing from the charming town of Echuca in Victoria. Seamlessly taking over the reins of the beloved PS Emmylou, the Australian Star will assume the helm of the existing cruise itineraries, promising a voyage that seamlessly blends tradition with opulence.

As you step onto the decks of the PS Australian Star, you enter a realm where every detail tells a tale of the river’s rich heritage and the golden age of paddle steamers. The vessel itself is a masterpiece, a floating testament to the artistry and engineering that defined an era. Immerse yourself in the symphony of steam from the authentic 1907 wood-fired steam engine and the rhythmic churning of the paddlewheel as we embark on a leisurely voyage along the winding waters of the Murray River.

Named in honour of Australia’s celestial Southern Cross, the Australian Star invites you to explore its opulent interiors, where each cabin and lounge exudes an air of refinement. From the Hopwood Lounge & Bar, celebrating the entrepreneurial spirit of Echuca’s founder, to the Randell Dining Room, paying homage to the pioneering journey of William Randell, every space aboard is a chapter in a captivating narrative that unfolds with every river bend.

Boasting 19 plush and modern staterooms, each opening to a deck and featuring an ensuite, air-conditioning, complimentary Wi-Fi, luxury linen, and a TV entertainment system, the Australian Star ensures a luxurious retreat for every traveler. Moreover, its ever-changing river views provide a constant reminder of the beauty that surrounds.

As the PS Australian Star prepares to grace the waters, it beckons you to join a voyage where tradition meets modernity, and luxury becomes an art form. Welcome aboard the PS Australian Star, where history and luxury converge for an unforgettable riverine experience.

Step aboard our iconic paddlesteamers, now including the exquisite PS Australian Star available from June 2025, for an elegant journey back in time along the winding Murray River. Bask in breathtaking views of landscapes and wildlife on a multi-day 3, 4 or 7 night voyage – each promises an unforgettable experience.

Our dedicated crew is poised to cater to your desires, whether it’s a leisurely river trip or a special event. As pioneers of Echuca’s river cruising, we take pride in sharing the river’s stories and preserving its rich heritage. Join us for an adventure through history, guided by passionate storytellers, leaving you with cherished memories.