Murray River Paddlesteamer - Explorer Cruise

Highlights:
-Join the owner for an insightful tour of Restdown Winery and its picturesque wetlands, capped off with a delectable lunch featuring locally sourced produce. Indulge in table wine tastings to enhance the experience.
-Traverse Perricoota Station’s enchanting gardens alongside your knowledgeable skipper, soaking in the allure of the famed filming location for the iconic Australian television series, All the Rivers Run.
-Delve into Echuca`s historical sites on a narrated coach tour, gaining insights into the captivating stories that shaped the area.
-Savor a one-of-a-kind riverside BBQ dining experience under the stars, accompanied by live entertainment and the warmth of a crackling campfire.
-Cruise aboard the venerable 110-year-old PS Canberra, sipping on traditional morning tea as you enjoy the timeless surroundings.
-Experience all-day cruising with a historical commentary that will transport you back in time and immerse you in the rich cultural heritage of the Murray River region

Explorer Cruise cruise package includes:
- 4 night cruise aboard the PS Australian Star in a luxury air-conditioned cabin with private ensuite from Torrumbarry to Echuca
- All onboard meals including morning & afternoon tea
- Onshore tours
- Regionally-inspired meals prepared by onboard chef
- Complimentary selected wine & beer with dinner service
- Espresso coffee, tea, soft drink & bottled water
- Complimentary WIFI throughout the boat
- Complimentary return V/Line train fare from Melbourne to Echuca
- Complimentary coach transfers from the Echuca Car Park or train Station to PS Australian Star at the beginning and end of your cruise
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Discounts: The fares shown here are full brochure fares. There may be special offers from time to time, so please contact us for the current best deal.

Solo Traveller - 75% surcharge. Please contact us for availability.

Optional extras: The following items can be added to your cruise fare as per the charges listed below.

1. 1 Night Pre OR Post Cruise Hotel Stay - Mercure Hotel Echuca - $195.00 per room per night
Extend your experience in Echuca with a Pre or Post Cruise Stay at the Mercure Port of Echuca Hotel. This exclusive rate will see you staying in a Deluxe King Room featuring a king bed, plasma TV, exquisite bathroom, pay-TV, and wireless internet access. This beautiful Hotel is within easy walking distance of the Port of Echuca and High Street shops.

2. 4 Night Secure Car Parking - $100.00 ($25.00 per vehicle per night)
4 Night Cruise Parking a secure undercover car parking facility is located just minutes from the departure point offering peace of mind knowing that your vehicle is protected from the elements.
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Day to Day Itinerary:

Day 1. Norris Bend: As PS Australian Star departs Torrumbarry, have the opportunity to indulge in an afternoon Devonshire tea while taking in the scenic views and getting to know your fellow cruisers. You can chat with the skipper in the wheelhouse and learn about the river history or unwind in your private cabin or the saloon during “Happy Hour” as the sun sets. In the evening, the crew will set up a riverside campfire (subject to weather) for you to enjoy after a welcome dinner at Norris Bend, prepared by the chef. You can also look out for kangaroos, wombats, and birds while taking in the evening chorus of the river birds and the emerging stars.

Day 2. Perricoota Station: After a hearty breakfast before cruising to the famous Perricoota Station. You`ll have the chance to board our coach for a visit to Restdown winery with the property`s owners, walk along a 1.4km wetlands trail with significant Aboriginal items, and enjoy a gourmet lunch of local produce and wine tastings. You can then explore the historical buildings and immaculate gardens of Perricoota Station before having dinner on PS Australian Star`s deck overlooking the mansion. The night will conclude with a fascinating documentary featuring archival footage of the paddlesteamers and communities of the Murray River.

Day 3. Layfield Lane: For early risers and avid photographers, the morning mist and wildlife around Perricoota is a spectacle to behold. You`ll then spend the whole day cruising upstream towards Layfield Lane, enjoying lunch on the deck or in the saloon. In the evening, you can experience a grand dinner on the riverbank with the signature Australian BBQ, followed by live entertainment and casual conversation around the campfire (weather dependent).

Day 4. Town Tour & Echuca: Begin your day with a hearty breakfast to prepare for an exhilarating half-day expedition encompassing both land and water. Embark on our unique guided Henry Hopwood Town Tour, a captivating journey through the quaint town of Echuca, where you`ll unearth hidden historical treasures such as Hopwood`s Punt and the pontoon bridge. This bridge, conceptualized by Echuca`s founder, Henry Hopwood, stands as the original river crossing point in the region. Prepare to be captivated by the 110-year-old PS Canberra, boasting a red gum timber hull constructed in 1912 at Goolwa, South Australia. Indulge in morning tea aboard this vessel before returning to PS Australian Star for lunch, your river cruise adventure continues upstream, passing by the impressive Port of Echuca Wharf, which was once bustling with over 100 paddle steamers during its prime.

Day 5. Echuca: This morning before breakfast early risers can enjoy a riverside stroll before we reluctantly say farewell.