Amid the Murray’s tranquil riverbanks, an all-Australian chorus of sulphur-crested cockatoos, magpies, and kookaburras fills the air with a melodious tune. The gentle rustle of Eucalyptus red gum leaves adds to the symphony, swaying harmoniously in the breeze. Meanwhile, the rhythmic slap of the paddle wheel against the water infuses the ambiance with a meditative pulse, creating the daily soundtrack of a Murray River cruise.

Embarking on the PS Australian Star, guests step into a world of nostalgia and luxury. As the sole wood-fired, five-star paddle steamer in the world, it offers journeys steeped in history and natural beauty. From Torrumbarry Weir to Echuca and beyond, passengers traverse the Murray on a seven-night voyage, immersing themselves in serene natural scenery, cultural delights, and the region's finest wineries and cuisine. The impeccably crafted decks of the ship provide the perfect vantage point to soak in vistas of the flourishing riverbanks, while the alluring aroma of crackling firewood evokes tales of the river's storied paddle steamer past.

Dining on board is gourmet and paddock-to-plate in style, with a new menu created daily. All meals are locally inspired and freshly prepared by the onboard chef. Produce such as organic beef is often sourced from local farms and wineries and on select days, guests will also enjoy barbeques and campfires on the riverbank.  

Shore activities include a lunch and wine tasting at St Anne’s Winery and an evening ghost tour of Echuca Wharf. Guests will also have ample opportunity to connect with the Murray’s rich heritage on board and learn about the unique quirks of Australian paddle steamers from the ship’s dedicated “Riverlorian”. The PS Australian Star’s authentic wood-fired steam engine dates back to 1907 and the ship’s engineers will demonstrate to guests how it operates. On longer cruises, there will also be evening viewings of All the Rivers Run, the celebrated Australian novel and mini-series set on the Murray River during its 19th century paddle steamer heyday.

Your Fly, Stay & Cruise Package Includes:

• $500 flight credit per person
• 1 night 4+star accommodation in Melbourne with breakfast
• Private transfer airport to hotel
• 7 night Retreat to the Murray cruise aboard PS Australian Star, Melbourne return

Includes:

• Experiences in six destinations
• Locally inspired dining - a total of 21 meals & a wide range of onboard beverages
• Services of an APT Tour Director
• Savour a two-course lunch at the Mill
• Owner-led guided tour of Restdown Wines & Walking Trail, followed by a delicious lunch
• Riverside BBQ dining under the stars, complete with live entertainment & a crackling campfire
• Journey back in time & discover Echuca’s dark secrets of the past on a one-hour guided lantern tour

Pricing is per person twin share and based on travel 07-15 December 2025

Alternative dates available, surcharges apply

Itinerary:

Day 1 Arrive Melbourne, Torrumbarry, Embark Paddlesteamer

Be met in Melbourne and transferred by coach to Torrumbarry on the banks of the mighty Murray River, where you’ll board your marvellous home for the next seven nights, the five-star PS Australian Star. The brand-new paddlesteamer is the largest in the southern hemisphere and boasts modern and spacious rooms, hosting a maximum of just 38 guests. Settle in and meet your fellow travellers as your paddlesteamer sets off upstream. You can soak in the scenery from your room’s own private verandah, or you might like to relax in the Hopwood Lounge or share a drink in the outdoor seating area as you sail in unrivalled luxury en route to Norris Bend. A riverside campfire and chef-prepared welcome dinner awaits in the bush surrounds, before you retire to your stylish room for your first night aboard.

Day 2 River Cruising, Perricoota Station

Following breakfast on board, cruise to the iconic Perricoota Station then board a coach for a visit to Restdown Wines. Here you’ll join the property’s owners for a guided tour along a beautiful walking trail, learning about significant Indigenous heritage sites, before savouring a gourmet lunch and wine tasting featuring the region’s local produce. After lunch, return to Perricoota Station to tour its historic buildings and pristine gardens before returning to your paddlesteamer for dinner on the deck. A documentary on the famous paddlesteamers and communities of the Murray River provides the perfect way to close out another sensational day on the river.

Day 3 River Cruising, Layfield Lane

A fabulous full day of cruising awaits today after the morning mist settles around wildlife-rich Perricoota. The pleasant and relaxing journey to Layfield Lane reveals the beauty of the special environment, which can be admired in its full glory from the many panoramic viewing points of the PS Australian Star. Enjoy lunch in the onboard space of your choice, whether you’d like to soak in the rays on the outdoor deck or relax in Cadell’s Dining Room. Tonight, delight in a delectable Australian BBQ on the riverbank followed by live entertainment and time to relax around the campfire (weather dependent).

Day 4 River Cruising, Echuca

Following another delicious onboard breakfast, depart your floating home for a half-day exploration of the fascinating town of Echuca. Embark on the Henry Hopwood Town Tour, discovering Echuca’s icons including Hopwood’s Punt and the pontoon bridge, which was the region’s original Murray River crossing. Next is a brilliant morning tea aboard the PS Canberra, which was constructed in 1912, before free time to further explore Echuca. Return to the PS Australian Star for lunch before setting sail upstream again, passing the historic port of Echuca Wharf.

Day 5 Rochester, Colbinabbin, River Cruising, Layfield Lane

Spectacular silo art awaits on a half-day discovery today. Journey to Rochester and Colbinabbin to admire the vast, vibrant murals which adorn still-working grain silos and depict the region’s enthralling heritage and magnificent wildlife. Delve further into the region’s culture with an authentic pub lunch with the welcoming owners and locals of the Colbinabbin Hotel. Soak in the serenity back on board this afternoon as the PS Australian Star swings back downstream. Marvel at the riverside scenery with a cup of tea or enjoy free flowing drinks in the saloon as you glide along the Murray. Tonight, return to the riverbanks of Layfield Lane for another mouth-watering BBQ dinner and evening of entertainment and conversation by the campfire.

Day 6 Echuca, River Cruising, Deep Creek Marina

Following breakfast on board, return to land for a delightful visit to the Great Aussie Beer Shed & Heritage Farm Museum on the outskirts of Echuca, where you’ll immerse yourself in the history of the region. After a brief return to your paddlesteamer, stop off for a wonderful wine tasting at St Anne’s Vineyards’ Echuca Cellar Door before reboarding for an afternoon tea service as you cruise in luxury towards Deep Creek Marina.

Day 7 Torrumbarry Weir

Continue downstream early this morning en route to the Torrumbarry Weir. Upon arrival, take a guided walk across the historic weir before visiting the Interpretive Centre to learn more about the incredible Murray-Darling Basin and the weir and lock system, which is over a century old. Tonight, savour pre-dinner canapes and drinks as the sun sets over the weir before indulging in your last dinner on board, hosted by your friendly Captain. Admire the dazzling star-studded skies and native wildlife as you bask in the beauty of the region for the final night of your adventure.

Day 8 Echuca, Depart Melbourne

Enjoy a riverside stroll before breakfast if an early rise appeals to you, then farewell the PS Australian Star for the last time and board a coach for your return journey via Echuca to Melbourne, where your unforgettable holiday comes to an end.