Reflections of the Murray River

Arrive in Melbourne and be transferred to the rural town of Echuca in northern Victoria. This is where you’ll board the PS Emmylou, your floating home for the next four nights. The moment you step aboard, be transported to the golden age of paddle steamer travel, where life moved at a slower pace and travel wasn’t simply about the destination, but the journey itself. Tonight, you'll enjoy a special Insider Experience.

A perfect replica of a vintage paddle steamer, Emmylou is powered by its original 1906 Marshall, Sons and Co steam engine. Its gleaming timber cladding and authentic wheelhouse evoke a bygone era, and guests are welcome to step inside and chat with the skipper. The eight elegant onboard cabins feature fine linens, private en suites, and direct deck access — perfect for pausing to watch serene river scenes drift by. Set off at 4pm this afternoon for Layfield Lane, where you’ll spend your time on board unwinding with a good book or simply soaking in the ever-changing scenery of the Upper Murray River. Upon arrival, enjoy a gourmet Australian barbecue under the stars, followed by a live music performance.

Insider Experience – Riverside Barbecue Experience

Dine under the Southern constellations with a riverside barbecue at Layfield Lane. This gourmet feast sets the mood for an evening of casual conversation and live entertainment by a crackling campfire (weather dependent).

Begin your day with breakfast served on the deck of the PS Emmylou as the paddle steamer glides leisurely toward your next stop: Perricoota Station. Take in the ever-changing scenery of the Murray River — the towering river red gums, sunlight shimmering on the water, and perhaps even the fleeting sight of a kangaroo bounding beyond the tree line. Listen for the distinctive laugh of a kookaburra, blending with the gentle splash of the paddle steamer’s paddles.

Upon arrival at Perricoota Station, join your skipper for a guided tour of the historic farm, homestead, and its beautifully maintained gardens. Later, return to the PS Emmylou for a gourmet dinner prepared by your onboard chef, shared in the company of your fellow travellers. As the evening unfolds, enjoy a special documentary screening showcasing the rich history of the Murray River’s communities and its legendary paddle steamers. Before retreating to your cabin, step outside to take in the vast, star-filled sky and the tranquil hush of the Australian bush.

By this point in your journey, you will have well and truly adjusted to the unhurried, relaxed pace of life along the Murray River. Your paddle steamer spends the day travelling back upriver towards Echuca. Sit out on deck enjoying the views while swapping tales with your fellow cruisers, reading a book, or sipping a barista-made coffee and settling into one of the many cosy nooks hidden throughout the vessel. Dinner is a celebration of local flavours and produce, served on board this evening before the PS Emmylou continues to Deep Creek Marina, where your vessel will moor overnight.

This morning, wake to the sound of native bird song as your paddle steamer gently rumbles to life. Enjoy breakfast on board before a half-day exploration of Echuca, a charming rural town. After, enjoy a cruise aboard the 110-year-old PS Canberra, where you’ll savour morning tea on board. Back aboard the PS Emmylou, keep on the lookout for emus or wallabies as your vessel cruises past the Port of Echuca Wharf, once home to over 100 paddle steamers.

After breakfast, disembark the PS Emmylou and board a coach for your journey to Swan Hill. Along the way, pause at Mount Hope and Gunbower National Park for a chance to stretch your legs. Gunbower is celebrated for its birdwatching opportunities, so keep on the lookout for kookaburras, blue-feathered superb fairywrens, dusky woodswallows and more during a leisurely walk through the forest and wetlands. If you’re feeling active, join a moderate hike up Mount Hope where you’ll be rewarded with picturesque views of the Murray Riverlands.

Continue to Swan Hill, stopping en route in Cohuna, where you may like to explore the town and savour lunch at your leisure.  This evening, arrive in Swan Hill. This rural town is located nearby the Murray River, and is renowned for its stone fruits, wineries and its annual Swan Hill Food and Wine Festival.

Insider Experience – Dinner and Laser Light Show

Savour a delicious two-course dinner before attending the Heartbeat of the Murray laser light show, a visually dynamic storytelling experience showcasing the history of the river.  

Following breakfast, set off for the natural wonders of World Heritage-listed Mungo National Park. Spend time exploring this lunar-like landscape, from the unique formations of the Walls of China trail to the Mungo Woman and Mungo Man, some of the most important human remains ever found in Australia. The national park’s namesakes are the Mungo Woman and Mungo Man. Their 42,000-year-old ritual burial sites contained the oldest human remains outside of Africa and are a tribute to the resilience of the Paakantyi, Ngiyampaa and Muthi Muthi people, descendants of the Mungo people.

This afternoon, enjoy lunch at the national park before time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or learn more about the park at the Mungo Visitor Centre. Check in to your accommodation for the night, Mungo Lodge. This evening, take part in an Insider Experience before dinner back at your lodge.

Insider Experience – Sunset Tour

Partake in a Mungo Lodge Sunset Tour and follow your guide to the Walls of China during golden hour to capture the perfect sunset photo. While you’re chasing sunsets, look out for local kangaroos, emus and other birdlife.

Arrive in South Australia today, stopping in the rural town of Renmark for lunch at leisure. This charming town is another Murray River gem, located along a sweeping section of the river and surrounded by ochre-coloured cliffs, wetlands abundant with birdlife and a fantastic brewery and distillery scene. After time to peruse the town, continue to the world-renowned Barossa Valley where your Insider Experience awaits, stopping en route at Waikerie for chance to stretch your legs and admire the Murray River cliffs and Silo Art.

At Barossa Valley, check in to your deluxe, eco-friendly safari tent before setting off for an afternoon of culinary delights. What better way to immerse yourself in the Barossa Valley than by taking a vineyard tour of the renowned Jacob’s Creek winery. Explore the 14 different grapes varieties and learn more about how wine is made, followed by a tasting at the cellar door. The gourmet delights continue this evening at a Farewell Dinner at the family-owned 1918 Bistro & Grill, serving local seasonal produce.

Insider Experience – Jacob's Creek Winery

Immerse yourself in the heart of the Barossa Valley with a visit to Jacob’s Creek winery, where you’ll enjoy a guided tasting of their renowned wines surrounded by picturesque vineyard views.

After breakfast, set off on a sorbet, gelati and chocolate tasting at Barossa Valley Chocolate Company for your Insider Experience. Afterwards, farewell the Barossa Valley’s stunning network of patchwork vineyards as you are transferred to Adelaide, where your tour comes to an end.

Insider Experience – Barossa Valley Chocolate Company

Enjoy a tasting experience at Barossa Valley Chocolate Company, where chocolatiers have matched their white, ruby and milk chocolates with three house-made sorbet and gelati, resulting in a decadent dessert combination.