About Us
About Murray River Paddlesteamers
Australia’s Home of Authentic Murray River Cruising
For more than four decades, Murray River Paddlesteamers has been introducing guests from around Australia and the world to one of Australia’s most iconic waterways. From the historic Port of Echuca, we operate Australia’s most diverse fleet of paddlesteamers, combining genuine river heritage with exceptional hospitality, regional food and wine, and unforgettable experiences both on and off the river.
Whether joining us for a relaxing one-hour sightseeing cruise aboard the PS Canberra, a boutique overnight journey aboard the iconic PS Emmylou, or an all-inclusive luxury voyage aboard the magnificent PS Australian Star, every cruise is designed to showcase the beauty, history and character of the mighty Murray River. Today, we are proud to be recognised as Australia’s leading Murray River cruise operator and continue to invest in preserving river heritage while delivering world-class guest experiences.
A Proud New Chapter
In 2026, Murray River Paddlesteamers entered an exciting new chapter when the APT Travel Group became the majority shareholder in our business.
APT is one of Australia’s most respected and awarded travel companies, with almost a century of experience creating extraordinary travel experiences across the world. This partnership provides the long-term investment and confidence to continue growing Murray River cruising while preserving the heritage that makes it so special. Importantly, what our guests love about Murray River Paddlesteamers remains unchanged.
Our management team continues to lead the business from Echuca, our passionate local staff remain at the heart of every cruise, and our commitment to authentic Murray River experiences has never been stronger. Together with APT, we’re investing in our vessels, our people and our region to ensure future generations can experience the magic of Australia’s greatest river.
Proudly Local. Backed by Australia’s Best
While we now benefit from the strength and experience of the APT Travel Group, Murray River Paddlesteamers remains proudly based in Echuca-Moama. Every cruise supports local employment, regional businesses, wineries, producers, entertainers and tourism operators throughout the Murray region. Our guests don’t simply take a cruise—they become part of the local story. From riverside campfires and station visits to local wines, fresh regional produce and fascinating history, every itinerary has been carefully designed to showcase the very best our region has to offer.
Australia's Largest Paddle Steamer Fleet
Our fleet offers something for every traveller.
PS Canberra
Built in 1913, PS Canberra continues to delight thousands of guests each year with traditional steam-powered sightseeing cruises from the historic Port of Echuca.
PS Emmylou
Australia’s iconic wood-fired overnight paddlesteamer, offering intimate boutique cruises through one of the country’s most beautiful river environments.
PS Australian Star
Australia’s newest luxury river cruise vessel combines classic paddlesteamer heritage with five-star comfort, spacious accommodation, exceptional dining and immersive Murray River experiences.
Looking Ahead
Our vision continues with the future launch of PS Australian Sky, further strengthening Murray River cruising and ensuring these remarkable waterways continue to inspire visitors for generations.
Something for Everyone
Whether you’re after a short cruise with commentary and a cuppa, a romantic dinner cruise during the summer months as the sun sets over the river gums, or a multi-day escape where everything is taken care of, we’ve got something to suit.
Each cruise is designed to help you slow down and enjoy the moment. The PS Emmylou offers 3 or 4-night boutique journeys, complete with regional dining, off-river excursions, and cabins that blend comfort with heritage style. The PS Australian Star offers 3, 4 or 7-night unique 5-star experiences and on shorter cruises aboard the PS Canberra, you’ll hear the skipper’s live commentary and feel the nostalgia of a true paddlesteamer experience.s
Why choose Us?
Every Murray River Paddlesteamers journey is built around five simple promises:
- Authentic paddlesteamer experiences
- Genuine Australian hospitality
- Exceptional regional food and wine
- Small ship, personalised service
- Unforgettable moments on Australia’s greatest river
Whether you’re travelling for a short escape or a week-long luxury adventure, you’ll discover a side of Australia few people ever experience.
The history
Echuca Moama
Echuca was founded by an ex-convict named Henry Hopwood, who, after serving time in Port Arthur, worked in a tallow plant on the New South Wales side of the Murray River. In 1850 he built a bark and slab hotel on the Victorian side of the Murray and purchased a small punt to ferry people back and forth from his hotel. In just 16 years, Hopwood helped build a town, known today as Echuca.
Much of Echuca’s history is linked to the river. Being the closest town on the river to Melbourne, the Port of Echuca, built in 1865, quickly became the largest inland port in Australia. With the riverboats able to reach inland settlements, the area prospered, and the Murray became a river highway for delivering wool, fruit, mail, other supplies and later passengers – and even towing barges filled with livestock. At the height of its trading days, the Port of Echuca had more than 240 boats traded from its docks.
In the early 1900s, as rail and road transport fastened, the slower river trade slowly declined. These days, a cruise on a paddle steamer or a visit to the historic Port of Echuca is the best way to get a glimpse into the river’s illustrious past.
Today, Echuca Moama, the twin towns on either side of the Murray, offers not only a glance into Australia’s colonial history and river trade history, but a great range of eateries and bars to indulge in, live music festivals, wineries, many outdoor activities and of course, our favourite, a beautiful sunset over the river.
The Murray River
It’s not difficult to understand how the Murray River got her moniker ‘the Mighty Murray’. She stretches over 2,000 kilometres from Kosciusko National Park in New South Wales, through Victoria, to Goolwa, South Australia. The Murray River is the world’s third-longest navigable river, behind the Nile and the Amazon.
Aboriginal communities lived alongside the river for more than 40,000 years, and you can still see evidence of Aboriginal habitation dating back thousands of years. Today, the Murray plays a significant role in the agricultural industry for much of inland Victoria and is a significant water supply for more than 1.5 million households.
The Murray offers a unique destination to discover one of Australia’s beautiful regions; the riverside towns, the wildlife, and of course, a cruise on an old paddle steamer.