Overnight Murray River Cruise FAQs

Our overnight cruises include accommodation, all meals, guided shore excursions, morning and afternoon tea, espresso coffee, tea, soft drinks and bottled water. Guests also enjoy onboard entertainment, expert commentary and access to some of the Murray River’s most beautiful and remote locations.

Choose PS Australian Star if you are looking for:
A luxury all-inclusive cruise experience
Larger cabins and spacious ensuites
A passenger lift between decks
Multiple lounge and viewing areas
Contemporary Australian dining with greater menu choice, à la carte
A premium 3, 4 or 7-night holiday experience
The highest level of comfort available on the Murray River

With 17 staterooms and two suites accommodating up to 38 guests, PS Australian Star offers one of Australia’s most luxurious inland river cruise experiences.

Choose PS Emmylou if you are looking for:
An authentic heritage paddlesteamer experience
Smaller guest numbers
A more intimate atmosphere
Personalised service
Relaxed country-style hospitality

With just 8 cabins and a maximum of 16 guests, PS Emmylou delivers a unique Murray River experience unlike any other vessel in Australia. Its traditional wood-fired steam engine, intimate atmosphere and personalised service create an experience that many guests describe as stepping back into the golden age of Murray River travel.

PS Australian Star is our newest luxury wood-fired paddlesteamer, purpose-built to deliver a premium Murray River cruising experience. Accommodating up to 38 guests in 19 cabins, it features spacious public areas, a passenger lift, contemporary interiors, larger cabins and a refined dining experience.

PS Emmylou is Echuca’s iconic lady and also a wood-fired paddlesteamer offering overnight cruises. Accommodating just 16 guests in 8 cabins, Emmylou offers a more intimate and authentic heritage experience, where guests can enjoy traditional steam-powered cruising and personalised service.

Both vessels cruise from Echuca and showcase the beauty, history and wildlife of the Murray River.

PS Australian Star is our flagship luxury vessel and features larger cabins, larger ensuite bathrooms, a passenger lift, additional public spaces, expanded dining options and a higher level of onboard inclusions.

PS Emmylou offers a more intimate heritage cruising experience focused on authenticity, personalised service and traditional paddlesteamer charm.

Both vessels provide exceptional Murray River experiences, with the choice largely depending on the style of holiday you prefer.

Cruise durations vary by vessel:

PS Australian Star
3 Night Murray River Cruise
4 Night Murray River Cruise
7 Night Murray River Cruise

PS Emmylou
3 Night Murray River Cruise
4 Night Murray River Cruise | Please note: For bookings, please contact Travelmarvel Direct on 1300 208 712

Cruise itineraries include a combination of scenic river cruising, guided tours, regional food and wine experiences, wildlife encounters and Murray River history.

All overnight cruises depart from Echuca, Victoria, Australia’s paddle steamer capital.

Echuca is located approximately 2.5 hours north of Melbourne and is easily accessible by car, coach or train.

The Murray River is a year-round destination.

Spring offers mild weather and wildflowers, summer brings long sunny days, autumn features beautiful colours and comfortable temperatures, while winter provides crisp mornings and cosy evenings aboard our historic paddle steamers.

A typical day may include:
Breakfast while cruising through beautiful river scenery
Guided shore excursion or local experience
Morning and afternoon tea onboard
Scenic cruising and wildlife viewing
Lunch featuring regional produce
Afternoon activities or sightseeing
Sunset drinks on deck
Dinner and evening entertainment

Each itinerary varies depending on cruise duration and destination.

Complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi is available aboard PS Australian Star & PS Emmylou; however many guests enjoy the opportunity to disconnect from everyday life and immerse themselves in the peaceful Murray River environment.

Mobile coverage is generally available around towns and populated areas along the Murray River. Reception can be intermittent in more remote sections of the river.

No formal dress code applies.

We recommend comfortable casual clothing during the day and smart casual attire for dinner and evening activities.

Most guests are aged between 55 and 80 years, although our adults-only cruises welcome guests aged 18 years and over. Our cruises are particularly popular with couples, retirees, solo travellers and friends looking for a relaxed and immersive Australian travel experience.

No. Our overnight cruises aboard PS Australian Star and PS Emmylou are adults-only experiences. Guests must be 18 years of age or older to travel.

Our cruises are designed specifically for adults seeking a relaxed, immersive Murray River experience, with regional food and wine, guided excursions and an intimate onboard atmosphere.

Absolutely. Many of our guests have never taken a cruise before. Unlike large ocean cruise ships, our vessels offer:
Small guest numbers
Personalised service
Relaxed itineraries
Easy boarding
A friendly and welcoming atmosphere

PS Australian Star offers significantly larger cabins and suites than PS Emmylou.

Guests who value additional space, larger bathrooms and contemporary luxury generally prefer Australian Star.

PS Emmylou cabins are more compact and reflect the vessel’s traditional heritage character.

Yes. Every cabin aboard PS Australian Star and PS Emmylou includes a private ensuite bathroom.

Yes. All cabins feature reverse-cycle air conditioning for year-round comfort.

Yes. All bedding, towels and bathroom amenities are supplied.

Yes. Hairdryers are available in all cabins.

PS Australian Star features a passenger lift connecting guest decks. PS Emmylou does not have a lift.

Guests travelling aboard either vessel should still be capable of safely boarding and disembarking independently.

Yes. All overnight cruises include breakfast, lunch and dinner, along with morning and afternoon tea.

Menus showcase regional produce sourced from the Murray River region whenever possible.

Yes.

PS Australian Star
Dining aboard Australian Star focuses on premium regional produce and contemporary Australian cuisine.

Guests enjoy:
Multiple-course dinners
Greater menu choice
Premium wines
Contemporary Australian dining
An elevated dining experience

PS Emmylou
Dining aboard Emmylou reflects the relaxed character of the vessel.

Guests enjoy:
Country-style meals
Traditional Australian favourites
Smaller dining groups
Relaxed hospitality
A social dining atmosphere

Both vessels showcase local produce and wines from the Murray River region.

Yes.

We can cater for most dietary requirements including:
Vegetarian
Vegan
Gluten-free
Dairy-free
Food Allergies

Please advise us when booking.

Aboard both Australian Star and Emmylou, premium tea, barista coffee, soft drinks and bottled water are included throughout your cruise together with complimentary beer and selected wines with dinner service.

Additional beverages can also be purchased from the onboard bar. No cash is accepted aboard either vessel

Yes. Guided shore excursions are included in your cruise fare.

Excursions vary by itinerary and may include winery visits, heritage experiences, nature walks, local attractions and opportunities to learn about the history and culture of the Murray River.

Most excursions involve easy walking over relatively flat terrain.

Some locations may include gravel paths, grassed areas, wharves or bush tracks.

Guests should be comfortable walking independently.

Yes. Participation is optional and guests are welcome to remain onboard.

Depending on operational requirements and safety considerations, guests may have opportunities to learn more about the engineering and paddlewheel systems that power our vessels.

PS Emmylou’s historic wood-fired steam engine is often a highlight for guests interested in Australia’s riverboat heritage.

Our cruises are designed for active travellers.

Guests should be able to:
Board and disembark independently
Walk short distances
Manage steps where required
Participate safely in excursions

No. Due to vessel design and shore excursion requirements, wheelchairs cannot currently be accommodated.

Walking frames cannot be accommodated onboard.

If you have concerns about mobility requirements, please contact our reservations team before booking.

Yes. Complimentary guest parking is available for overnight cruise passengers.

We recommend:
Comfortable walking shoes
Clothing that is seasonal
Smart casual evening wear
Hat and sunglasses
Sunscreen
Light jacket (Autumn/Spring)
Camera
Personal medications – Medications requiring refrigeration, please refer to our crew

Absolutely.

Many guests travel solo and we regularly offer special solo traveller promotions and reduced single supplements on selected departures.

PS Australian Star is particularly popular for anniversaries, milestone birthdays, retirement celebrations and luxury getaways.

Its spacious cabins, premium dining and luxury facilities create a memorable setting for special occasions.

PS Emmylou is often chosen by guests celebrating more intimate occasions or those seeking a nostalgic and authentic paddlesteamer experience.

Travel insurance is not compulsory but is strongly recommended.

Please contact our reservations team as soon as possible. Our booking terms and conditions and optional Deposit Protection Program may provide additional flexibility depending on your circumstances.

Yes. Our cruises are particularly popular with mature travellers seeking a relaxed, comfortable and immersive holiday experience. With small guest numbers, personalised service and carefully planned excursions, Murray River cruising is an ideal way to explore regional Australia at a leisurely pace.

Murray River Paddlesteamers offers Australia’s largest range of overnight paddle steamer cruise experiences.

Whether you choose the luxury of PS Australian Star or the heritage charm of PS Emmylou, you’ll enjoy:
Small guest numbers
Regional food and wine
Guided shore excursions
Authentic paddle steamer heritage
Exceptional Australian hospitality

As an Echuca-based Murray River cruise operator, we are passionate about sharing the stories, history and beauty of the Murray River with every guest.