Planning Your Cruise

What is included in a Murray River overnight cruise?

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.

Which Murray River cruise is right for me?

Choose PS Australian Star if you are looking for:

• A luxury all-inclusive cruise experience
• Larger cabins and spacious ensuites
• A passenger lift between decksMultiple lounge and viewing areas
• Contemporary Australian dining with greater menu choice
• A premium 3, 4 or 7-night holiday experience
• The highest level of comfort available on the Murray River

With 19 cabins 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.

What is the difference between PS Australian Star and PS Emmylou?

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.

Why does PS Australian Star cost more than PS Emmylou?

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.

How long are your overnight cruises?

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

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

Where do your cruises depart from?

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.

What is the best time of year to cruise on the Murray River?

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.

Onboard Experience

What is a typical day like on a Murray River cruise?

A typical day may include:

• Breakfast while cruising through beautiful river scenery
• Guided shore excursion or local experience
• Morning 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.

Is Wi-Fi available onboard?

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.

Is mobile phone reception available?

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.

Is there a dress code?

No formal dress code applies.

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

What age are most guests on your overnight cruises?

Most guests are aged between 55 and 90 years.

Our cruises are particularly popular with couples, retirees, solo travellers and friends looking for a relaxed and immersive Australian travel experience.

Are Murray River cruises suitable for first-time cruisers?

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

Cabins & Facilities

Which vessel has larger cabins?

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.

Do all cabins have private ensuites?

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

Are cabins air conditioned?

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

Are towels and linen provided?

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

Are hairdryers provided?

Yes. Hairdryers are available in all cabins.

Is there a lift onboard?

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.

Food & Dining

Are meals included?

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.

Is dining different on PS Australian Star and PS Emmylou?

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.

Can dietary requirements be catered for?

Yes.

We can cater for most dietary requirements including:

• Vegetarian
• Vegan
• Gluten Free
• Dairy Free
• Food Allergies

Please advise us when booking.

Are drinks included?

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 us accepted aboard either vessel 

Shore Excursions

Are shore excursions included?

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.

How much walking is involved?

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.

Can I stay onboard during excursions?

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

Can I tour the engine room?

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.

Mobility & Accessibility

Are your cruises suitable for guests with mobility limitations?

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

Can wheelchairs be accommodated?

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

Can I bring a walking frame?

Walking frames cannot be accommodated onboard.

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

Booking & Travel

Is parking available?

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

What should I pack?

We recommend:

• Comfortable walking shoes
• Casual clothing
• Smart casual evening wear
• Hat and sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Light jacket
• Camera
• Personal medications

Are solo travellers welcome?

Absolutely.

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

Which cruise is best for a special occasion?

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.

Do I need travel insurance?

Travel insurance is not compulsory but is strongly recommended.

What happens if I need to change my booking?

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.

Frequently Asked Questions About Echuca

Why is Echuca famous?

Echuca is Australia’s paddle steamer capital and home to the largest fleet of operating paddle steamers in the world.

Its historic port precinct played a vital role in Australia’s river trade during the 1800s and remains one of Victoria’s most popular tourism destinations.

How far is Echuca from Melbourne?

Echuca is approximately 220 kilometres north of Melbourne and can be reached in around 2.5 hours by car.

What wildlife can I see on the Murray River?

Wildlife commonly seen includes:

• Kangaroos
• Koalas
• Pelicans
• Kookaburras
• Wedge-tailed Eagles
• Corellas
• Ducks and other waterbirds

Wildlife sightings vary with the season, but guests regularly enjoy close encounters with native Australian birds and animals during their cruise.

Why Choose Murray River Paddlesteamers?

Murray River Paddlesteamers offers the largest range of overnight Murray River cruise experiences in Australia.

Guests can choose between:

• Luxury cruising aboard PS Australian Star

• Heritage cruising aboard PS Emmylou

As a family-owned and operated business based in Echuca, we are passionate about sharing the history, beauty and stories of the Murray River with every guest.

Our cruises combine:

• Small guest numbers
• Regional food and wine
• Guided shore excursions
• Authentic paddle steamer heritage
• Exceptional Australian hospitality

Whether you choose the luxury of PS Australian Star or the heritage charm of PS Emmylou, you’ll experience the Murray River in a way that few travellers ever do.

Still Have Questions?

Our friendly reservations team is here to help.

📞 03 5482 5244
📧 info@murrayriverpaddlesteamers.com.au

Or browse our cruises:

PS Australian Star 

• 3 Night Murray River Cruises
• 4 Night Murray River Cruises
• 7 Night Murray River Cruises

PS Emmylou  

• 3 Night Murray River Cruises
• 4 Night Murray River Cruises