4-Night Murray River Explorer Cruise
Discover four unforgettable nights on the Murray aboard PS Australian Star, combining luxury river cruising, regional food and wine, fascinating heritage and the freedom to explore historic Echuca.
PS Australian Star 2027 & 2028 Cruise Offer
Save $500 per couple
Cruise from $4,145 per person
Solo Travellers: Enjoy a reduced Solo Supplement of 45%, reduced from the standard 75%.
Book by 30 September 2026. Limited cabins available. See the Offer page for Promo Code.
4-Night Murray River Explorer Cruise
Discover the Murray River on an immersive four-night journey aboard PS Australian Star, Australia’s newest luxury wood-fired paddlesteamer.
Beginning at Torrumbarry, this all-inclusive journey brings together beautiful river cruising, remarkable Australian history, regional food and wine, country hospitality and memorable evenings beneath the stars. With just 19 staterooms and suites and a maximum of 38 guests, Australian Star offers an intimate way to experience the Murray, combining the romance of traditional steam-powered cruising with contemporary comfort, exceptional dining and personalised service.
Over four nights, cruise through magnificent river red gum country, explore historic Perricoota Station, enjoy an exclusive owner-led experience at Murray Gums Estate, and spend an unhurried day experiencing the river itself before a signature riverside BBQ beneath the stars.
Your final full day brings you into Echuca, Australia’s paddlesteamer capital, where a guided Henry Hopwood Town Tour is followed by free time to explore the historic Port of Echuca precinct at your own pace.
Between excursions, there is time to simply enjoy life on the Murray—relax on deck, visit the wheelhouse, watch for native wildlife or settle into the gentle rhythm of the river.
Four nights. One remarkable river. A journey through the stories, flavours and heritage of the Murray.
Save $500 Per Couple - 2027 | 2028 Departures
Book Before 30 September - See Offers Page
Highlights
- Cruise aboard PS Australian Star, Australia’s newest luxury wood-fired paddlesteamer
- Exclusive owner-led visit to Murray Gums Estate, with premium wine and olive oil tastings and a gourmet lunch
- Explore historic Perricoota Station, including its connection to All the Rivers Run
- Discover Echuca’s riverboat heritage on the Henry Hopwood Town Tour, with free time to explore the historic Port of Echuca precinct
- Enjoy a signature riverside BBQ beneath the stars, with live entertainment and a crackling campfire*
- Experience a full day of relaxed Murray River cruising, surrounded by river red gums, native wildlife and birdlife
- Enjoy Riverboats Remembered, featuring remarkable archival footage of the Murray’s paddlesteamer era
- Enjoy exceptional dining and personalised service throughout your four-night journey
Inclusions
- 4 nights aboard PS Australian Star in your selected luxury stateroom or suite with private ensuite, climate control and deck access
- All onboard dining, including breakfast, lunch, dinner, morning and afternoon teas and snacks
- Complimentary house wine, beer, sparkling wine and soft drinks during dinner service
- Unlimited espresso coffee, tea and bottled water throughout the day
- All included shore excursions and experiences, including guides, transfers, admissions, tastings and included lunches as detailed in the itinerary
- Exclusive Murray Gums Estate experience, including wine and olive oil tastings and gourmet lunch
- Signature riverside BBQ, with live entertainment and campfire*
- Evening entertainment and historical presentations
- High-speed Starlink Wi-Fi throughout the vessel
- Complimentary coach transfers as detailed in the itinerary
- Complimentary return V/Line train travel from Melbourne
- Exceptional personalised service from our experienced Australian Star crew
- $500 Deposit per person at the time of booking
- Final payment due 90 days from cruise departure
Departs: Monday at 4.00pm from Torrumbarry Weir
Check-in: Echuca Car Park at 2.30pm
Included transfer: Echuca to Torrumbarry for embarkation
Disembarks: Friday at approximately 9.30am in Echuca
On arrival: Complimentary transfers to Echuca Railway Station, our car parking facility and selected CBD hotels
V/Line Country Trains depart from Southern Cross Station, Melbourne and also return here.
Departure time from Southern Cross Station is 11.06 am arriving 2.25 pm
Your train ticket booking reference and departure time will be sent to you 30 days prior to your cruise with us. After arriving at Southern Cross Train Station in Melbourne you can collect your boarding pass at any ticket window and then simply board your train. Please note departure times are subject to change so we only book departure 30 days from your cruise date.
Return departure time from Echuca Station is 11.15 am arriving at Southern Cross Station, Melbourne at 2.25 pm.
If you’ll be arriving in Echuca by train on the day of your river cruise, our welcoming team will be waiting for you at the Echuca Train Station. They will handle your check-in and transfer you to the PS Australian Star for boarding.
But, if you’ll be arriving by train on a different day and planning to stay in Echuca before your cruise, you’ll need to arrange your own transportation to your local hotel. Our preferred partner hotel is the Mercure Port of Echuca, and guests staying there can benefit from our complimentary collection service on the day of their cruise. Please make sure you’re ready for collection between 2.30 pm and 3.00 pm.
If you’re staying at a different hotel, you’ll have to make your way to our Car Parking Location for check-in.
Don’t forget to bring your Booking Confirmation and Photo ID when checking in.
King Suite
- Majestic King bed with sumptuous linens for ultimate comfort and tranquility
- Private deck with deluxe relaxing chairs to enjoy Murray River views
- Fully stocked in-suite minibar, restocked daily.
- TV and entertainment system for relaxation onboard
- Luxury ensuite bathroom with refined, elegant finishes
- Highest level of personalised service from dedicated staff
- A floating oasis of luxury designed to elevate your Murray River cruise experience
Queen Suite
- Refined Queen Suite aboard the PS Australian Star, perfect for a Murray River escape
- Cozy 14.3 sqm retreat blending comfort and sophistication
- Luxurious Queen bed with sumptuous linens for a serene stay
- Private deck with deluxe relaxing chairs to enjoy Murray River views
- TV and entertainment system for relaxation onboard
- Intimate yet captivating suite designed for a relaxing cruise experience
Queen Staterooms
- 17 charming Queen Staterooms aboard the PS Australian Star
- Cozy 10.2 sqm space blending comfort and style
- Generous Queen bed with twin-bed configuration available in selected Deck 1 staterooms.
- Deck access to enjoy Murray River scenery
- TV and entertainment system for relaxation onboard
- Ensuite bathroom with luxury toiletries for added pampering
- Tranquil retreat ideal for solo travellers, couples, or groups
- Comfortable and elegant base for an enjoyable river cruise experience
Day 1 - River Serenity
Your Murray River journey begins with a complimentary coach transfer from Echuca to Torrumbarry, where PS Australian Star and her crew await.
Step aboard, settle into your stateroom or suite and enjoy a traditional Devonshire tea as Australian Star gets underway. The first afternoon is deliberately unhurried—take in the river red gum-lined banks, meet your fellow travellers, relax in the Hopwood Lounge & Bar, or visit the wheelhouse and chat with the Captain as the river journey begins.
As afternoon turns to evening, enjoy a drink in the Hopwood Lounge & Bar while the changing light brings the riverbank to life. Keep watch for kangaroos and native birdlife emerging in the surrounding bush.
Tonight, enjoy your first chef-prepared dinner featuring fresh regional produce before Australian Star moors at peaceful Norris Bend. Weather permitting, finish the evening beside a crackling riverside campfire beneath the stars.
Day 2 - Perricoota Station & Murray Gums Estate
Wake to your first full morning on the Murray as Australian Star cruises to Perricoota Station, one of the region’s most historic pastoral properties. First settled by James Maiden in 1843, the station later became a filming location for the celebrated Australian television series All the Rivers Run.
From Perricoota, travel to Murray Gums Estate for an experience exclusive to Australian Star guests. Meet the owners and discover their boutique wines and award-winning olive oils before sitting down to a gourmet lunch showcasing regional produce, accompanied by estate-grown wine and olive oil tastings.
Back at Perricoota Station, join your Captain for a guided walk through the beautifully restored buildings and riverside grounds, discovering more of the property’s history and its connection to the Murray.
As evening approaches, return aboard for drinks before dinner is served overlooking the station. Later, settle in for Riverboats Remembered, featuring remarkable archival footage that brings the Murray’s paddlesteamer era vividly to life.
Day 3 - A Day on the Murray & Riverside BBQ
Early risers are rewarded with one of the Murray’s most beautiful sights—the soft morning light and, on cooler mornings, mist drifting across the river at Perricoota Station.
After breakfast, Australian Star continues upstream towards Layfield Lane. Today is about enjoying the river itself. Find a favourite spot on deck, watch for birdlife along the banks, read a book in the lounge, chat with the crew or simply watch the Australian landscape slowly pass by.
By evening, Australian Star reaches Layfield Lane for one of our signature Murray River experiences. Weather permitting, dinner is served ashore—a traditional Australian BBQ beneath the stars, complete with live entertainment, a riverside campfire and the unmistakable sounds of the Australian bush.
Day 4 - Echuca: History, Heritage & Time to Explore
After breakfast, step ashore at Layfield Lane and board our coach for the short journey into Echuca, Australia’s paddlesteamer capital, for a morning exploring the town and its remarkable riverboat history.
Your morning begins with the Henry Hopwood Town Tour, a guided coach journey through Echuca’s historic heart. Discover the story of Henry Hopwood, the enterprising founder whose punt, pontoon bridge and vision helped transform a small river crossing into one of Australia’s busiest inland ports.
Following the tour, enjoy free time to explore the historic Port of Echuca precinct at your own pace. Wander through its heritage streets and buildings, visit local museums and attractions, browse the shops and galleries, or simply relax at one of the precinct’s cafés.
Late morning, rejoin the coach for the return journey to Layfield Lane, where Australian Star awaits. Step back aboard and enjoy lunch as we begin our afternoon cruise upstream towards Echuca.
Spend the afternoon relaxing on deck as the river red gum-lined banks drift by. Later in the afternoon, Australian Star arrives in Echuca, cruising past the imposing historic wharf—once at the centre of a thriving river trade that connected communities and pastoral stations throughout the Murray-Darling river system.
Tonight, gather aboard for your final dinner and enjoy one last evening on the Murray with your fellow travellers.
Day 5 - Farewell to the Murray
Enjoy one last peaceful morning beside the Murray. Early risers can step ashore for a quiet riverbank stroll before returning aboard for breakfast.
After four nights together, it’s time to farewell the Captain, crew and fellow travellers who have shared your journey.
Disembark in Echuca at approximately 9.30am, with complimentary transfers available to our car parking facility, Echuca Railway Station and selected Echuca hotels.
You may be leaving Australian Star behind, but the landscapes, stories and friendships of your time on the Murray have a habit of staying with you long after the journey ends.
