Murray River Explorer Tour 2025
Set sail on the new PS Australian Star on our five-star cruise of the mighty Murray River. This luxury cruise vessel is the largest paddle steamer in the southern hemisphere and the only wood-fired, five star accommodated paddle steamer in the world.
11 Day Tour
Tuesday 18 November - Friday 28 November 2025
Tour Cost (GST inclusive):
$7,360 per person twin share
$2,990 single supplement
Inclusions
- Luxury Coach Travel in our Business Class Coach
- Five-star luxury river cruise on the Murray River onboard the new PS Australian Star
- Tour includes visits to the Heritage Farm Museum, Perricoota Station, St Anne’s winery and Torrumbarry Weir
- Entry to CSIRO Australia Telescope National Facility
- Guided tour of Port of Echuca
- Entry and talk at Chanter Estate
- Entry and fudge tasting at Sharps Magic Movie House & Penny Arcade
- Entry and talk at Cactus Country
- Lunch, tour and tastings at Byramine Homestead and Brewery
- Wine tasting at Campbells Wines
- Guided tour of Albury Botanic Gardens
- Entry and guided tour at Bonegilla Migrant Experience
- Stockman Show with Lachie Cossor at the Holbrook Hotel
- Sunset Cruise with Port Jet Cruises
- 10 nights accommodation
- 10 cooked breakfasts, 10 two course dinners, 6 lunches
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: (D)
Brisbane to Moree
Tue 18 Nov 25
Welcome to our tour to Echuca, featuring the PS Australian Star, the largest paddlesteamer in the southern hemisphere and the only wood-fired five star accommodated vessel of its type in the world. We are welcomed onboard our touring coach by our friendly Blue Bus crew as we begin our journey to Moree. The town is well known for its artesian bore baths that are used by people far and wide. They are renowned for relieving rheumatic and other muscular complains. We stop for convenience breaks to stretch our legs and time to purchase lunch before arriving at our motel for late afternoon.
Day 2: (BLD)
Moree to Parkes
Wed 19 Nov 25
Following breakfast, we hit the road again, travelling via Narrabri and Pilliga Nature Reserve to Coonabarabran where we stop for lunch. We continue through to Parkes where we visit the CSIRO Radio Telescope, also called “The Dish”. The visitor centre features many hands on displays and exhibits for us to discover. After spending some time here, we arrive at our motel with time to freshen up before dinner
Day 3: (BD)
Parkes to Echuca
Thu 20 Nov 25
We continue travelling south to our destination, Echuca, which we’ll reach late afternoon. After a morning on the coach, we stop in Narrandera to admire the wonderful water tower art. The theme comes from the artists talking with the community and the wonderful work of Narrandera artist and Wiradjuri man, Owen Lyons whose artwork inspired the symbolic concepts for the mural. The mural was accomplished by four artists from Apparition Media who used 120 litres of paint and took 11 days to complete. After time to purchase lunch in Narrandera we continue to the twin towns Echuca-Moama, home to the historic Port of Echuca and Wharf which is recognised as one of Australia’s finest heritage icons. Located on the mighty Murray River, it provides a spectacular backdrop to Australia’s paddle steamer capital.
Day 4: (BD)
Echuca & Discovery Centre
Fri 21 Nov 25
This morning we are introduced to the Port of Echuca with a local guide, that will point out the areas of interest around the Port and share tales of the colourful characters that crewed the old river boats. At the Port of Echuca Discovery Centre, we have time free time to look through the displays and learn how the bustling river trade changed the face of the town. In Moama, we visit the Chanter Estate where we experience a bygone era with the historic Commercial and Military Vehicle display. Our final visit is to Sharps Magic Movie House & Penny Arcade. Situated in the refurbished Old Bond Store, the Movie House runs almost continuous screening of highlights of Australia’s earliest newsreels, comedy classics and archival shots. At the back of the theatre is Australia’s largest and only working penny arcade. It will be a treat and a walk down memory lane. Later today, we board the PS Australian Star, welcoming us with luxury floating on the mighty Murray. As PS Australian Star departs from Echuca, we can relax and enjoy an afternoon Devonshire tea while taking in the stunning sights and sounds of the river. We will have plenty of time to chat with the skipper and learn about the history of the vessel or simply unwind in your private cabin. As the sunset begins, Happy Hour starts, where we can enjoy a drink in the saloon before arriving at Layfield Lane for a grand dinner on the riverbank. The signature Australian BBQ, lit by candles and stars, sets the perfect mood for an evening of casual conversation and live entertainment around the campfire.
Day 5: (BLD)
Murray River Cruise
Sat 22 Nov 25
After a satisfying breakfast, we will embark on a half day land and river tour, visiting the Great Aussie Beer Shed & Heritage Farm Museum. This unique attraction is a celebration of Australia’s love of beer and features an extensive collection of over 17,000 cans and bottles from around the world. We’ll then experience the magic of the Murray River on our Eco Expedition boat, the Murray Explorer. After enjoying morning tea at the historic Echuca Wharf, we’ll embark on a journey upriver, immersing ourselves in the natural wonders of the Murray River. As we cruise, we’ll witness breathtaking scenery and diverse wildlife, all while learning about the rich history of river from pre-European to early colonial riverboat days. Later, we visit St Annes Winery for a tasting of their fabulous table and fortified wines before returning to PS Australian Star for lunch as we cruise downriver towards Deep Creek Marina. In the evening, we can unwind with a fascinating documentary featuring archival footage of the paddle steamers and communities of the Murray River.
Day 6: (BLD)
Murray River Cruise
Sun 23 Nov 25
Today PS Australian Star departs early in the morning for a full day of cruising towards Torrumbarry Weir with a mid-morning stop at the famous Perricoota Station, the location for the iconic Australian television series, All the Rivers Run. Join the skipper for a walking tour of the historic buildings and immaculate gardens of Perricoota Station before continuing towards Torrumbarry Weir. Upon arrival, we can take a guided walk across the weir, visit the Interpretive Centre and learn about the Murray Darling Basin and the weir and lock system that dates back to 1923. Tonight, enjoy a delicious final dinner hosted by your Skipper with pre-dinner canapes and drinks as the sun settles over the weir. Listen to the river birds’ evening chorus and watch for kangaroos, wombats, and various bird species as the stars begin to appear during dinner.
Day 7: (BLD)
Echuca to Albury
Mon 24 Nov 25
This morning, early risers can enjoy a riverside stroll before breakfast. A courtesy vehicle will then be ready to return us to Echuca where we reluctantly say farewell to our unforgettable river journey. Farewelling Echuca we drive via the Art Silo in Picola to Strathmerton for our visit to Cactus Country. The Hall family-run business has been a labour of love for many years and we will see this when we meet our guide who takes us through this large garden with over 4,000 different species of Cacti from Africa, North America, Mexico and South America. After morning tea of cactus cake, we continue to the charming Byramine Homestead. Built by the famous explorer Hamilton Hume for his sister-in-law, Elizabeth Hume, the homestead was classified by the National Trust due to its unique design, featuring octagonal rooms. The central room, known as the fortress room, allowed a clear view from all angles in case of attack from bushrangers. Take a stroll around the well-established garden and view the Elm trees, the oldest in Victoria and sample one of the beers produced at the onsite brewery (own expense). We continue through to Rutherglen where we stop for a delightful wine tasting before arriving in Albury.
Day 8: (BLD)
Albury
Tue 25 Nov 25
Prominent hills lie at each end of Dean Street and offer excellent vistas of Albury and surrounds. Once aptly named Eastern Hill and Western Hill, a memorial Pillar (to the soldiers of WWI) resulted in the name change from Western Hill to Monument Hill. We then see the Albury Railway Station which in 1883 became a ‘change over station’ for passengers between Melbourne and Sydney due to the different rail gauge used in NSW and Victoria. The station has the longest platform in NSW! Next, we make our way to the Albury Botanical Gardens which feature an impressive plant collection of both native and exotic origins. The first trees (Elm Avenue) were planted in 1877 and the tallest tree is a Queensland Kauri Pine, reaching over 41 metres. After lunch, we visit the Bonegilla Migrant Experience. The migrant experience features the remnant huts and buildings of “Block 19” one of the original 24 accommodation blocks and other buildings that once covered a 130ha area. The original complex was built as the Bonegilla Migrant Reception and Training Centre in 1947 and until 1971 served as Australia’s largest and longest operating migrant centre. It was the first Australian home for more than 300,000 post war migrants from over 50 countries.
Day 9: (BLD)
Albury to Mittagong
Wed 26 Nov 25
This morning we make our way to Holbrook, home to Lachie Cossor and his wonderful Outback Stockman Show. Here we will be entertained with his incredible horsemanship, live music, humour and sheepdog demonstration. From here we continue travelling along the Hume Highway before stopping at the picturesque town of Jugiong. Nestled on the banks of the Murrumbidgee River, the charming village is the perfect spot to stop. Home to Jugiong Wine Cellar and renowned Long Track Pantry, we have time to wander the town after our delicious lunch at Sir George Hotel. We continue our drive to Mittagong, for our overnight stay.
Day 10: (BD)
Mittagong to Port Macquarie
Thu 27 Nov 25
After breakfast we head north, passing Sydney’s outer suburbs and the Central Coast, stopping for lunch at a suitable location along the way (own expense). Arriving in Port Macquarie, we have some time at leisure in the motel before our scenic sunset cruise with Port Jet Cruises. Heading upstream along the Hasting River, we make our way through the Broadwater Canals where we can enjoy the sights, sounds and plenty of wildlife. If we are lucky, we might even encounter the local dolphins. We return to our accommodation to enjoy our farewell dinner in the onsite restaurant
Day 11: (B)
Port Macquarie to Brisbane
Fri 28 Nov 25
With our bags packed one last time, we begin our journey back to Brisbane, stopping for convenience breaks and time to purchase lunch. We arrive home after a fantastic Murray River Cruise.