Murray River Explorer Tour 2026
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 4 August - Friday 14 August 2026
Tour Cost (GST inclusive):
$7,750 per person twin share
$2,990 single supplement
Inclusions
- 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 Discovery Centre
- Entry and talk at Chanter Estate Winery & Museum
- Entry and fudge tasting at Sharps Magic Movie House & Penny Arcade
- Entry and talk at Cactus Country
- Lunch and tastings at Distilling Co Corowa
- Wine tasting at Pfeiffers Wines
- Guided town tour of Albury
- Guided tour of Albury Botanic Gardens
- Entry and guided tour at Bonegilla Migrant Experience
- Guided tour at Submarine Museum, Holbrook
- Sunset Cruise with Port Jet Cruises
- 10 nights accommodation
- 10 breakfasts, 10 two course dinners, 6 lunches
- Luxury Coach Travel in our Business Class Coach
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: (D)
Journey Begins – From Brisbane to Moree’s Healing Waters
Tue 4 Aug 26
Our adventure kicks off aboard the Blue Bus, heading to Moree, famed for its therapeutic artesian bore baths. With comfort stops and lunch enroute, we arrive late afternoon ready to unwind. The warm welcome sets the tone for a relaxing journey ahead.
Day 2: (BLD)
Scenic Drive through the Pilliga to Parkes
Wed 5 Aug 26
We travel through Narrabri and the Pilliga Nature Reserve, stopping in Coonabarabran for lunch before reaching Parkes for our overnight stay.
Day 3: (BD)
Parkes to Echuca - Astronomy, Art & River Heritage
Thu 6 Aug 26
A morning visit to “The Dish” at CSIRO before we journey south, pausing in Narrandera to admire its stunning water tower mural. We arrive in Echuca-Moama, gateway to Australia’s paddle steamer capital, nestled on the mighty Murray River.
Day 4: (BD)
Echuca Discovery & PS Australian Star Cruise Begins
Fri 7 Aug 26
We explore the Port of Echuca with a local guide and delve into river history at the Discovery Centre. In Moama, vintage vehicles and nostalgic cinema await before we board the luxurious PS Australian Star. A sunset BBQ on the riverbank completes this magical day.
Day 5: (BLD)
Murray River Cruise & Wine Tasting
Sat 8 Aug 26
Today blends land and river exploration. We visit the quirky Heritage Farm Museum, cruise aboard the Murray Explorer spotting native birds, and enjoy wine tasting at St Annes Winery. Back onboard, a documentary deepens our appreciation of river life and paddlesteamer history.
Day 6: (BLD)
Cruise to Torrumbarry Weir
Sun 9 Aug 26
Cruising toward Torrumbarry Weir, we stop at historic Perricoota Station for a guided walking tour. At the weir, we learn about its 1923 lock system and the Murray Darling Basin. A sunset dinner with wildlife sightings and starlit skies makes for a serene finale aboard the Australian Star.
Day 7: (BLD)
Farewell to the River - Echuca to Albury
Mon 10 Aug 26
This morning, early risers can enjoy a riverside stroll before breakfast. Farewelling Echuca, we visit Picola’s Art Silo and explore Cactus Country’s 4,000+ species. A cactus cake morning tea and whisky tasting at Corowa’s historic distillery add flavour before wine tasting in Rutherglen and arrival in Albury.
Day 8: (BLD)
Albury's Heritage & Bonegilla Migrant Experience
Tue 11 Aug 26
We explore Albury’s scenic location on the Murray River, historic railway station, and botanical gardens. The afternoon takes us to Bonegilla, Australia’s largest post-war migrant centre, where stories of resilience and hope unfold among preserved huts and heritage buildings.
Day 9: (BLD)
Albury to Mittagong - Submarine & Country Charm
Wed 12 Aug 26
In Holbrook, we uncover the story behind its landlocked submarine. A scenic drive leads to Jugiong, where we have lunch at Sir George Hotel and time to browse the village delights. We end the day in Mittagong, nestled in the Southern Highlands.
Day 10: (BD)
Coastal Cruising - Mittagong to Port Macquarie
Thu 13 Aug 26
Heading north past Sydney and the Central Coast, we arrive in Port Macquarie for a sunset cruise along the Hastings River. We’ll enjoy wildlife and canal views before our final farewell dinner to round off the day.
Day 11: (B)
Homeward Bound - Port Macquarie to Brisbane
Fri 14 Aug 26
Our final travel day includes comfort stops and time for lunch before arriving home mid-afternoon. With hearts full and memories made, we conclude a truly unforgettable journey through Australia’s inland and river heritage.