4 Night Australian Star Murray River Cruise AGCVIC5

Itinerary

• 1 Arrive Melbourne, Torrumbarry, Embark Paddlesteamer

  Be met in Melbourne and transferred by coach to Torrumbarry on the banks of the mighty Murray River, where you’ll board your marvellous home for the next seven nights, the five-star PS Australian Star. The brand-new paddlesteamer is the largest in the southern hemisphere and boasts modern and spacious rooms, hosting a maximum of just 38 guests. Settle in and meet your fellow travellers as your paddlesteamer sets off upstream. You can soak in the scenery from your room’s own private verandah, or you might like to relax in the Hopwood Lounge or share a drink in the outdoor seating area as you sail in unrivalled luxury en route to Norris Bend. A riverside campfire and chef-prepared welcome dinner awaits in the bush surrounds, before you retire to your stylish room for your first night aboard.   

  Signature Experience – The Mill Echuca 
  Immerse yourself in the local charm and flavours of Echuca as you relish a delectable meal at The Mill, a charming local restaurant. Located in a historic five-storey building established in 1881 and once home to Echuca’s flour mill, the setting blends industrial charm with modern design. 

• 2 River Cruising, Perricoota Station

  Following breakfast on board, cruise to the iconic Perricoota Station then board a coach for a visit to Restdown Wines. Here you’ll join the property’s owners for a guided tour along a beautiful walking trail, learning about significant Indigenous heritage sites, before savouring a gourmet lunch and wine tasting featuring the region’s local produce. After lunch, return to Perricoota Station to tour its historic buildings and pristine gardens before returning to your paddlesteamer for dinner on the deck. A documentary on the famous paddlesteamers and communities of the Murray River provides the perfect way to close out another sensational day on the river.

• 3 River Cruising, Layfield Lane

  Enjoy full day of cruising today after the morning mist settles around wildlife-rich Perricoota. The pleasant and relaxing journey to Layfield Lane reveals the beauty of the special environment, which can be admired in its full glory from the many panoramic viewing points of the PS Australian Star. Enjoy lunch in the onboard space of your choice, whether you’d like to soak in the rays on the outdoor deck or relax in Randell’s Dining Room. Tonight, delight in a delectable Australian BBQ on the riverbank followed by live entertainment and time to relax around the campfire (weather dependent). 

  Signature Experience – Onboard Wine-Tasting 
  As your ship cruises along the Murray, revel in a unique wine-tasting experience on board with a partnering winery. Savour the nuanced notes of exceptional wines against the scenic backdrop of the Murray, creating a perfect harmony of relaxation and indulgence. 

• 4 River Cruising, Echuca

  Following another delicious onboard breakfast, depart your floating home for a half-day exploration of the fascinating town of Echuca. Embark on the Henry Hopwood Town Tour, discovering Echuca’s icons including Hopwood’s Punt and the pontoon bridge, which was the region’s original Murray River crossing. Next is a brilliant morning tea aboard the PS Canberra, which was constructed in 1912, before free time to further explore Echuca. Return to the PS Australian Star for lunch before setting sail upstream again, passing the historic port of Echuca Wharf. 

  Signature Experience – Guided Lantern Tour 
  Journey back in time and discover Echuca’s dark secrets of the past on a one-hour guided lantern tour. Echuca Wharf and its surrounding area have long been associated with ghost stories and unexplained happenings. 

• 5 Echuca, Depart Melbourne

  Enjoy a riverside stroll before breakfast if an early rise appeals to you, then farewell the PS Australian Star for the last time and board a coach for your return journey to Melbourne, where your unforgettable holiday comes to an end.

** Itinerary is subject to change.

Your Boat

Experience the ultimate in river cruising luxury aboard the PS Australian Star! Launching June 2025, our all-inclusive overnight voyages along the majestic Murray River redefine opulence. Departing from picturesque Echuca, Victoria, our 3, 4, and 7-night itineraries promise an unforgettable journey.

Step aboard and immerse yourself in the rich heritage of the river. Our vessel, a masterpiece of engineering, seamlessly blends tradition with luxury. Feel the rhythm of the paddlewheel and hear the symphony of steam from our authentic 1907 wood-fired steam engine.

Indulge in opulent interiors inspired by Australia’s Southern Cross. From the Hopwood Lounge & Bar to the Randell Dining Room, each space tells a captivating story of the river’s history.

With 19 modern staterooms featuring ensuite bathrooms, air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, luxury linen, and TV entertainment, every traveler is treated to a luxurious retreat. And with ever-changing river views, the beauty of the Murray River surrounds you at every turn.

Join us as we embark on a voyage where tradition meets modernity and luxury becomes an art form. Welcome aboard the PS Australian Star for an unforgettable riverine experience. Book now!

Additional Information

The Australian Star departs from the Port of Echuca.

Once Australian Star departs, we are unable to obtain additional supplies or medicines. Special requests or dietary requirements must be advised when booking.

BAGGAGE
Baggage is limited to what you can stow in your cabins so please pack light. All bags must be clearly labelled with your name and limited to 15kg per bag. Please do not bring your bags with you at Check-In. Bags will be loaded by our staff as you board the vessel.

DISEMBARKATION
Please leave your labelled luggage outside your cabin door prior to breakfast on the final day and your cabin key outside of the door. Luggage will be taken ashore by the crew. All cabin accounts must be settled the evening prior to disembarkation.

ALCOHOL
The sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages will be limited to Guests who are 18 years or older. Australian Star promotes the responsible service of alcohol and will refuse service to guests if deemed to be intoxicated. Guests are kindly reminded to consume alcohol in moderation. Australian Star reserves the right to prohibit and retain all liquor brought onto vessels which is strictly prohibited.

COFFEE & TEA
Coffee & Tea is available complimentary throughout the cruise.

DINING
There is only one sitting for all meals and seating is open. The dining area is on the open deck so jackets and warm clothing may be required.

DRESS
During the day, sportswear and casual clothing are suggested. We kindly ask that you do not wear bathing suits, singlets, or brief attire especially when dining. Footwear is requested at all times. Sandals, low-heeled deck shoes, and tennis shoes are most suitable on-deck and for onshore excursions. During the evening, smart casual wear is recommended and in the cooler months, a good jacket as the evenings and early mornings can be chilly. We suggest you check the weather forecasts throughout your cruise and be sure to bring a sun visor or hat, sunglasses, and sunblock/sunscreen even during warmer months. Due to the wooden decks on our boats, pencil point (stiletto’s) heel shoes, are not permitted on board. Therefore, we request alternative footwear is to be worn whilst on board (bare feet is not permitted).

ELECTRICS
The vessels electricity is AC 240 volts, 50 cycles (standard electrical power used in Australia).

GRATUITIES
Tipping is always a personal choice. As a general guide, tipping is not required but is always gratefully received.

INCLUSIONS

• Complimentary return V/Line train fare from Melbourne
• Complimentary coach transfers from Toorumbarry to Echuca at the conclusion of your cruise
• Luxury air-conditioned cabin with private ensuite
• All onboard meals including morning and afternoon tea
• Regionally-inspired meals prepared by onboard chef
• Onshore Tour
• Complimentary selected wine & beer with dinner service
• Espresso coffee, tea, soft drink & bottled water
• Complimentary WIFI throughout the boat

ADDITIONAL COSTS
Airfares, transfers if not shown in itienrary, alcoholic beverages, travel insurance.

ON-BOARD PURCHASES
For your convenience, we operate an onboard account for each cabin for the duration of your cruise. You may use your cruise account for onboard drinks & souvenirs. Your cruise account must be settled the night prior to disembarkation. AUD cash or credit card (Visa & MasterCard) will be accepted for payment of your account only.

ONSHORE TOURS
During the cruise onshore tours are available. As a courtesy to your fellow passengers, please be prompt to your marshalling area. You are welcome to stay on board the vessel if you do not wish to participate in excursions.

SMOKING
Please be advised that the entire vessel including your cabin is strictly No Smoking including E-cigarettes at all times.

WEATHER
Rain or shine, waters on the Murray always make for smooth sailing. As a guide, expected seasonal temperatures range from 14-33 degrees Celsius during summer and 4-16 degrees Celsius during winter.

WI-FI
Free Wi-Fi is available in your cabin and around the vessel.

PASSENGER CABINS

• PS Australian Star’s King Suite: 18.6 square meters, private deck with deluxe chairs, a well-appointed writing desk, and chair offer a peaceful retreat, complemented by a fully stocked mini-bar for your convenience.
• PS Australian Star’s Queen Suite: 14.3 square meters, queen bed and private deck
• PS Australian Star Queen Stateroom: 10.2 square meters, with a queen bed that can be split into two single beds

GETTING ASHORE
During the course of the cruise, Australian Star stops at a number of riverside locations where passengers can go ashore via the gangway. The steepness of the gangway will vary depending on the location (varying from steep riverbanks to flat historic wharves). The crew is always on hand to assist passengers ashore. The terrain will also vary depending on river conditions. Rough ground, inclines, and sand may provide obstacles to those with limited mobility.

SWIMMING
If you wish to swim in the river, please seek advice from one of our crew as to the easiest and safest method of doing so.

Please note your travel is subject to the terms and conditions of the Passenger Cruise Agreement.

Itinerary is subject to change without notification. MRPS reserves the right to cancel any cruise due to river & weather conditions, mechanical failure, or the minimum number of 10 passengers has not been booked prior to departure. The Captain always reserves the right to put ashore any passenger who disrupts the even flow of a cruise; in such a case, no refund is possible. MRPS responsibility does not extend beyond the vessel, and whenever passengers leave it, any arrangements made by them or for them are at their own risk.

BOOKING TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Be aware that some confirmed bookings are not refundable if cancelled, and also may not be transferable to another date or otherwise changed. Alternatively, a change may only be permissible subject to payment of an additional fee or charge. Your entitlement to a refund for cancelled bookings is subject to the relevant Supplier’s terms and conditions. Please note that if we are entitled to a service fee for placing a booking, we will remain entitled to this fee if you cancel the booking or the Supplier fails to provide you with the Product for any reason (other than our default), including in an event of Force Majeure. We will be entitled to deduct our service fee from any refund we receive on your behalf before remitting the balance to you. Suppliers’ fees are outlined in their relevant terms and conditions.

Please review the full Terms and Conditions and Schedule of Fees prior to making a booking.

Supplier Terms and Conditions Cancellation Summary:
A deposit is required at the time of your booking. All deposits are non-refundable. Once final payment has been made, the minimum cancellation fee is a service fee of $55 pp + reservation of $55 pp + 10% of tour cost + fees listed in the schedule below:
All cancellations must be made in writing and calculated based on when it is received by us.
If cancellation occurs more than 100+ days prior to departure, loss of deposit, plus fees.
If cancellation occurs between 99 and 61 days prior to departure, 50% of holiday package price
If cancellation occurs within 60 days of departure, 100% of holiday package price

Travel Insurance
As a valued customer we are pleased to offer you the opportunity to purchase discounted travel insurance. It is HIGHLY recommended that passengers take out travel insurance. As a valued customer we are pleased to offer you the opportunity to get a free no-obligation quote from Cover-More Travel Insurance.

Credit Card Payments
Credit Card Customer Payment Link enter this link into your browser: pay.travelpay.com.au/AUSTC

If paying via the Customer Payment Link, please ensure you complete all fields and ensure you enter the correct Trip Reference Number, so we can identify your payment.

Credit card surcharges will apply when paying by credit card. We accept all credit cards and relevant credit card fee is applied when processing: Mastercard – 1.30%, Visa – 1.50%, American Express – 2.20%, Diners Card – 2.75%, International Credit Cards – 3.25%

Direct Deposit
Direct Deposit payments take up to 3 business days to process. Please notify your consultant of your payment once it has been processed.

Commonwealth Bank: Australian Tours and Cruises
Reference: Your Trip Number
BSB: 062-504 Account: 1066 1268
Branch Address: Shop 1/80-84 William St, Bathurst NSW 2795
In Bank Payment of Cash Or Cheque: Add $5 for bank fees
International Direct Deposit: Add $25 for bank fees
SWIFT or BIC CODE: CTBAAU2S

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