7 Night Tour – Reflections of the Murray River including 4 Night Emmylou Cruise TGTVIC8

Itinerary

• 1 Day 1 Arrive Melbourne, Echuca, Embark PS Emmylou (Dinner)

  Arrive in Melbourne and transfer to the rural town of Echuca in northern Victoria. This is where you’ll board the PS Emmylou, your floating home for the next four nights, where you’ll be greeted by your Travelmarvel Cruise Director. The moment you step aboard, be transported to the golden age of paddle steamer travel, where life moved at a slower pace and travel wasn’t simply about the destination, but the journey itself.

  A perfect replica of a vintage paddle steamer with the original 1906 Marshall and Sons steam engine, Emmylou is reminiscent of a bygone era with its gleaming timber cladding and authentic wheelhouse that you can access and chat with the skipper. The eight onboard cabins are decked out in fine linens, private en suites and direct access to the deck, where you can pause to watch the serene river scenes pass by. Set off at 4pm this afternoon for Layfield Lane, spending your time on board relaxing with a good book or watching the Upper Murray River scenery. At Layfield Lane, enjoy a gourmet Australian barbeque under the stars, before a live music performance.

  Stay: Four Nights, PS Emmylou

• 2 Day 2 River Cruisesing - Perricoota Station (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

  Breakfast is served on the deck of the PS Emmylou as the paddle steamer makes a leisurely course for your next stop: Perricoota Station. Watch as scenes along the Murray unfold as you cruise – the majestic river red gums, the sunlight bouncing off the river’s surface, and the hopeful glimpse of a kangaroo hopping beyond the tree line. Listen out for the laugh of a kookaburra over the rhythmic splashing of the paddle steamer.

  At Perricoota Station, join your skipper for a guided tour of the historic farm and homestead and its pristine gardens. Later, return to PS Emmylou to enjoy a gourmet dinner with your fellow travellers, prepared by your onboard chef. Cap off your day with a documentary screening of the Murray River’s local communities and its famous paddle steamers throughout history. Before retiring to your cabin for the night, admire the starry night sky and the calming quiet of the Australian bush.

  Stay: PS Emmylou

• 3 Day 3 River Cruising - Echuca, Deep Creek (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

  This morning, wake to the sound of native bird song as your paddle steamer gently rumbles to life. Enjoy breakfast on board before a half-day exploration starting in town. After, enjoy an Explorer Cruise through Barmah Wetlands, where you can get up close to Australian nature and wildlife. Back aboard the PS Emmylou, keep on the lookout for emus or wallabies as your vessel cruises to Deep Creek Marina, where it will moor overnight.

  Stay: PS Emmylou

• 4 Day 4 River Cruising - Echuca (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

  By this point in your journey, you will have well and truly adjusted to the unhurried, relaxed pace of life along the Murray River. Your paddle steamer spends the day travelling back upriver towards Echuca, and you can enjoy your last day on board relaxing on the decks enjoying the views while swapping tales with your fellow cruisers, reading a book, or sipping a barista-made coffee and settling into one of the many cosy nooks hidden throughout the vessel. Dinner is a celebration of local flavours and produce, served on board this evening before the PS Emmylou docks back in Echuca.

  Stay: PS Emmylou

• 5 Day 5 Echuca, Swan Hill, Disembark Paddle Steamer (Breakfast, Dinner)

  After breakfast, disembark the PS Emmylou and board a coach for your journey to Swan Hill. Along the way, pause at Mount Hope and Gunbower National Park for a chance to stretch your legs. Gunbower is celebrated for its birdwatching opportunities, so keep on the lookout for kookaburras, blue-feathered superb fairywrens, dusky woodswallows and more during a leisurely walk through the forest and wetlands. If you’re feeling active, join a moderate hike up Mount Hope where you’ll be rewarded with picturesque views of the Murray Riverlands.

  Continue to Swan Hill, stopping en route in Cohuna, where you may like to explore the town and savour lunch at your leisure. This evening, arrive in Swan Hill. This rural town is located nearby the Murray River, and is renowned for its stone fruits, wineries and its annual Swan Hill Food and Wine Festival.

  Stay: Swan Hill, Burke and Wills Motor Inn

   

   

• 6 Day 6 Swan Hill, Mungo National Park (Breakfast, Dinner)

  Following breakfast, set off for the natural wonders of World Heritage-listed Mungo National Park. Spend time exploring this lunar-like landscape, from the unique formations of the Walls of China trail to the Mungo Woman and Mungo Man, some of the most important human remains ever found in Australia. The national park’s namesakes are the Mungo Woman and Mungo Man. Their 42,000-year-old ritual burial sites contained the oldest human remains outside of Africa and are a tribute to the resilience of the Paakantyi, Ngiyampaa and Muthi Muthi people, descendants of the Mungo people.

  This afternoon, enjoy lunch at the national park before time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or learn more about the park at the visitor’s centre. Check in to your accommodation for the night, Mungo Lodge. This evening, take part in a Mungo Lodge Sunset Tour and follow your guide to the Walls of China during golden hour to capture the perfect sunset photo. While you’re chasing sunsets, look out for local kangaroos, emus and other birdlife.

  Stay: Mungo National Park, Mungo Lodge

• 7 Day 7 Mungo National Park, Renmark, Barossa Valley (Breakfast, Dinner)

  Arrive in South Australia today, stopping in the rural town of Renmark for lunch at leisure. This charming town is another Murray River gem, located along a sweeping section of the river and surrounded by ochre-coloured cliffs, wetlands abundant with birdlife and a fantastic brewery and distillery scene. After time to peruse the town, continue to the world-renowned Barossa Valley, stopping en route at Waikerie for chance to stretch your legs and admire the Murray River cliffs and Silo Art.

  At Barossa Valley, check in to your deluxe, eco-friendly safari tent before setting off for an afternoon of culinary delights. What better way to immerse yourself in the Barossa Valley than by taking a vineyard tour of renowned Jacob’s Creek winery. Explore the 14 different grapes varieties and learn more about how wine is made, followed by a tasting at the cellar door. The gourmet delights continue this evening at a Farewell Dinner at Vino Lokal, a bistro-style restaurant celebrating good food and great wine.

  Stay: Discovery Parks – Barossa Valley

• 8 Day 8 Barossa Valley, Depart Adelaide (Breakfast)

  After breakfast, set off on a Sorbet, Gelati and Chocolate tasting at Barossa Valley Chocolate Company. Here, chocolatiers have matched their white, ruby, milk and dark chocolates with four house-made sorbets and gelati, resulting in a decadent dessert combination. Afterwards, farewell the Barossa Valley’s stunning network of patchwork vineyards as you are transferred to Adelaide, where your tour comes to an end.

** The itinerary is subject to change.

 

Your Boat

Facilities

On the Emmylou there are just 8 cabins and a maximum of 16 passengers you can be sure of excellent attention and service form friendly and professional crew. Perfect for a small group that wants to have the boat to themselves. All river journey cruises are fully inclusive of all meals and onshore tours. Restaurant, bar, under the stars deck dining, AC 240 volt power, Free Wi-Fi, on-board account for drinks and souvenirs, hair dryers, air conditioning /heating, tea and coffee facilities.

Dining

Dinning is open air, allowing you to enjoy the experience of cruising. Our onboard Chef takes full advantage of our rich and diverse bounty of fresh, local ingredients to fashion uniquely Australian dishes whilst our staff charm you with friendly local hospitality and attentive service. All meals are fully inclusive of your tour price and most dietary requirements can be catered for with advance notice. The bar stocks a range of drinks for purchase to enjoy with your meal.

About the P.S. Emmylou

The Paddle Steamer Emmylou is one of the most recognisable and iconic paddlesteamers along the Murray River, Echuca. The PS Emmylou is the only wood fired paddlesteamer in the world offering regular overnight cruising. Powered by a beautifully restored 1906 Marshall and Sons steam engine. Fuelled by redgum logs the Emmylou exudes old-world charm whilst offering modern comfort in recently refurbished cabins.

The Emmylou was named after the country singer Emmylou Harris, the PS Emmylou has been host to thousands of people, delighting even her namesake during the late 1980s. Alongside the PS Pevensey, the PS Emmylou starred in the TV series ‘All the Rivers Run’ renamed for the TV series as the PS Providence. Step back in time and let Emmylou connect you to Australian history, geography, culture and cuisine. You will enjoy riverside campfires, BBQ’s, winery visits, world heritage wetlands and cultural experience, all whilst enjoying the sights and sounds of Australia’s most famous river, the Murray!

Accommodation

The 8 cabins provide you with a choice of accommodation to suit you and your travel companion as well as your budget. All cabins have been recently refurbished, so they are all lovely. Emmlyou Cabin Plan

• Main Deck Queen Bed, Private Ensuite (1 cabin)
• Upper Deck Twin Beds, Private Ensuite (2 cabins)
• Upper Deck Double Bed, Private Ensuite (2 cabins)
• Upper Deck Queen Bed, Private Ensuite (2 cabins)
• Emmylou Suite Double Bed, Private Ensuite (1 cabin)

Cabins have either twin, double or queen beds; individually controlled air conditioning units and private en-suite. Hair dryers are provided in each cabin. Tea and coffee making facilities are in the bar area.

The Upper Deck requires passengers to climb a staircase of 14 steps which are quite upright.

The vessel’s electricity is AC 240 volts, 50 cycle (standard electrical power used in Australia). Free Wifi is available in your cabin and around the vessel. Ask the crew for details onboard.

As Emmylou has no laundry, passengers are asked to hang their towels on the racks provided in your cabin to allow them to dry. Towels are changed on request.

Smoking is not permitted on the PS Emmylou.

Additional Information

The PS Emmylou departs from the Port of Echuca.

Once Emmylou departs, we are unable to obtain additional supplies or medicines. Special requests or dietary requirements must be advised together with your Passenger Cruise Agreement when your deposit is paid or within 3 days of full payment.

BAGGAGE
Baggage is limited to what you can stow in your cabins so please pack light. All bags must be clearly labeled 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.

BOARDING
Emmylou departs from River Boat Dock, Berth 4, Watson Street, Echuca, and returns to this Dock. Boarding commences 30 minutes before departure where staff will assist with baggage. Boarding is fifteen minutes before the scheduled departure.

DISEMBARKATION
Please leave your labeled 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. MRPS 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. MRPS 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 is 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 over the period of 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 are not permitted).

DRINKING WATER
The water from your cabin tap is not suitable for drinking. Bottled water is supplied in your cabin – please feel free to refill the container from the water tap available in the lounge.

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
The following is included in your cruise: accommodation, all meals, all onshore tours, coffee and tea, bottled water, onboard presentations, and transfer to/from local Hotels & Echuca Train Station. Fares exclude drinks not stated, optional tours if provided, and additional services.

ADDITIONAL COSTS
Airfares, transfers from locations such as Melbourne or Bendigo, 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.

TOWELS
As Emmylou has no laundry and to help us save water and the environment towels are not washed and are replaced daily. Please ensure you leave towels on the racks provided in your cabin to allow them to dry. Extra Towels are available on request. Rooms are not serviced while cruising.

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.

WHEELHOUSE
You are welcome to visit the wheelhouse, however, please avoid times when the vessel is maneuvering into or leaving port.

WI-FI
Free Wi-Fi is available in your cabin and around the vessel. Please ask our crew for details. BOARDING PS EMMYLOU Access to Emmylou is via River Boat Dock, Beth 4, Watson Street Echuca Boarding is via a gangway onto the Main Deck. The gangway is of suitable for wheelchair use.

GETTING AROUND PS EMMYLOU
Emmylou has two passenger decks. The main Deck is accessible by wheelchair however help will be required to traverse the crank shaft. The Upper Deck is not accessible by wheelchair and requires passengers to climb a staircase of 14 steps which are quite upright. We recommend that you reverse down facing the steps when coming down the staircase. Please ask our crew for assistance if required

PASSENGER CABINS
• Passenger cabins are located on the Main & Upper Decks
• There is 1 cabin on the Main Deck
• All other cabins & the Emmylou Suite are located on the Upper Deck
• All cabins and the Emmylou Suite have a Private Ensuite

GETTING ASHORE
During the course of the cruise, Emmylou 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.

The 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 that have 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’s 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

Cruise Reviews

I always wanted to cruise on a paddlesteamer and we travelled a long way to do it but we just loved it. It was beautifully cosy with just a handful of other guests and the scenery was magical, especially the mist in the morning and the sunsets at the end of the day. And the hospitality from the friendly staff onboard was just fabulous. Kym & Rodd

This was my fourth cruise on Emmylou this year and I’ve got two more booked this December and next year,” boasts Philippa, ( fourth from the left) one of Emmylou’s biggest fans. “I travel on my own and I just love what Emmylou offers. The staff are remarkable and the other guests are always so friendly and the whole experience on the river is so interesting and relaxing. I love it so much I’d love to work on the boat!” Phillipa

Our cruise on Emmylou was somewhat of a pilgrimage for us as we’ve always been fascinated by the Murray and the steamboats on it and we finally did a paddle steamer cruise last month and can I say it was probably the best trip we’ve ever done in a long while. This was such a special experience, more so from the exceptional staff who couldn’t do more for you to make you relaxed and comfortable. The staff and our fellow passengers were all so friendly – it was more like one big happy family. We loved it! Tom & Margaret

My brother & I did a 4-night cruise, which included 2 days of shore excursions. One was to a winery and the other was an informative small boat (10M) cruise through the “Murray Choke”, both excursions were excellent. There was a total of 15 passengers so one did not feel lost in the crowd. The day could be spent either chatting to other guests, or, finding a quiet spot and enjoying the view, bird calls, and wildlife. The cabins were compact (small to medium case only) but warm and comfy with their own en-suite. The meals were excellent with a choice of menu for most meals. The BBQ and sing-along on the last night was a hoot or toot. The atmosphere on the cruise was very relaxing, helped by the slow pace of the Murray, the rhythmic muffled splash of the paddle wheels, and the mesmerizing action of the circa 1906 steam engine. This was a new cruising experience that I would thoroughly recommend. Phillip

One can only describe this 3 day Emmylou cruise as fantastic. Professional staff, excellent food. A highlight for me was the BBQ on the banks of the Mighty Murray River. Well done. Put it as a must-do. dianjob69

The crew was great, very attentive, and couldn’t do enough. Watching the old steam engine work away was fascinating. The speed of the paddle steamer allowed you time to enjoy the Murray River. The food was very good and you didn’t leave hungry. Our cabin was small but manageable and the bathroom was fine. Very enjoyable cruise. Robert C

FAQs

• What should I wear?

  During the day, sportswear and casual clothes are suggested. We kindly ask that you do not wear bathing suits, singlets or brief attire in public rooms and lounges, especially in the Dining Room. Footwear is requested in both the Dining Room and Lounges. During the evening smart casual wear is recommended – an open neck shirt and slacks for gentlemen and a dress, skirt and blouse or pants outfit for the ladies. Be sure to bring a sun visor or hat, sunglasses (Polaroid) and good sun blocks. Sandals, low-heeled deck shoes and tennis shoes are most suitable on deck and for shore excursions. Pack warmer clothing for our onshore barbeque night and nocturnal cruising/activities etc. It is also advisable to wear comfortable walking shoes for our onshore excursions and whilst on the decks.

• Can I smoke on the boat?

  Smoking is not permitted anywhere aboard the vessel including inside cabins and suites.

• Do I need to prove that I am fit enough to undertake a Emmylou cruise?

  The passenger warrants that they are physically fit and capable of undertaking the cruise. Guests must notify in writing at the time of
  booking of any physical or mental illness, disability or other conditions for which special accommodations required.  The vessel does not carry a medical doctor aboard. Acute medical conditions will require you to disembark to be attended to by shore-side emergency and/or medical response.

• I have limited mobility, is there anything I should know for the PS Emmylou cruises?

  On the PS Emmylou, the main deck access requires no stairs. However there is a drive shaft that passengers are required to step over to get to the Saloon and Dining area. This is approximately 60 cm high. The Main deck has the dining area, bar, one passenger queen bed cabin, with en-suite and access to a shared toilet. Upper decks cabins have en-suits but require access via stairs. Each person will be required to make their way onto to the boat via the gangway.

   

• Is there a doctor onboard?

  The ships crews do not include a doctor, however the ship’s Officers are trained in First Aid. There is no pharmacy onboard. Please ensure you bring adequate prescription medicines you may require.

• Can we swim in the river?
  Yes. If you wish to swim in the river please seek advise from one of the deck staff as to the easiest and safest method of doing so.
• Are my valuables safe?

  For your convenience valuables may be lodged with the Captain for safe keeping in the Captain’s safe. The company accepts no liability.

• What will the weather be like?

  Rain or shine, waters on the Murray always make for smooth sailing. As a guide, expected seasonal temperatures range from 16-35 degrees Celsius during summer and 6-17 degrees Celsius during winter.

• Is there electricity onboard the boats?

  The ships electricity is AC 240 volts 50 cycle (standard electrical power used in Australia). Hairdryers are provided on the cruises, how ever you are welcome to bring your own shavers and hairdryers if you wish.

• How much baggage can I bring?

  Baggage is limited to what you can stow in your cabins, so you would be advised not to over pack. All bags must be clearly labelled with your name. Bags have to be handled by crew and we would appreciate a weight limit of 15 kg.

• We have a special occasion to celebrate, what can you do for us?
  You may want to order a cake, champagne or make some other celebratory arrangement for that special occasion. Please give two weeks notice before sailing.
• What do we do with special requests or dietary requirements?

  Once we leave the wharf these ships cannot obtain additional supplies or medicines. Special requests or dietary requirements must be advised to your booking agent as early as possible. Upon boarding please consult with your Cruise Director. Please also ensure you bring any prescription medication you may need.

• Do I need to bring anything at check in?

  The following information is required at check-in: – Photo identification for each passenger (drivers license or passport) – Your cruise confirmation number (located on your e-ticket) – Your credit card (as security against your onboard Cabin account)