Un voyage de 5 jours à bord du PS Australian Star

Welcome aboard, your journey begins with a scenic coach transfer from Echuca to Torrumbarry, where the majestic PS Australian Star awaits. As you step aboard, you’ll be welcomed into a world of timeless river charm. Once underway, settle in with a traditional afternoon Devonshire tea as Australian Star gently cruises upstream—your first taste of life on the Murray.

Take in the tranquil beauty of the riverbanks, get acquainted with your fellow travellers, or visit the wheelhouse for a friendly chat with the Captain and a behind-the-scenes look at Australian Star’s authentic wood-fired steam engine. Or unwind in the comfort of your private Stateroom and let the river’s rhythm ease you into holiday mode.

As the sun dips low, the evening begins with a drink in the Hopwood Lounge & Bar – enjoy a local wine, craft beer or cocktail while the bushland comes alive with the calls of native birds and the sight of kangaroos emerging from the shadows.

Dinner is a highlight of the evening: an à la carte delight made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Afterward, we moor at Norris Bend, where—weather permitting—a crackling riverside campfire awaits. Gather with new friends under a blanket of stars, sharing stories and soaking in the peace of the Australian bush.

For early risers and photography enthusiasts, morning mist drifting over Perricoota Station offers a magical start to the day. Keep an eye out for native wildlife stirring along the banks—a peaceful and unforgettable moment best enjoyed with a warm cup in hand.

After a hearty breakfast, PS Australian Star steams gracefully upstream, continuing her journey toward tonight’s destination at the tranquil Layfield Lane mooring. This is a day for pure relaxation—lounge on the sun deck with a book, enjoy quiet moments watching the ever-changing scenery, or simply savour the gentle rhythm of the river.

As evening falls, the day culminates in a signature riverside experience—our much-loved Australian BBQ dinner under the stars (weather permitting). Tables set with soft candlelight and the crackle of a nearby campfire create a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Enjoy live entertainment as you unwind with fellow guests, sharing stories and laughter beneath the southern sky.

Retire to your stateroom with a heart full of river memories and the sounds of the bush all around.

Begin your day with a hearty breakfast aboard PS Australian Star, fueling up for a fascinating half-day adventure that brings Echuca’s rich history to life.

Disembark for the Henry Hopwood Town Tour, a guided journey through Echuca’s historic heart. Discover the stories behind landmarks such as Hopwood’s Punt and the innovative pontoon bridge—the original Murray River crossing devised by the town’s founder, Henry Hopwood.

Then, step aboard the lovingly restored PS Canberra, a 113-year-old paddlesteamer built in 1912 from sturdy red gum timber. Cruise the river aboard this historic vessel and imagine life during the height of the paddle steamer era. After your cruise, enjoy free time for a self-guided walking tour of the Port of Echuca precinct. Explore museums, heritage buildings, artisan shops, and cafes at your own pace, soaking in the atmosphere of one of Australia’s most iconic river ports.

Return to PS Australian Star for lunch as your river journey continues upstream. Cruise past the imposing Port of Echuca Wharf, once home to more than 100 paddle steamers during its 19th-century heyday. In the evening, gather for a farewell dinner, cruising upriver of Echuca. Reflect on your unforgettable journey, share stories with fellow guests, and toast to the magic of the Murray River one last time.

Today’s journey takes you beyond the riverbanks on a fascinating half-day land expedition celebrating regional creativity and community spirit. Your morning begins with a visit to the stunning silo art installations at Rochester and Colbinabbin—towering, hand-painted masterpieces that capture the stories, people, and landscapes of the Murray River region. These monumental artworks are not only visually breathtaking but also offer a powerful tribute to rural Australia’s identity and resilience.

Following your art-filled adventure, enjoy a relaxed lunch at a much-loved country pub, where warm hospitality, hearty fare, and a sense of genuine community await. Take the opportunity to meet the friendly owners, engage in conversation with local characters, and soak in the charm of small-town Victoria.

Upon returning to the PS Australian Star, spend a tranquil afternoon cruising downstream. Unwind with a Devonshire tea served on deck as the river gently glides by, creating the perfect setting for rest and reflection. As evening draws near, the experience continues at Layfield Lane, where a signature Australian BBQ dinner awaits on the riverbank. Under a canopy of stars, gather around a crackling campfire with live entertainment, enjoying music, conversation, and the magic of the Murray by night.

Today, PS Australian Star sets off on a full-day cruising adventure to the impressive Torrumbarry Weir, offering a day rich in natural beauty, historic encounters, and unforgettable river moments.

Your journey begins with a mid-morning stop at the iconic Perricoota Station before PS Australian Star continues downstream. Enjoy the ever-changing scenery from the deck or saloon, with time to relax and reflect. Upon arriving at Torrumbarry Weir, you’ll disembark for a guided exploration of the weir and lock system, first constructed in 1923. Visit the Interpretive Centre, where interactive exhibits bring the Murray-Darling Basin’s complex water management and ecological significance to life.

As your final evening aboard approaches, gather for a farewell dinner hosted by the Captain —a memorable occasion that begins with canapés and drinks at sunset, served as golden light dances across the water. Then, enjoy a delicious dinner under the stars, soaking in the serenity of the river and the camaraderie of your fellow travellers. It’s the perfect finale to your time aboard the elegant PS Australian Star.

As the sun rises on your final morning aboard PS Australian Star, early risers are invited to take a peaceful stroll along the riverbank, soaking up the stillness of the Murray and the soft morning light—one last moment to connect with the beauty of the bush.

After a relaxed breakfast on board, it’s time to say goodbye to the crew and your fellow travellers, bringing to a close a truly unforgettable journey filled with history, nature, fine food, and warm hospitality.

A courtesy coach transfer will return you comfortably to Echuca, with drop-offs at local car parking, train station, and CBD hotels. Though your cruise may be over, the memories of life aboard Australian Star and the charm of the Murray will linger long after you return home.