Cruise Description

7 Night Cruise sailing from Torrumbarry Weir roundtrip aboard Australian Star.

Day 1 - Norris bend
As you depart Torrumbarry upstream, enjoy an afternoon Devonshire tea, take in the sights and sounds of the river, and get to know your fellow cruisers. There’s ample time to chat with the skipper in the wheelhouse to learn about PS Australian Star, and her river history or simply relax in your private cabin.

When the sun begins to set, this marks the start of ‘Happy Hour’. Enjoy a drink in the saloon before a chef-prepared welcome dinner. Listen to the river birds’ evening chorus and watch for kangaroos, wombats, and many species of birds as the stars begin to appear.

Tonight, we moor at Norris Bend where your crew will have a riverside campfire (weather-dependent) ready for you to enjoy after dinner.

Day 2 - Onshore Tour & Perricoota Station
After a hearty breakfast, Australian Star cruises to the famous Perricoota Station, the property first settled by James Maiden in 1843, and famous for starring in the TV mini series “All the River Run” where our famous PS Emmylou was renamed PS Providence.

Here you will depart to Restdown Winery, producers of fine organic wines and Hereford beef. Join the property’s owners for a guided tour along a 1.4km wetlands walking trail, highlighting items of great Aboriginal significance before a gourmet lunch of local produce and wine tastings. Arriving back at Perricoota Station the skipper will invite you to walk along the historical buildings and immaculate gardens of Perricoota Station before happy hour.

Tonight enjoy a fabulous dinner aboard overlooking the famous Perricoota Station mansion. Tonight, after dinner it’s Movie Night with a special presentation of “Riverboats Remembered”, a fabulous historical presentation featuring archival footage of the paddle steamers and communities of the Murray River from the early 1900s through to the mid1970s.

Day 3 - All Day Cruising & Layfield Lane
For early risers and keen photographers, the morning mist and wildlife around Perricoota is a sight to behold. After breakfast, Australian Star gracefully steams onwards upstream for a full day of cruising towards our riverside mooring, Layfield Lane mooring.

Today enjoy lunch on the deck or in the saloon with plenty of time to relax with a good book or just take in the river views. Tonight, enjoy a grand dinner on the riverbank – our signature Australian BBQ (weather dependent), lit up by candles on the tables and stars in the sky.

After dinner enjoy casual conversation around the campfire (weather dependent) with live entertainment before retiring for the evening.

Day 4 - Town Tour & Echuca
Begin your day with a hearty breakfast to prepare for an exhilarating half-day expedition encompassing both land and water. Embark on our unique guided Henry Hopwood Town Tour, a captivating journey through the quaint town of Echuca, where you’ll unearth hidden historical treasures such as Hopwood’s Punt and the pontoon bridge. This bridge, conceptualised by Echuca’s founder, Henry Hopwood, stands as the original river crossing point in the region.

Prepare to be captivated by the 110-year-old PS Canberra, boasting a red gum timber hull constructed in 1912 at Goolwa, South Australia. Indulge in morning tea aboard this vessel before returning to PS Australian Star for lunch, your river cruise adventure continues upstream, passing by the impressive Port of Echuca Wharf, which was once bustling with over 100 paddle steamers during its prime.

Overnight Echuca wharf.

Day 5 - Silo Tour & Layfield Lane
Prepare yourself for an engaging half-day expedition that will immerse you in the beauty of local artistry and historical vignettes. The day kicks off with a visit to the breathtaking local art silos situated at Rochester and Colbinabbin.

These larger-than-life paintings are a testament to the region’s rich heritage and are sure to leave an indelible impression. Your excursion doesn’t just end with the visual feast of the silos; it extends to a delightful lunch at a renowned local pub. Here, you’ll not only savor delicious fare but also have the unique opportunity to interact with the pub’s welcoming owners and engage in lively conversations with the friendly locals.

As you reboard the Australian Star, get ready to unwind during the afternoon cruise downstream with a relaxing Devonshire tea. The serene ambiance of the river complements the delectable treats served, providing a perfect backdrop for a leisurely afternoon. As the sun starts savor a refreshing drink in the ship’s saloon while basking in the scenic beauty surrounding you.

As twilight sets in, a magical experience awaits you at Layfield Lane. Following a sumptuous Australian BBQ dinner served on the riverbank the atmosphere transforms with live entertainment around a crackling campfire under the sparkling stars.

Day 6 - Onshore Tour and River Cruising
Today you will experience the perfect start to your day with a delightful breakfast before embarking on a captivating half-day land and river tour that promises to be an unforgettable journey. Your adventure begins with a visit to the fascinating Heritage Farm Museum, where you’ll immerse yourself in the charm of the past.

Next, get ready to be enchanted as you join the Murray Explorer, a magnificent vessel that will take you on an Expedition cruise along the upper Murray River.

Prepare to be awestruck by the natural wonders that surround you, from breathtaking landscapes to a rich array of wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for White Faced Herons and you may even find and you may even find a Kingfisher, all this along with a captain’s commentary.

On your return we visit St Anne’s Winery for tasting of their fabulous table and fortified wines before returning to Australian Star for an afternoon tea service as you continue downriver towards Deep Creek Marina.

Day 7 - Perricoota Station & Torrumbarry Weir
PS Australian Star departs early for a full day of cruising with a stop at the famous Perricoota Station before continuing downriver towards Torrumbarry Weir. Upon arrival, you can take a guided walk across the weir with the Skipper, visiting the Interpretive Centre and learning about the Murray Darling Basin, the weir, and the lock system that dates back to 1923. T

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 8 - Echuca
Early risers can enjoy a riverside stroll before breakfast. A courtesy vehicle will then be ready to return you to Echuca, where you will reluctantly say farewell to your unforgettable river journey on PS Australian Star.