DAY 1 - Monday 23rd
September ’24 TORRUMBARRY WEIR TO NORRIS BEND (D)
After arriving by coach from Echuca settle in as
Emmylou departs Torrumbarry upstream, take the opportunity to savour an
afternoon Devonshire tea while enjoying the picturesque views and acquainting
yourself with fellow cruisers. You may chat with the skipper in the wheelhouse
to learn about PS Emmylou’s river history, relax in your private cabin or
relish a drink in the saloon during "Happy Hour” as the sun sets. In the
evening, the crew will have a riverside campfire ready for you to enjoy after a
chef-prepared welcome dinner at Norris Bend. Keep an eye out for kangaroos,
wombats, and birds as you bask in the river birds’ evening chorus and the
emerging stars.
DAY 2 - Tuesday 24th NORRIS BEND to PERRICOOTA STATION (B, L D)
After a hearty breakfast, PS Emmylou will cruise to
the famous Perricoota Station. You’ll have the opportunity to tour Restdown
Winery joining the property’s owners for a guided tour along a 1.4km wetlands
walking trail, highlighting items of Aboriginal significance before enjoying a
gourmet lunch of local produce and wine tastings. Afterward, you’ll walk along
the historic buildings and immaculate gardens of Perricoota Station before
enjoying a fabulous dinner on Emmylou’s deck overlooking the famous property
and river. The night will conclude with a fascinating documentary featuring
archival footage of the paddlesteamers and communities of the Murray River.
DAY 3 – Wednesday 25th PERRICOOTA STATION TO LAYFIELD LAND (B, L, D)
For early risers and avid photographers, the morning mist and wildlife around Perricoota is a spectacle to behold. You’ll then spend the whole day cruising upstream towards Layfield Lane, enjoying lunch on the deck or in the saloon. In the evening, you can experience a grand dinner on the riverbank with the signature Australian BBQ, followed by live entertainment and casual conversation around the campfire (weather dependent).
DAY 4
- Thursday 26th
LAYFIELD LANE TO MOAMA WHARF (B, L, D)
Begin your day with a rewarding breakfast
before embarking on a half-day land and river tour. Your tour explores the
historic town of Echuca discovering little-known historic sites such as
Hopwood’s Punt and pontoon bridge, which was the first crossing of the river
created by Echuca’s founder Henry Hopwood. You’ll then experience the magic of
the Murray River on our Eco Expedition boat, the Murray Explorer. After
enjoying morning tea at the historic Echuca Wharf, you’ll embark on a journey
upriver, immersing yourself in the natural wonders of the Murray River. As you
cruise, you’ll witness breathtaking scenery and diverse wildlife, all while
learning about the rich history of the river from pre-European to early
colonial riverboat days. Afterward, we’ll make a stop at a remote sandy river
beach where you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch, surrounded by the beauty of this
iconic Australian destination. We then return to Emmylou for an afternoon tea
service as you continue upriver towards mooring overnight at Moama Wharf.
DAY 5
- Friday 27th ART
SILO & HISTORIC ECHUCA TOUR (B, L, D)
This
morning Emmylou cruises into the Port of Echuca, which was first built in the
1860s to support the booming river trade and was once the largest inland port
in Australia. You’ll enjoy a half-day tour visiting two spectacular local
art silos at Rochester and Colbinabbin, stopping for lunch at the local pub
before visiting the fabulous Kyabram water tank. Returning to Echuca, explore
the historical port precinct on a guided walking tour and visit the High Street
shops and cafes. Back aboard Emmylou, you can enjoy an afternoon
Devonshire tea while cruising downstream. Happy Hour starts as the sun sets,
where you can enjoy a drink in the saloon before arriving at Layfield Lane for
a grand dinner on the riverbank with the signature Australian BBQ.
DAY 6 - Saturday 28th LAYFIELD LANE TO DEEP CREEK MARINA (B, L, D)
After a rewarding breakfast, you will
embark on a half-day land and river tour that includes a visit to the Great
Aussie Beer Shed & Heritage Farm Museum. This unique attraction celebrates
Australia’s love for beer and boasts a vast collection of over 17,000 cans and
bottles from all over the world. Its then time for an unforgettable Eco
Expedition on the Murray Explorer, where you’ll discover the enchanting beauty
of the Murray River. We begin with a delightful morning tea at the historic
Echuca Wharf before setting off upriver. As you cruise, you’ll witness
breathtaking scenery and diverse wildlife, all while learning about the rich
history of the river from pre-European to early colonial riverboat days. After
a thrilling journey, we’ll make a stop at a remote sandy river beach where
you’ll savor a delicious lunch amidst the stunning natural surroundings of this
iconic Australian destination. On your return to Emmylou you will visit
Morrisons riverside winery for a quick tasting of their fabulous table and fortified
wines before returning to Emmylou for an afternoon tea service as you continue
downriver towards Deep Creek Marina.
DAY 7 - Sunday 29th DEEP CREEK MARINA TO TORRUMBARRY WEIR (B, L, D)
PS Emmylou 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. 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 - Monday 30th TORRUMBARRY WEIR - HOME (B)
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, and be met by a Cardwells representative
to return you to your respective destinations.
Price: $4780 per person, based on Twin Share.
(no single rooms available)