BlueSun Cruises

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Murray River Paddlesteamer - Explorer Cruise

Validity Dates 13 Feb 2024 to 23 Jun 2024
Start Price AU $3,560 per person
Cruise Australian Star, Explorer Cruise ex Echuca Return
Cruise Line Murray River Paddlesteamer
Ship Australian Star
Destination Australian Rivers
Brief Description Cruise 4 nights aboard the NEW PS Australian Star and experience the ultimate in Murray River luxury cruising.
Type of Special Cruise Only
Departure Date 12 Jan 2026
Inclusions Highlights:
-Join the owner for an insightful tour of Restdown Winery and its picturesque wetlands, capped off with a delectable lunch featuring locally sourced produce. Indulge in table wine tastings to enhance the experience.
-Traverse Perricoota Station’s enchanting gardens alongside your knowledgeable skipper, soaking in the allure of the famed filming location for the iconic Australian television series, All the Rivers Run.
-Delve into Echuca`s historical sites on a narrated coach tour, gaining insights into the captivating stories that shaped the area.
-Savor a one-of-a-kind riverside BBQ dining experience under the stars, accompanied by live entertainment and the warmth of a crackling campfire.
-Cruise aboard the venerable 110-year-old PS Canberra, sipping on traditional morning tea as you enjoy the timeless surroundings.
-Experience all-day cruising with a historical commentary that will transport you back in time and immerse you in the rich cultural heritage of the Murray River region

Explorer Cruise cruise package includes:
- 4 night cruise aboard the PS Australian Star in a luxury air-conditioned cabin with private ensuite from Torrumbarry to Echuca
- All onboard meals including morning & afternoon tea
- Onshore tours
- Regionally-inspired meals prepared by onboard chef
- Complimentary selected wine & beer with dinner service
- Espresso coffee, tea, soft drink & bottled water
- Complimentary WIFI throughout the boat
- Complimentary return V/Line train fare from Melbourne to Echuca
- Complimentary coach transfers from the Echuca Car Park or train Station to PS Australian Star at the beginning and end of your cruise
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Discounts: The fares shown here are full brochure fares. There may be special offers from time to time, so please contact us for the current best deal.

Solo Traveller - 75% surcharge. Please contact us for availability.

Optional extras: The following items can be added to your cruise fare as per the charges listed below.

1. 1 Night Pre OR Post Cruise Hotel Stay - Mercure Hotel Echuca - $195.00 per room per night
Extend your experience in Echuca with a Pre or Post Cruise Stay at the Mercure Port of Echuca Hotel. This exclusive rate will see you staying in a Deluxe King Room featuring a king bed, plasma TV, exquisite bathroom, pay-TV, and wireless internet access. This beautiful Hotel is within easy walking distance of the Port of Echuca and High Street shops.

2. 4 Night Secure Car Parking - $100.00 ($25.00 per vehicle per night)
4 Night Cruise Parking a secure undercover car parking facility is located just minutes from the departure point offering peace of mind knowing that your vehicle is protected from the elements.
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Day to Day Itinerary:

Day 1. Norris Bend: As PS Australian Star departs Torrumbarry, have the opportunity to indulge in an afternoon Devonshire tea while taking in the scenic views and getting to know your fellow cruisers. You can chat with the skipper in the wheelhouse and learn about the river history or unwind in your private cabin or the saloon during “Happy Hour” as the sun sets. In the evening, the crew will set up a riverside campfire (subject to weather) for you to enjoy after a welcome dinner at Norris Bend, prepared by the chef. You can also look out for kangaroos, wombats, and birds while taking in the evening chorus of the river birds and the emerging stars.

Day 2. Perricoota Station: After a hearty breakfast before cruising to the famous Perricoota Station. You`ll have the chance to board our coach for a visit to Restdown winery with the property`s owners, walk along a 1.4km wetlands trail with significant Aboriginal items, and enjoy a gourmet lunch of local produce and wine tastings. You can then explore the historical buildings and immaculate gardens of Perricoota Station before having dinner on PS Australian Star`s deck overlooking the mansion. The night will conclude with a fascinating documentary featuring archival footage of the paddlesteamers and communities of the Murray River.

Day 3. Layfield Lane: 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. 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, conceptualized 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.

Day 5. Echuca: This morning before breakfast early risers can enjoy a riverside stroll before we reluctantly say farewell.
Special Conditions *Conditions Apply: All prices shown here are per person share twin (unless stated as single) in AUD, based on full brochure cruise fare at time of publication 13Feb24. Some cabins may have obstructed views. Cruise deposit, amendment and cancellation conditions apply. Travel agent service fees may apply. Special conditions apply - please ask for full details at time of enquiry. All passports, vaccinations and visas are the responsibility of the travelling guest to secure prior to departure from Australia. Please note that the prices shown here are not shown in real time. While we endeavour to keep our pricing as up-to-date as possible, the advertised prices shown here may differ from the prices in our booking system at time of reservation. Offer subject to availability at time of booking. We reserve the right to correct errors without penalty.
Sailing Dates
23 Jun 2025
30 Jun 2025
14 Jul 2025
21 Jul 2025
04 Aug 2025
11 Aug 2025
25 Aug 2025
01 Sep 2025
29 Sep 2025
06 Oct 2025
27 Oct 2025
10 Nov 2025
17 Nov 2025
24 Nov 2025
01 Dec 2025
15 Dec 2025
22 Dec 2025
29 Dec 2025
05 Jan 2026
12 Jan 2026
26 Jan 2026
02 Feb 2026
23 Feb 2026
02 Mar 2026
16 Mar 2026
30 Mar 2026
06 Apr 2026
13 Apr 2026
20 Apr 2026
11 May 2026
18 May 2026
25 May 2026
07 Sep 2026
14 Sep 2026
21 Sep 2026
28 Sep 2026
05 Oct 2026
19 Oct 2026
12 Oct 2026
26 Oct 2026
02 Nov 2026
07 Dec 2026
14 Dec 2026
Cabin Twin
River Stateroom Deck 1 AU $3,560
River Stateroom Deck 2 AU $3,560
Owners Queen Suite with Private Balcony AU $4,400
Owners King Suite with Private Balcony AU $5,000
Cruise Itinerary
Date Port Arrive Depart
12 Jan 2026 Echuca, Victoria, Australia Transfer to Torrumbarry Weir
12 Jan 2026 Torrumbarry Weir, VIC, Australia Embark 4:00 PM
12 Jan 2026 Norris Bend, Murray River
13 Jan 2026 Perricoota Station, Murray River
14 Jan 2026 Murray River, Australia
15 Jan 2026 Echuca, Victoria, Australia
16 Jan 2026 Echuca, Victoria, Australia 9:30 AM
All itineraries and ports of call at the discretion of the cruise line subject to local weather conditions and may change without notice.

* Unless otherwise noted all pricing is on a per person twin share basis. All prices based on cash payment - credit card fees may apply. Cruise deposit, amendment and cancellation conditions apply. Special conditions may apply - please ask for full details at time of enquiry. All passports, vaccinations and visas are the responsibility of the travelling guest to secure prior to departure from Australia. Any pricing not in Australian Dollars will be converted on the day of payment into the relevant currency based on our daily rate of exchange. Please note that many of the prices shown on this website are not shown in real time. Whilst we endeavour to keep our pricing as up-to-date as possible, the advertised prices shown here may differ slightly from the live prices in our booking system. All pricing and offers are subject to availability at time of booking. Whilst all information is correct at the time of publication, offers are subject to change. We reserve the right to correct errors without penalty. Please submit any data errors/omissions you may notice on this site.

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