Day 1: Arrive Melbourne, Torrumbarry, Embark Paddlesteamer

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
Immerse yourself in the local charm and flavours of Echuca as you relish a two-course meal at the Mill, a charming local restaurant.

Be met in Melbourne and transferred by coach to Echuca to pause for a delicious lunch before continuing to Torrumbarry on the banks of the mighty Murray River, where you’ll board your marvellous home for the next four nights, the five-star PS Australian Star. The brand-new paddlesteamer is the largest in the southern hemisphere and boasts modern and spacious rooms, hosting a maximum of just 38 guests. Settle in and meet your fellow travellers as your paddlesteamer sets off upstream. You can soak in the scenery from your room’s own private verandah, or you might like to relax in the Hopwood Lounge or share a drink in the outdoor seating area as you sail in unrivalled luxury en route to Norris Bend. A riverside campfire and chef-prepared welcome dinner awaits in the bush surrounds, before you retire to your stylish room for your first night aboard.

Stay: 4 Nights, PS Australian Star
Meals: Lunch & dinner

Day 2: River Cruising, Perricoota Station

Following breakfast on board, cruise to the iconic Perricoota Station then board a coach for a visit to Restdown Wines. Here you’ll join the property’s owners for a guided tour along a beautiful walking trail, learning about significant Indigenous heritage sites, before savouring a gourmet lunch and wine tasting featuring the region’s local produce. After lunch, return to Perricoota Station to tour its historic buildings and pristine gardens before returning to your paddlesteamer for dinner on the deck. A documentary on the famous paddlesteamers and communities of the Murray River provides the perfect way to close out another sensational day on the river.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Day 3: River Cruising, Layfield Lane

As your ship cruises along the Murray, revel in a unique wine-tasting experience on board with a partnering winery. Savour the nuanced notes of exceptional wines against the scenic backdrop of the Murray, creating a perfect harmony of relaxation and indulgence.

A fabulous full day of cruising awaits today after the morning mist settles around wildlife-rich Perricoota. The pleasant and relaxing journey to Layfield Lane reveals the beauty of the special environment, which can be admired in its full glory from the many panoramic viewing points of the PS Australian Star. Enjoy lunch in the onboard space of your choice, whether you’d like to soak in the rays on the outdoor deck or relax in Cadell’s Dining Room. Tonight, delight in a delectable Australian BBQ on the riverbank followed by live entertainment and time to relax around the campfire (weather dependent).

Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Day 4: River Cruising, Echuca

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
Journey back in time and discover Echuca’s dark secrets of the past on a one-hour guided lantern tour. Echuca Wharf and its surrounding area have long been associated with ghost stories and unexplained happenings.

Following another delicious onboard breakfast, depart your floating home for a half-day exploration of the fascinating town of Echuca. Embark on the Henry Hopwood Town Tour, discovering Echuca’s icons including Hopwood’s Punt and the pontoon bridge, which was the region’s original Murray River crossing. Next is a brilliant morning tea aboard the PS Canberra, which was constructed in 1912, before free time to further explore Echuca. Return to the PS Australian Star for lunch before setting sail upstream again, passing the historic port of Echuca Wharf. Enjoy your final night on board this evening.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Day 5: Echuca, Depart Melbourne

Enjoy a riverside stroll before breakfast if an early rise appeals to you, then farewell the PS Australian Star for the last time and board a coach for your return journey to Melbourne, where your unforgettable holiday comes to an end.

Meals: Breakfast

*Advertised price is based on 30 June 2025 departure. All prices listed include maximum saving amount. Please enquire with your RAC travel consultant for current prices and availability. 

*Price is per person (pp), AUD, twin share and includes all saving amounts. Price and offer are correct as at 07 October 2024. Price based on GCVIC5: 30 June 2025. Book by 31 October 2024, unless sold out prior.

^Save up to $500 per couple: Book by 31 October 2024. Save up to $500 per couple ($250 per person) when booking the Murray River Escape (GCVIC5) tour departing June 2025 to May 2026. A non-refundable deposit is due within 7 days of booking; $1000 per person for Murray River Cruise. Final payment is due 100 days prior to the tour's departure date.

General Information and Conditions: Offers are available for travellers departing from Australia. All pricing and save amounts are in Australian Dollars. Information correct as at 07 October 2024 but may fluctuate due to changes in surcharges, taxes or currency. A strictly limited number of offers are available on selected itineraries and departure dates in selected suites/staterooms/cabins/room categories. Offers are subject to availability, not combinable unless specified, available on new bookings only and may be withdrawn at any time. Further APT terms and conditions apply, please enquire with your RAC travel consultant for details. 

A further $165 deposit per person is due at time of booking. General RAC Travel terms and conditions apply.