Murray River Paddlesteamers Echuca - Echuca, Victoria

Scott C.

I went to Echuca to pick up an engine part. While there, I decided to check out the 'tourist' area. I found it fascinating having some prior knowledge of the Murray Highway and being passionate about preserving our, albeit young, history in Australia. Every one of the staff I spoke to were lovely. I spent most of my time having a yarn to the Blacksmith guys and the lost arts. I highly recommend Echuca for a visit. My only regret is not spending enough time there. I'm looking forward to staying a day or two in future.

kim G.

Firstly have to shout out to Christine! What an amazing beautiful lady! So welcoming and accommodating. She went above and beyond to make our experience the best! The rest of the crew were experienced and fantastic! The old PS Canberra was a lovely old steam paddleboat. Been on the water for over 110 years. So much history on display! Snack shop on board! Will definitely return. Thank you again! Was an unforgettable experience.

Michelle H.

What a great experience. An hour trip up the Murray River on the Canberra, getting a history lesson along the way. Our driver & historian had extensive knowledge of the area & delivered it in a fun & up beat manner. Would highly recommend.

Geoff J.

We travelled on a Premium Cruise and Lunch tour on the PS Canberra. Fabulous boat over 80 years carrying passengers (apparently more than 10 million) with a faultlessly maintained steam engine that was marvellous to watch. The staff onboard were fabulous and accommodated our every need.
Lunch at Morrison's Winery was two courses including wine and was a great experience.
Overall I would say our day on PS Canberra exceeded our expectations.
Thanks to the crew!

Mike W.

We did the 1 hr cruise on the PS Canberra
Beth was a excellent skipper and hilarious with her comments
Wifey and I would recommend this trip to everyone
$35 per person
Also has a bar on board

Kent W.

A pleasant 1hr cruise on the Murray. It was pretty crowded for the first half, but once they dropped off the winery luncheoners it was more spacious. Definitely worth a look when in town.

Karen2 L.

What an incredible experience on the PS Emmylou! From the moment we stepped aboard, we were made to feel so welcome, and the entire cruise was a luxurious, relaxing getaway. We didn’t have to lift a finger – just sit back, unwind, and enjoy the chilled-out atmosphere along the Murray River. Whether it was with a good book or jotting down some poetry, the vibe was perfect.

Amy, our fantastic hostess, made sure we never had to ask for anything. She pre-empted our requests for food or drinks, ensuring we were always comfortable, and her warmth made us feel right at home. The food was equally amazing, with Chef Greg serving up delicious meals that kept us well-fed throughout. The all-inclusive nature of the cruise, including meals and alcoholic drinks with dinner, added to the carefree experience.

Our cabin was comfortable, equipped with its own air conditioning and a wonderful rain shower with excellent water pressure. The bed was cosy, but I recommend bringing only carry-on-sized luggage to maximise cabin space.

The cruise itself was packed with delightful experiences. Our first night, spent at a tranquil bush mooring, was magical. Watching the PS Emmylou bathed in the glow of the sunset was unforgettable. We also enjoyed a fantastic walk at Restdown Winery, where we had lunch in a cool underground wine cellar and sampled some excellent organic wines.

The third day’s long, seven-hour cruise was blissfully relaxing, and we learned so much about steam engines during a fascinating session with our talented Captain/Engineer, Scotty. The entire crew, including Ross and Warren, wore multiple hats, acting as tour guides, bus drivers, skippers, and entertainers, and they did so with passion and joy. Their love for their work shone through in everything they did.

One highlight was the stunning evening BBQ by candlelight, held by the river with the PS Emmylou as a backdrop. The food was delicious, and the fireside entertainment was such a delightful, unexpected surprise.

On our final day, we enjoyed a tour of Echuca, led by the entertaining and knowledgeable Beth, whose family ties to the area made the experience even more special. She’s also one of the few female skippers and engineers in Australia, which was inspiring to learn.

We opted for the 4-night cruise, and it was the perfect choice for a fully immersive, relaxing trip. I highly recommend booking one of the multiple-night cruises with Murray River Paddle Steamers. I’m excited to hear that a new boat, the Australian Star, is launching in 2025 and will surely continue the high-quality, personal service that this team offers.

Thank you to the entire crew for an amazing, unforgettable experience!

Robert H.

I remember going on these paddle steamers as a kid, and getting really bored, but that was 40 years ago and this time I can fully appreciate how relaxing they are, the information that was shared by the captain was a bonus, well worth the time and money for a river cruise on a piece of history. ( Get in before the greenies try and get them band for burning wood 🤣)